Research Security Manager

The Office for Research delivers professional research support services with functions spanning grants, development, ethics and integrity, policy, performance and reporting. Griffith University is one of Australia’s largest universities. It is research intensive, inclusive, innovative, progressive, deeply engaged in the Asia-Pacific region, and committed to ensuring it contributes to society through research that provides social dividends.
We are seeking an experienced and strategic Research Security Manager to play a pivotal role in safeguarding the University's research enterprise while enabling world-class research collaboration and innovation.
As a trusted expert and adviser within the Office for Research, you will lead the University's approach to research security, advising academic and professional staff on how to navigate an increasingly complex regulatory and geopolitical landscape. You will provide expert guidance on secure international engagement, defence export controls, sanctions compliance, foreign interference risks and other government security requirements that impact research activities.
This is a unique opportunity to influence institutional policy, build organisational capability and support research excellence through a proactive and collaborative approach to security governance.
Key responsibilities include but not limited to:
Serve as the University's primary contact for research security matters, liaising with regulatory agencies and overseeing compliance reporting obligations.
Fulfil the role of Institutional Security Officer, supporting the University's obligations under the Defence Science Partnership and Defence Industry Security Program frameworks.
Provide expert advice on legislation and regulatory requirements relating to defence export controls, autonomous sanctions, foreign influence and foreign interference.
Manage licences, permits, technology control plans and compliance records, ensuring accurate reporting and documentation.
Develop and maintain policies, procedures and governance frameworks that promote best-practice research security compliance.
Conduct due diligence assessments and research security risk analyses to support informed decision-making and risk mitigation.
Design and deliver guidance, training, resources and digital tools that enhance research security awareness and capability across the University.
Build effective relationships and communicate complex compliance requirements clearly to researchers, HDR candidates, professional staff and external stakeholders.
About you
The successful candidate will have:
An ability to obtain and maintain a Negative Vetting 1 (NV1) Security Clearance (or higher) in accordance with the University's Defence Industry Security Program (DISP) obligations.
A bachelor's or postgraduate qualification in a relevant discipline, together with at least five years' relevant professional experience, preferably in Engineering, Computer Science, Physical Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, International Trade, Law, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
You will also have:
Demonstrated knowledge of legislative and regulatory frameworks relating to research security, defence export controls, autonomous sanctions, foreign interference and foreign influence.
Experience developing, implementing and monitoring compliance, governance or risk management frameworks within a complex organisation.
Proven ability to conduct due diligence and risk assessments, analyse complex information, and provide practical, risk-based advice.
Strong policy development and procedural documentation skills, with the ability to interpret and apply legislation in an operational environment.
Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, including the ability to deliver training, provide advice and build productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Demonstrated ability to manage sensitive information with discretion, sound judgement and a high degree of professionalism.
Desirable
Experience working within the higher education, research, government, defence, national security or regulatory sectors.
Knowledge of the Defence Industry Security Program (DISP), Defence Science Partnership framework, export controls, sanctions compliance or related research security programs.
Experience engaging with Commonwealth Government agencies and regulatory authorities.
What we can offer
This is a continuing, full-time position primarily based at Griffith University Brisbane South (Nathan). As Griffith is a multi-site University you may be required to work across other locations. Griffith University’s campuses are located on the lands of the Yugarabul, Yuggera, Jagera, Turrbal, Yugambeh and Kombumerri peoples.
Salary Range
The full-time base salary for a HEW Level 9 is in the range $137,165 - $142,070 per annum, plus 17% employer superannuation. The total FTE package is in the range $160,483 - $166,222 per annum.

Employment type
Full-time

Work arrangement
Hybrid