At a Glance
- Tasks: Support international research, manage queries, and ensure compliance with security standards.
- Company: Join a leading university fostering a culture of respect and belonging.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities to build networks and improve processes.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in research assurance while collaborating with diverse teams.
- Qualifications: Familiarity with academic science or engineering and strong communication skills.
Job Title
Research Assurance Officer
Location and Working Hours
Full Time (Hybrid)
Salary
£32,080.00 – £36,636.00 per annum (contract type: permanent)
Main duties and responsibilities
- Be the first point of contact on undertaking research internationally, triage queries from researchers and professional colleagues, provide appropriate advice or elevate queries internally or to external agencies.
- Secretary the 'International Security Ops' group (operational leads from across the university) to ensure international security is considered across the breadth of the University's activities, preparing agendas and taking minutes of the meetings.
- Enable access to training and monitor compliance, responding to requests for data.
- Manage interface with external systems such as export licence applications and record keeping.
- Under line management oversight, make submissions and notifications to the government of the University's activities.
- Develop initial training and awareness raising resources.
- Work with colleagues to establish responses to any gaps in compliance with both internal policies and external legislation.
- Coordinate 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 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.
Person Specification
We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly, your contribution is valuable. Please reference the application criteria in the application statement when applying.
Essential Qualifications, Skills and Experience
- Familiarity with academic science and/or engineering through previous work experience or education.
- Ability to explain complex or technical policy concepts and their consequences to a diverse audience.
- Experience of working independently but recognising when to escale queries.
- Excellent attention to detail.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, working with individuals, small groups or in a more formal presentation/training situation.
- Experience of building a network across functional areas.
- Ability to develop and deliver FAQs, standard operating procedures and training or communication materials.
- Experience of working in a role which requires continual re‑prioritisation of tasks and flexibility of approach.
Desirable Qualifications, Skills and Experience
- Previous experience working with export control or other aspects of 'Trusted Research'.
- Previous experience or supporting research in any work context.
Further Information
This role requires the postholder to undertake a Government baseline personnel security standard (BPSS) check as a condition of employment.
Contact
For informal enquiries about this job contact Ruth Hambleton, Research Assurance Lead r.hambleton@sheffield.ac.uk
Closing Date
04/08/2026
Research Assurance Officer in Sheffield employer: University of Sheffield
The University of Sheffield offers an exceptional environment for PhD candidates, particularly in the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, where cutting-edge research in machine learning and autonomous systems thrives. With a fully funded studentship that includes a generous tax-free stipend, students benefit from access to modern facilities and collaborative opportunities with leading experts at the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory. The supportive work culture fosters innovation and personal growth, making it an ideal place for aspiring researchers to develop their skills and contribute to impactful projects.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Assurance Officer in Sheffield
✨Join Compliance Communities
Get involved in compliance and risk communities — both online and offline. Look for forums, LinkedIn groups, or even local meetups where compliance pros hang out. You never know who might drop a job opportunity your way!
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye out for compliance and risk management conferences and workshops in your area. These events are a goldmine for networking, and they often have job boards or recruiters on-site looking for new talent. Plus, it’s a chance to learn what's trending in the field.
✨Leverage Your University Career Services
If you’ve recently graduated or are still studying, head over to your university's career services. Many companies, including those in compliance, actively recruit fresh talent through these services, so make sure you tap into that resource.
✨Showcase Your Knowledge Online
Start writing articles or blog posts about compliance topics that interest you. Share them on platforms like LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and passion. This not only builds your presence in the field but can also catch the attention of companies like University of Sheffield looking for candidates who are engaged and informed.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Assurance Officer in Sheffield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Understanding of Compliance:In the compliance-risk field, it's super important to showcase your understanding of regulations and risk management frameworks. Highlight any relevant coursework, certifications (like ICA or AML), or even projects that demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to this area. We want to see how you can navigate this complex landscape!
Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, try to quantify your achievements. For example, if you've previously worked on a project that improved compliance metrics or reduced risk exposure, give us the numbers! This data-driven approach really stands out to hiring managers in compliance-risk roles.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Relevant Skills:Make sure your CV highlights skills that are particularly relevant to compliance, like attention to detail, analytical thinking, and report writing. Ensure these are easy to spot – consider using bullet points to break down your responsibilities and achievements for maximum impact!
Craft a Motivating Cover Letter:In your cover letter, let us know why you’re excited about the compliance-risk role at University of Sheffield. Share what motivates you about compliance, and how you believe you can contribute to our mission. This is your chance to showcase not only your skills but also your passion for this important field!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Sheffield
✨Master the Regulations
Brush up on key compliance regulations relevant to the industry you're applying to. Familiarising yourself with specific laws and frameworks used in your field will give you an edge during technical questions. Show that you’re not just aware of them but can also apply them—think real-life scenarios!
✨Show Your Analytical Skills
Compliance roles really focus on analytical skills, so be prepared for case studies or situational questions during the interview. We've got to demonstrate how we approach risk assessments or compliance audits, possibly drawing on examples from past experiences or university projects. Bring some thoughtful case scenarios to discuss!
✨Know Your Tools
Get comfortable with commonly used compliance software and tools. Familiarity with platforms like RSA or MetricStream can really impress during your interview, as it shows you're ready to hit the ground running. If you’ve had any experience with them, make sure to highlight that!
✨Align with Company Culture
Since it's a full-time position, show your long-term commitment and interest in the company’s mission and values. Dive into how your ethics and professional philosophy align with University of Sheffield’s stance on compliance. A shared vision can really resonate with interviewers looking for fit as much as skill!
