Export Control and Research Security Officer (Hybrid)

The University of California, Merced is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The salary or hourly range the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $98,000 - $110,000.

Initial applicant review will begin on or around July 3rd, 2026. Posting will remain open until filled.

This position is hybrid, with one day per week required in the office.

This is a union represented position, covered by UAW-RPSP (RP).

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses and one of the youngest universities to be designated an R1 research university. With approximately 9,100 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced is a smaller, more intimate campus compared to its sister campuses, while equipped and staffed as a cutting edge, 21st century research institution. With bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships and a growing community in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff.

Ranked in the top 30 among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report and #1 for social mobility by the Wall Street Journal, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide world class educational opportunities to dynamic and enterprising students in the Valley and throughout the state. In partnership with UC San Francisco, UC Merced has launched a rigorous medical education program that will supply the Valley with culturally competent providers dedicated to improving local access to quality care. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design and is accelerating the continued economic development of the region.

This position is responsible for designing, developing, implementing, monitoring, and communicating an effective export control and research security program at UC Merced. The combined campus Export Control Officer (ECO) and Research Security Officer (RSO) is the primary point of contact for internal and external inquiries regarding export control and research security compliance. Under the general direction of the Executive Director of Research Compliance and Integrity, the ECO/RSO leads and coordinates institution-wide initiatives to interpret, communicate, and apply federal export control and research security laws, regulations, and guidance to research and non-research-related activities.

The ECO/RSO develops a wide variety of export control and research security educational and training materials tailored for different audiences across campus, including faculty, staff, and students, and conducts educational and training sessions for various constituencies.

Responsible for export and research security compliance at the University, including review and approval of University technology control plans and research proposals and contracts where export control regulations or terms are applicable. Applies for export control licenses when necessary. Works with appropriate units on campus, identifies the inventory of equipment on campus that might trigger export control compliance obligations. Serves as a designated point of contact and resource for University researchers, administrators, and sponsors, regularly responding to requests for information, analysis of export compliance, and review of related contract provisions. Utilizes a strong understanding of complex, decentralized, and dynamic federal regulations, requirements, and policies related to the conduct of research and research security. Develops policies and procedures to implement a comprehensive and integrated research security program for UC Merced that ensures effective implementation of requirements of the National Security Presidential Memorandum (NSPM-33) and any other applicable statutes, including the DOJ Bulk Data Rule.

Develops and maintains a working knowledge of Dual Use Research of Concern (DURC) regulations and serves as the Institutional Contact for Dual Use Research (ICDUR)

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Export Control Officer:

• Implements export control policies and proposes new organization-wide export control procedures. Applies advanced research compliance concepts, interprets and applies a wide variety of highly complex policies, regulations, and guidelines governing research compliance and/or disclosures. Establishes, implements, and maintains campus export control compliance policies, procedures, and systems, including obtaining licenses. Evaluates potential export control risks and develops solutions to eliminate or minimize those risks. Develops Control Plans for controlled technologies or restricted entities located both on and off campus.

• Provides leadership and direction to the campus community in export control compliance. Builds and fosters a continuing program of outreach, training, and cooperation with other departments and offices on campus with regard to export control compliance. Takes part in the campus International Relations and Export Control Workgroup, including providing policy updates to members and briefing members on pertinent and current export control issues. Plans meetings, drafts agendas, and keeps meeting minutes. Regularly develops or oversees development and delivery of specialized export control training for departments and individuals in the campus research community. Conducts outreach to university research administrators, faculty and staff regarding international research, the transfer of materials, restrictions of foreign nationals in labs, publication restrictions, and other areas of export control compliance. Develops and implements a communication strategy regarding relevant contracting, licensing of materials, and access issues. Develops and maintains strategic relationships. In coordination with the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Research Compliance and Integrity, interacts with the federal government for review, record keeping, and adherence to published regulations. Responsible for managing University compliance with federal export control regulations, including evaluating situations and making determinations regarding the interpretation and application of relevant export control regulations, and applying for licenses when necessary. Works closely with the export control staff at UCOP to track and facilitate UC Merced ITAR license applications, from initial review to submission and through agency license determination. Coordinates retention of export control documentation and is responsible for all export license-related records retention.

• Reviews, analyzes, and classifies all export-controlled technology or physical items for research gifts, proposals, grants, contracts, and research. Facilitates determination of ECCNs or ITAR classifications in coordination with faculty and vendors, including requesting guidance from the Department of Commerce or State when necessary. Determines when export licenses are required and the availability of export license exemptions and exceptions. In coordination with the Director of Research Integrity, manages complicated export licensing and institutional registration processes to obtain any licenses required by federal regulation. Works with UC-approved freight forwarders to ensure that proper documentation accompanies shipments. Coordinates and conducts restricted party screenings and product/technology assessments using export control compliance software modules as related to EAR, ITAR, and OFAC. Uses appropriate software to conduct screens, monitor screening program on campus, and general audit reports. Manages the relationship with the vendor of the export compliance software.

