Export Control & Research Security Specialist

Job Summary

Under the general direction of the Export Control and Research Security Officer, the Export Control and Research Security Specialist supports UCSF’s compliance with federal and University of California requirements involving export controls, economic sanctions, research security, international activities, controlled-access data, and foreign engagements. The position serves as a campus compliance resource regarding the Export Administration Regulations, International Traffic in Arms Regulations, Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctions programs, the Department of Justice Data Security Program under 28 C.F.R. Part 202, National Security Presidential Memorandum 33 (NSPM-33), applicable provisions of the CHIPS and Science Act, federal sponsor requirements, and related University policies.

The Specialist conducts compliance reviews, restricted party screening, export classification and technology control assessments, and reviews involving international shipments, collaborations, visitors, travel, controlled-access data, biological materials, and other international research activities. The position supports institutional training, recordkeeping, risk mitigation, audit readiness, and implementation of new federal and University requirements. The Specialist collaborates with campus stakeholders and escalates complex, sensitive, or potentially reportable matters to the Export Control and Research Security Officer.

Incumbents may be assigned primary responsibility for particular compliance areas based on program needs, workload, expertise, and institutional priorities. All incumbents are expected to maintain sufficient cross-functional knowledge to provide operational coverage across the Export Control and Research Security program.

This is a flexible position that combines remote work with on-site responsibilities for trainings, meetings, audits, and inspections.

Department Overview

The Office of Ethics and Compliance (OEC) promotes a culture of integrity, accountability, and compliance with laws, regulations, and University policies. OEC provides subject-matter expertise across areas including research compliance, export control, conflict of interest, whistleblower protections, and research security.

The Export Control and Research Security program ensures compliance with federal export control laws and implements the institutional safeguards required under federal research security mandates.

Required Qualifications

• Three or more years of relevant compliance, research administration, legal, investigative, regulatory, or related experience.
• Working knowledge of U.S. export control and economic sanctions requirements, including the EAR, ITAR, and OFAC sanctions programs.
• Familiarity with federal research-security, disclosure, foreign talent recruitment program, restricted party, and sponsor certification requirements, including NSPM-33 and applicable provisions of the CHIPS and Science Act.
• Demonstrated analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to interpret complex regulations and provide practical guidance to diverse stakeholders.
• Experience conducting documented compliance reviews or investigations.
• Ability to manage multiple matters with competing deadlines.
• Experience preparing written findings, risk assessments, or compliance determinations.
• Ability to collect, analyze, and organize information supporting federal-agency or sponsor inquiries.
• Experience using screening, case-management, research-administration, or investigative databases.
• Strong professional judgment, discretion, and ability to manage confidential or sensitive information.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a hybrid work environment.

Preferred Qualifications 

• Experience in a higher education or biomedical research institution.
• Knowledge of UC policies and compliance structures.
• Experience with restricted party screening, research analytics, case management, or research administration systems, such as Descartes Visual Compliance, Huron, Dimensions, or equivalent platforms.
• Experience drafting and implementing Technology Control Plans.
• Familiarity with federal data security, controlled access data, and cybersecurity requirements applicable to sponsored research, including NIST SP 800-171 when applicable.

Budgeted Job Salary Range: $118,240 – $176,400