This position has an initial appointment of 2 years.
Location - This role is hybrid with a mix of remote and in-person. Work primarily takes place at North Campus, Edmonton.
This position is a dedicated resource within the Safeguarding Research Office (SRO), focused on supporting the Dual-Use Ecosystem for Future Engineering, National Defence, and Sovereignty (DEFENDS). DEFENDS is an Alberta-based national defence innovation ecosystem, significantly contributing to Canada's defence autonomy and economic security.
The successful candidate works closely with both the SRO and the DEFENDS team leveraging SRO resources, tools and supports in ensuring that all defence and dual use research conducted in the context of the DEFENDS program takes place in a secure and compliant environment. The success of the DEFENDS program depends on maintaining the trust and confidence of partners, including the Canadian Armed Forces, the Department of National Defence, prime contractors, original equipment manufacturers, start ups and other small and medium enterprises. Its operation at the University of Alberta also requires close collaboration with institutional partners and compliance with institutional policies, processes and direction.
In addition to ensuring compliance with all federal and provincial legal and regulatory requirements and direction, as well as contract terms and conditions, the successful candidate will need to build effective relationships with the DEFENDS team and partners, providing ongoing advice and support. This individual will provide expertise in the areas of cyber security, physical security, research data management, insider risk management, personnel screening, research security and industrial security. This role is critical to ensure the safety and security of the people, facilities, and assets of DEFENDS.
At The Office of the Vice President - Research (VPR), research is at the core of what we do. The VPR team supports and advances the university's large and complex research enterprise, providing leadership, guidance and diverse research services.
VPR supports the university's research function, helping ensure those involved in research and partnership activities adhere to the highest operational, financial, legal, ethical and safety standards. We also develop and administer policies to ensure regulatory compliance.
Compliance with the Contract Security Program (CSP) and Controlled Goods Program (CGP) (25%)
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Develop and maintain detailed understanding of the requirements of the Contract Security Program (CSP), applied to ensure compliance of the DEFENDS program including through audits, inspections, reporting, and tracking. Support security screening requests required under the CSP.
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Develop and maintain detailed understanding of the requirements of the Controlled Goods Program (CGP), applied to ensure compliance of the DEFENDS program including through audits, inspections, reporting, and tracking. Support security assessments and exemptions required under the CGP.
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Participate in and support related networks and communities of practice focused on safeguarding defence and dual use innovation and adhering to the CGP and CSP.
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Provide advice to DEFENDS with regard to contract and project opportunities suitable for the secure DEFENDS facility.
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Provide CGP or CSP briefings as appropriate to DEFENDS project team and partners.
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Coordinate the provision of information from the SRO to Public Services and Procurement Canada as required to support compliance with the CSP and CGP.
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Lead any compliance inquiries or investigations within DEFENDS, under the direction of the University of Alberta’s Company Security Officer (CSP) or Authorized Individual (CGP).
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Provide recommendations to the DEFENDS Program Manager and the Director, Research Security on enhancing the University’s implementation of the CSP and CGP.
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Ensure any/all visits to the DEFENDS research space are conducted securely and in compliance with the CSP and CGP.
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Ensuring that any transfer of information, materials and goods or exchange of personnel is compliant with export control and sanctions legislation.
Physical Security (25%)
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Develop and maintain a detailed understanding of Government of Canada and Industry guidance and standards for physical security and apply these to ensure security of the DEFENDS facilities.
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Develop and maintain a detailed understanding of Government of Canada and industry guidance on the conduct of threat, risk and vulnerability assessments and apply these to identify any risks to DEFENDS and to develop related mitigation strategies.
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Develop and maintain an in-depth understanding of design-based facility security, and work with lead within the DEFENDS facility and staff in University Services, Operations and Finances (USOF) to employ these principles in the physical security measures integrated into DEFENDS.
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Act as the DEFENDS subject-matter expert on physical security risks, threats, and mitigation strategies
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Establish enterprise physical security standards and design principles for access control, video surveillance, perimeter protection, alarm, and monitoring systems in DEFENDS facilities.
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Align programs with recognized industry standards and best practices (e.g., ASIS International, International Organization for Standardization, RCMP Lead Security Agenda guidance).
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Support the growth of a Security Culture within the University, and specifically within the Department of Engineering.
