Head of Research Security

Overview

As Head of Research Security, you will lead the university’s approach to secure, responsible and internationally engaged research. You will steer the Research Security Team and oversee the Trusted Research framework to manage security, regulatory and geopolitical risks. Working across the research lifecycle, you will develop policies, guidance and assurance mechanisms that enable compliant, open collaboration. You will advise senior leaders and collaborate with faculties, directorates and partners to protect people, assets and reputation while sustaining an open research environment. This role offers strategic influence and opportunities to shape governance and risk management at scale.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Research Security Team to deliver guidance, monitoring, assurance and reporting
• Oversee the implementation and continuous improvement of the Trusted Research Framework
• Act as Secretariat to the Trusted Research Committee and Chair of the Trusted Research Working Group
• Develop and implement policies, processes, and risk management across the research lifecycle
• Provide expert advice on research security, compliance and risk management to senior stakeholders
• Ensure compliance with international regulations, export controls, sanctions, and data protection
• Coordinate responses to regulatory, funder and geopolitical risks affecting research activities
• Represent the university externally and build relationships with regulators, funders and partners
• Lead implementation of new processes and systems and drive service improvement
• Escalate emerging risks and support informed decision-making to safeguard integrity and strategic interests

Key requirements

• Significant leadership experience in research compliance, governance, risk management or related functions within higher education or research-intensive settings
• Ability to embed institutional approaches that balance opportunity with regulatory and security considerations
• Proven capability to advise senior leaders, translating complex issues into practical, risk-based recommendations
• Knowledge of the UK Trusted Research agenda and related geopolitical, regulatory and operational risks
• Experience identifying and managing complex organisational risks with reporting and assurance to governance bodies
• Ability to apply regulatory requirements pragmatically while enabling organisational objectives
• Experience leading high-performing teams and delivering change, new processes and systems
• Experience representing an organisation to regulators, funders, government and strategic partners

• stakeholder influencing
• clear communication
• leadership and people management
• research security
• regulatory and compliance knowledge
• export controls

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