Research Security Analyst

Term: 2 years

The Research Security Data Analyst (RSDA) is primarily focused on gathering empirical information from open-sourced materials, analyzing the information into prioritized areas, and presenting the analysis and empirical information to the research security team. The RSDA will proactively contribute to the Office of Research, Research Security mandate by providing data and analytical support to the Senior Leadership of the university to inform policy development, strategic planning, decision-making, and priority-setting to ensure compliance with National Security Guidelines in all federal and provincial granting applications and partnership agreements. The RSDA supports the evaluation of new and evolving risks to the institution through analysis of best practices in the research community to develop institutional standard operating procedures and guidelines.

Responsibilities:

Provides Open-sourced information and analysis:

1. Works with the research security team to provide a constant flow of information to various projects.
2. Responsible for all analytics requests from research security teams related to open source intelligence requirements.
3. Conduct independent file pre-review and communicates findings to the research security team.
4. Triages new Research Security requests from UW faculty and departments to expedite the information sharing analytic process.

Analytically evaluates UW safeguarding research requests for risk assessment and research security risk mitigation forms:

1. Analyses open-sourced material to support granting application processes.
2. Works with the research security team to provide empirical information in relation to UW international institutional agreements and MOUs.
3. Fact checks and provides information on research partnerships under consideration.

Works and manages Open-sourced data analytic software:

1. Responsible for use, development, and data upgrades of research security analytic tools.
2. Advises on appropriate methods and/or accepted practices in open source intelligence.
3. Works with software vendor to utilize open-source analysis for project management.

Works with advanced analytics software to produce empirical material and RS assessments:

1. Works with the research security team to draft, develop, and provide advice on best software practices related to risk assessment.
2. Through an in-depth understanding of the applicable guidelines, interpretations, best practices, and regulatory requirements related to safeguarding research, contributes to the file review and discussion at respective meetings.

Works with the research security team to monitor projects and partners and identify new and evolving risks to UW:

1. Stays up to date on best practices in Canada and internationally on best conduct due diligence related to partnership agreements and shares best practices to collect open-source information from various sources to the research community.
2. Contributes to the development and process of approval of written standard operating procedures and guidelines including institutional SOPs.
3. Participates in local, provincial, and national organizations associated with the risk assessment and review of research safeguards.

Qualifications:

1. Bachelor’s Degree required, business, administration, or international relations an asset; education or training related to research security policy or practice.
2. Extensive project management skills using identified project management best practices.
3. Minimum two to three years of professional work experience related to analytical assessment in academic research or industry settings.
4. Experience in a post-secondary academic setting is an asset.
5. Demonstrated experience in a research environment, preferably at a major university or college, government office, and in administrative procedures and computer applications.
6. Strong knowledge of research security.
7. Experience in open-source intelligence gathering would be an asset.
8. Broad knowledge of technical procedures and terminology commonly used in open-source intelligence gathering and safeguarding research activities.
9. Strong knowledge of Canadian Safeguarding Research standards and regulations (i.e., National Security Guidelines for Research Partnerships, Export Controls, Data Management Strategy, Cyber Security Plans).
10. Demonstrated ability to apply high-level critical thinking consistently and effectively, sound decision-making, and communication skills in a high volume, fast-paced environment.
11. Ability to work independently and as part of a team; ability to take initiative and be proactive.
12. Excellent written and verbal skills for procedural documentation and demonstrated experience with report writing.
13. Working knowledge of social science research methods and their application.
14. Demonstrated ability to apply, identify, and use a combination of quantitative and qualitative research methods; highly proficient use of Microsoft applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint) and various OSINT Software.
15. Strong research skills with an ability to prepare detailed guidance resources of due diligence procedures is an asset.
16. Knowledge of one or more languages (in addition to English) is an asset.

Equity Statement:

The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is co-ordinated within the Office of Indigenous Relations.

The University values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students, faculty, and staff. The University regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. The University of Waterloo seeks applicants who embrace our values of equity, anti-racism, and inclusion. As such, we encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including applicants who identify as First Nations, Métis and/or Inuk (Inuit), Black, racialized, a person with a disability, women, and/or 2SLGBTQ+.

Positions are open to qualified candidates who are legally entitled to work in Canada.

The University of Waterloo is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. If you have any application, interview, or workplace accommodation requests, please contact Human Resources at hrhelp@uwaterloo.ca or 519-888-4567, ext. 45935.