• Provides direction to faculty and staff in order to maximize compliance with export control statutory and regulatory requirements; reviews and suggests improvements to administrative policies where appropriate. Reviews and assesses export compliance risks and mitigation options for research gifts, proposals, grants, contracts, and research to ensure compliance with laws, regulations, and University policies. Works closely with business offices, departments, and contract offices to identify awards that may require export control monitoring.

Research Security Officer:

• Develops policies and procedures to implement research security program standards and related requirements from federal agencies. Assesses university risks involving research security and guides the design, implementation, and maintenance of training, detection, and audit processes and procedures. Directs the university community in complying with all applicable research security requirements. Utilizes a strong understanding of complex, decentralized, and dynamic federal regulations, requirements, and policies related to the conduct of research and research security; provides assistance and support to faculty in the development of research security programs and documentation specific to sponsor requirements. Serve as the lead for the disclosure of outside activities related to other support, foreign components, and participation in foreign government talent recruitment programs in collaboration with other research administration leaders to ensure a comprehensive assessment is made that incorporates conflicts of interest, grants administration and management, technology commercialization, and other university, state, and federal regulations, policies, and requirements related to U.S. government research funding. Participate in the national conversation with other research security program officers to remain informed of changes, requirements, and interpretation of federal regulations and agency policies.

Special Projects & Advisory Support:

• Identifies and communicates to the Vice Chancellor for Research Compliance and Integrity on emerging research compliance regulations or areas of research concern for the campus and potential risk and impact areas.

• Independently researches, analyzes, and summarizes new and complex agency rules and regulations. Reviews, recommends, and communicates additions or changes to mandated requirements to stakeholders. Helps develop and organize any training activities for the division and the campus community, including developing training materials, and organizing and leading informational meetings.

• Participates in local and national forums on export research compliance and monitors issues affecting researchers, organizational oversight committees, the institution, and national groups. Periodically reviews and updates public-facing guidance in the areas concerning procedures and guidance documents for export control and any other research compliance areas, as needed. Drafts and maintains standard operating procedures. Develops forms and other procedures that integrate and streamline processes both within the Research Compliance and Integrity Office and in collaboration with other units across campus.

• Develops and maintains a working knowledge of Dual Use Research of Concern (DURC) regulations and serves as the Institutional Contact for Dual Use Research (ICDUR).

• Serves as a Team Lead by training, orienting, and mentoring peers; coordinates work based on schedules; leads day-to-day work and provides informal feedback.

• Other duties as assigned and support of emerging research compliance areas.

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university and/or equivalent experience/training. (Required)

• Advanced degree from an accredited university and/or equivalent experience/training. (Preferred)

• Bachelor's degree and five (5) years of directly related, progressively responsible experience in a research compliance function, or an equivalent combination of education and experience in an academic environment. A master's degree is preferred and may substitute for one year of experience. (Required)

CRITICAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Demonstrated self-discipline and independent judgement completing highly complex, broadly defined assignments.

• Strong proficiency in public speaking and writing

• Advance knowledge and ability to apply relevant Federal, state and university regulations, policies and guidance documents. In-depth understanding of ITAR, EAR, OFAC regulations, and federal contracting requirements.

• Advanced knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research design, scientific research concepts and terminology.

• Experience in developing and implementing research security and compliance programs.

Background check will be required.

How to Apply:
An online application is required for each position to apply.The University of California, Merced is aware that some web-based application processes may be cumbersome for differently abled applicants. Where appropriate, alternative accommodations will be provided. For applicants with disabilities who need additional assistance using TAM, or reasonable accommodations during the interview or search process, please contact ucmjobs@ucmerced.edu.

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.

Smoke and Tobacco Free Policy:
The University of California, Merced is a smoke and tobacco free workplace. Information and the Smoke and Tobacco Free policy is available at http://smokefree.ucmerced.edu.

E-Verify:
All employers who receive Federal contracts and grants are required to comply with E-Verify, an Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA). E-Verify electronically verifies employment eligibility by comparing information provided on the I-9 form to records in the DHS and SSA databases. Certain positions funded by federal contracts/subcontracts requires UC Merced to notify job applicants that an E-Verify check will be conducted and the successful candidate must pass the E-Verify check.

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule:
For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University of California visit: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/