Equal Employment Opportunity: The University of Alabama is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment or volunteer status without regard to any legally protected basis and will not be discriminated against because of their protected status. Applicants and employees of this institution are protected under Federal law from discrimination on several bases. More information is available in the EEOC’s Know Your Rights: Workplace discrimination is illegal poster.
Research Security Compliance Specialist - 527899
Job no: 527899
Position type: Regular Full-time (Benefits eligible)
Location: Tuscaloosa
Division/Equivalent: Research
School/Unit: VP Research
Department/Office: 701105 - Office for Rsch Security & Export C
Categories: Police/Security/Safety
Pay Grade/Pay Range: Minimum: $68,500 - Midpoint: $89,100 (Salaried E11)
Department/Organization: 701105 - Office for Rsch Security & Export C
Normal Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm
Job Summary: The Research Security Compliance Specialist processes and manages security clearances for researchers, including background investigations, fingerprinting, and submissions to the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA). Safeguards classified documents, data, and equipment in secure facilities through access controls, secure storage, and transmission protocols. Ensures security processes integrate seamlessly into UA’s research ecosystem.
Required Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree and two (2) years of experience; OR master's degree.
Additional Required Department Minimum Qualifications: Must have or be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret-level security clearance.
Skills and Knowledge: Strong organizational skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and security management software (e.g., National Industrial Security System - NISS). Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interact effectively with a variety stakeholders, including government officials and university personnel. Commitment to ethical practices, attention to detail, and the ability to handle sensitive information with discretion.
Preferred Qualifications: Active U.S. Secret-level security clearance. Five (5) years of experience in industrial security, compliance, or a related field, with direct involvement in NISPOM implementation and ICD 705 compliance or Military equivalent.
Experience in an academic or research environment, including supporting cleared programs or federal contracts. Certification as a Facility Security Officer (e.g., CDSE FSO Program Management for Possessing Facilities) or equivalent training.
Familiarity with Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) handling, marking, and dissemination per NIST SP 800-171 and Executive Order 13556.Knowledge of additional DoD guidance, such as DoD Manuals 5200.01 (Volumes 1-4) and 5205.07, as well as Intelligence Community standards.
Background Investigation Statement: Prior to hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation and information obtained from social media and other internet sources. A prior conviction reported as a result of the background investigation DOES NOT automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration for this position. A candidate with a prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags will receive an individualized review of the prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags before a hiring decision is made.
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