Senior Research Security Analyst & Investigator
City: WEST LAFAYETTE
Job Description:
Job SummaryJoin Purdue University's Research Security and Export Controls (RSEC) team and help safeguard transformative research. This role ensures compliance with federal and state research security regulations, investigates risks like foreign influence and intellectual capital theft, supports secure international collaboration and disclosure, and provides training and guidance for faculty across the university. The successful candidate will collaborate widely to enable safe, compliant research.
What The Role Entails- Conduct risk-based assessments and sensitive investigations related to foreign influence, export controls, and institutional vulnerabilities.
- Collaborate with researchers, administrative units, and legal counsel to ensure regulatory compliance and empower global research partnerships.
- Develop practical solutions and strategies to uphold institutional trust and national interests in an ever-changing regulatory landscape.
- Offer training and guidance for secure research practices, and help colleagues navigate compliance challenges with empathy and expertise.
What the Role Is Not- Not law enforcement or surveillance work.
- Not general IT or cybersecurity support.
- Not about restricting research; the focus is on enabling secure, innovative work.
- Not a solo position - it's team-driven across departments and disciplines.
Who Thrives HereSuccess requires sharp analytical thinking, outstanding communication skills, and a commitment to confidentiality and ethical practice. Ideal candidates are adept at collecting, evaluating, and documenting information and can translate insights into actionable compliance strategies. Independence, empathy, and excellent judgment are valued, as is the ability to synthesize complex regulatory requirements.
What We're Looking For:Education and ExperienceQualified candidates will need:
- Bachelor's degree in a related field
- Four (4( years of relevant experience in audits, investigations, conflicts of interest reviews, or related compliance roles
- Demonstrated understanding of federal and state regulations relevant to research security.
- Proven ability to manage complex, sensitive investigations and maintain strict confidentiality.
- Familiarity with research administration and compliance within the context of sponsored programs.
- Experience collecting, organizing, and analyzing complex data to support institutional decision making
Skills:
- Strong research and analytical skills.
- Excellent critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
- Sound independent judgment and decision-making capability.
- Highly organized, with strong attention to detail.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills for diverse audiences.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment.
Nice to have:
- Juris Doctor (JD)
- Experience working in a higher education or research-intensive environment.
Additional Information:- Purdue will not sponsor employment authorization for this position
- A background check will be required for employment in this position
- FLSA: Exempt (Not Eligible For Overtime)
- Retirement Eligibility: Defined Contribution Waiting Period
