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 Australias 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 Universitys 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 Universitys 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 Universitys primary contact for research security matters liaising with regulatory agencies and overseeing compliance reporting obligations.
• Fulfil the role of Institutional Security Officer supporting the Universitys 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 Universitys Defence Industry Security Program (DISP) obligations.
• A bachelors 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 Universitys 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 $137165 - $142070 per annum plus 17% employer superannuation. The total FTE package is in the range $160483 - $166222 per annum.

Additional Information :

Why Griffith
As a values-led organisation at Griffith University weve worked hard to create a dynamic and strong organisational culture. We offer:

• Wide range of Learning and Development opportunities
• Mix of on campus and work from home options available and a supportive work environment
• Salary packaging options and corporate health discounts
• Generous leave entitlements including paid parental leave and leave loading
• Support with future learning opportunities through our educational staff assistance scheme
• Health Safety and Wellbeing initiatives on campus Gym facilities

How to apply
At Griffith were committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all - whoever you are and wherever youre from. If you require any accommodations we welcome you to let us know so we can work with you to participate fully in our recruitment experience.

Griffith University values diversity inclusion and flexibility and we encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and people of all backgrounds to apply. For more information please visit our Equity Diversity and Inclusion page. Our University is committed to fostering a safe respectful and inclusive community for alignment with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence (2025) Griffith University includes a declaration as part of the recruitment journey to uphold the values and standards of our community. Griffith University also maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy against all forms of modern slavery. For more information please refer to Griffiths Modern Slavery Policy.

Please submit your application online and ensure it includes the following:

• A covering letter outlining your suitability for the role (please refer to the About you section above and the position description)
• Current curriculum vitae/resume including full contact details

Applicants must have unrestricted working rights.  Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Successful candidates may be subject to a criminal history check.

For further information specifically about this role please contact Dr Claudia Arango Deputy Director Research Excellence Performance and Systems at .

For further application and recruitment advice please contact Theresa Burke Talent Acquisition Partner on .

Closing date: Friday 23 October 2026 at 11.59pm AEST. All applications must be submitted online.

Please allow at least 1 2 weeks from the closing date to expect an application update.

Remote Work :

No

Employment Type :

Full-time