Research Assurance Officer

UK universities undertake ground-breaking research in a complex external environment. The role involves being the first point of contact for research-international enquiries, providing advice and information and escalating complex issues. You will develop and deliver communications and training material to raise awareness of the requirements for working with international research partners.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Act as the first point of contact for international research inquiries, triage queries from researchers and professional colleagues, and provide appropriate advice or escalations.
• Secretary the International Security Ops group, working with operational leads across the university; prepare agendas and take minutes of meetings.
• Enable access to training, monitor compliance, and respond to requests for data.
• Manage interface with external systems such as export licence applications and record-keeping.
• Under line-management oversight, submit and notify the government of the university’s activities.
• Develop initial training and awareness raising resources.
• Work with colleagues to establish responses to gaps in compliance with internal policies and external legislation.
• Coordinate a network of colleagues to share good practice, experiences, and decision making; keep up to date with developments and engage with relevant national bodies.
• Continuously evaluate and propose improvements to processes and procedures to ensure they are fit-for-purpose and efficient.
• Carry out other duties commensurate with the grade and remit of the role.

Essential criteria

• Familiarity with academic science and/or engineering through previous work experience or education.
• Ability to explain complex or technical policy concepts and the consequences to a diverse audience.
• Experience of working independently but knowing when to escalate queries.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including training or formal presentation.
• Experience of building a network across functional areas.
• Ability to develop and deliver FAQs, SOPs, training or communication materials.
• Experience in a role that requires continual re-prioritisation and flexibility.

Desirable criteria

• Previous experience with export control or trusted research.
• Previous experience supporting research in any work context.

Benefits

• Minimum of 38 days annual leave including bank holidays and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
• Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
• Generous pension scheme.
• A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
• Staff networks for social interaction, peer support and personal development (Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
• A recognition awards scheme.
• Commitment to development, learning and mentoring schemes integrated with the Professional Services Shared Skills Framework.
• Family-friendly policies: paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies, menopause support, paid time off and fertility treatment support.

Other requirements

Postholders must undertake a Government baseline personnel security standard (BPSS) check as a condition of employment.

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are a Disability Confident Leader. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to participate in the next stage of the selection process.

Closing date: 04/08/2026