Research Assurance Officer in Sheffield

The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities, and beliefs make Sheffield a world‑class university.

UK universities undertake ground‑breaking research in a complex external environment. This role involves assessing risks, providing practical advice and guidance to researchers, and ensuring compliance with regulations and policies. You will be the first point of contact for a range of enquiries, offering advice, information, and raising more complex issues. You will also 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 queries, triaging inquiries and escalating them internally or to external agencies as appropriate.
• Secretary the “International Security Ops” group consisting of operational leads from across the university to ensure international security is considered across all university activities, preparing agendas and taking minutes of the meetings.
• Enable access to training and monitor compliance, responding to requests for data.
• Manage the interface with external systems such as export licence applications and maintain record keeping.
• Under line management oversight, make submissions and notifications to the government of the university’s activities.
• Once you have developed your knowledge of the area you will:
• Develop initial training and awareness‑raising resources.
• Work with colleagues to establish responses to any 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 in the area and engage with relevant national bodies.
• Continuously evaluate and propose improvements to our processes and procedures to ensure they are both fit‑for‑purpose and as efficient as possible.
• Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the role.

Person Specification

Our diverse community recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn’t match perfectly with the role’s criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply.

Essential/Desirable Criteria

• Essential – Familiarity with academic science and/or engineering through previous work experience or education.
• Essential – Ability to explain complex/technical policy concepts and the consequences to a diverse audience.
• Essential – Experience of working independently but understanding when to escalate queries.
• Essential – Excellent attention to detail.
• Essential – Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, working with individuals, small groups or in a formal presentation/training situation.
• Essential – Experience of building a network across functional areas.
• Essential – Ability to develop and deliver FAQs, standard operating procedures and training or communication materials.
• Essential – Experience of working in a role requiring continual reprioritisation of tasks and flexibility of approach.
• Essential – Previous experience of working with export control or other aspects of ‘Trusted Research’.
• Desirable – Previous experience or supporting research in any work context.

Further Information

• Grade: 6
• Line manager: Research Assurance Lead
• Direct reports: None

Next Steps in the Recruitment Process

The selection process will take place week commencing 24th August 2026. It will consist of an interview and a short selection exercise. Candidates will be notified of progression to the selection stage week commencing 17th August 2026. If you require any adjustments to participate in any element of the recruitment process, please contact Sasha Napoli (s.napoli@sheffield.ac.uk).

What We Offer

• A minimum of 38 days annual leave including bank holiday 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.
• A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
• Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
• A commitment to your development: access to learning and mentoring schemes, integrated with our Professional Services Shared Skills Framework.
• A range of generous family‑friendly policies:
• Paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies.
• Access to menopause support in the workplace.
• Paid time off and support for fertility treatment.
• And more.

More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits.

Baseline Personnel Security Standard

This role requires the postholder to undertake a Government baseline personnel security standard (BPSS) check as a condition of employment.

Information for Candidates

Possession of a criminal record is not an automatic bar to employment at the University of Sheffield. We recognise the value of steady employment in the rehabilitation process and examine each case in its own right. More information can be found on our Information for Candidates page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/candidates.

Closing Date: 04/08/2026

Our Vision and Strategic Plan

We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our vision is defined at sheffield.ac.uk/vision.