Cyber Security and Research Data Management (25%)
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Develop and maintain a detailed understanding of the Canadian Program for Cyber Security Certification (CPCSC) and the Canadian industrial security standard ITSP.10.171 and any other standards identified by the Government of Canada or industry partners as a requirement.
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Develop and maintain a detailed understanding of the US Department of Defence’s Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC).
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Use institutional and Canadian research data management guidance and resources to identify security storage and compute options for DEFENDS, ensuring compliance with CPCSC and CMMC in addition to the CSP and CGP.
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Apply secure-by-design principles to ensure secure development and deployment of any technology used in the DEFENDS environment.
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Stay current on secure and sovereign cloud storage and computing options available to DEFENDS.
Provision of Strategic Advice and Engagement (25%)
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Provide strategic security and compliance advice to the DEFENDS Program Manager and the Director, Research Security.
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Provide advice to the DEFENDS program leads on possible opportunities for contracts and funding opportunities suitable for the secure DEFENDS facility.
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Provide security and compliance advice and guidance to researchers, partners, collaborators and students involved in DEFENDS. Connect them with SRO resources (e.g. due diligence, travel security briefing, risk identification and mitigation).
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Assist SRO in the development of training or engagement materials tailored for the DEFENDS project team and partners.
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Stay vigilant on new or emerging risks, including insider risks, within the DEFENDS program and the larger institutional ecosystem and provide related advice to the DEFENDS Program Manager and Director, Research Security.
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Provide information and briefing notes upon request to ensure senior leadership are apprised of any security and compliance considerations, resourcing, risks and opportunities associated with the DEFENDS program.
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Support the development of research security competency within DEFENDS staff, governance and facility users.
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Bachelor’s degree required; Graduate degree is preferred. An equivalent combination of education and professional experience will be considered.
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Ability and willingness to attain and maintain Government of Canada security clearance.
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Minimum of 7 years of related, progressively responsible, employment experience.
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Experience in physical and cyber security, defence research or procurement, export controls, controlled goods or sanctions is an asset.
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Experience serving within the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) or working for the Department of National Defence, Defence Research and Development Canada is an asset.
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Understanding of the structure, hierarchy and processes of the CAF and Canada’s defence industrial base.
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Knowledge of, or past experience in implementing the Contract Security Program and/or Controlled Goods Program.
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Knowledge or or past experience in implementing ITSP.10.171.
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Excellent written and oral communications skills.
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Excellent interpersonal skills and conflict resolution skills.
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Ability to effectively communicate complex or technical issues to non-practitioners.
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Ability to work with minimal supervision on a wide variety of tasks with competing priorities.
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Ability to be responsive to multiple internal stakeholders and capably prioritize projects and communicate prioritization and timelines to all stakeholders.
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High level of critical thinking and analytical problem-solving skills required.
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Excellent time management and organizational skills.
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Ability to work diplomatically with a broad range of individuals and groups, including at executive levels.
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Ability to work with sensitive and confidential materials.
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Experience in the development and implementation of strategies.
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Experience in physical and cyber security, defence research or procurement, export controls, controlled goods or sanctions is an asset.
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Knowledge of, and experience in applying, successful stakeholder engagement principles.
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Familiarity with national security or geopolitical issues is an asset.
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Familiarity with the University of Alberta or experience in another post-secondary institution is an asset.
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Computer proficiency using Microsoft Office and Google applications.
Application Instructions
Click "Apply Now" to submit your resume and cover letter.
This position offers a comprehensive benefits package with an annual salary range of $80,772 to $111,086.
The terms and conditions of this appointment are governed by Schedule E of the Collective Agreement between the Board of Governors of the University of Alberta and the Association of the Academic Staff of the University of Alberta.
The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all FirstPeoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.
The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.
Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people - from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.
At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.
All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms—physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of belonging and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns.
The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.
L’Université de l’Alberta s’engage à créer une communauté universitaire où chaque personne se sent valorisée, où les obstacles à la réussite sont éliminés et où des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se développer. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiées. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premières nations, Métis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapées; personnes de toute orientation sexuelle ou identité et expression de genre; et toutes les personnes qui peuvent contribuer à la diversification des idées et à l'université à postuler.
