Research Security Analyst

Job Summary

The Research Security Analyst supports the university’s research compliance program by assisting in the implementation, monitoring, and continuous improvement of institutional controls and practices aligned with NSPM-33 and other federal requirements. This role contributes to key program areas, including disclosure review, training and outreach, cybersecurity coordination, and risk assessment activities.

Working collaboratively with faculty, administrators, and compliance partners, the Analyst helps identify, assess, and mitigate research-related security risks. Through these efforts, the position supports USC’s commitment to responsible research, academic integrity, and secure global collaboration.

Job Responsibilities:

The candidate for the position of Research Security Analyst will be responsible for:

• Conducts risk assessments for proposals, awards, collaborations, and visitors, identifying potential concerns related to foreign influence, conflicts of commitment, and technology transfer. Performs entity and individual screenings and prepares clear, well-documented assessments with actionable recommendations.

• Supports the implementation of USC’s research security program in alignment with NSPM-33 requirements. Assists in operationalizing controls related to disclosures, training, cybersecurity, and travel. Maintains comprehensive program documentation and internal controls, and provides coordination and support for research security committees and governance activities.

• Supports the delivery of required research security training and provides guidance to departments and research teams. Contributes to awareness efforts related to foreign influence and recruitment programs. Tracks research security metrics and monitors evolving regulatory requirements. Assists with internal audits and sponsor inquiries, monitors high-risk research activities, and recommends enhancements to systems, processes, and policies.

• Reviews disclosures for completeness and research security relevance, identifying inconsistencies or potential risks and coordinating appropriate follow-up. Supports alignment with federal sponsor requirements, including NSF, NIH, DoD, and DoE.

• Coordinates with Export Controls, IT Security, HR, and Legal to support governance efforts and implement effective risk mitigation strategies. Actively participates in cross-functional working groups to ensure alignment and strengthen the university’s research security framework.

• Encourages a workplace culture where all employees are valued, value others and have the opportunity to contribute through their ideas, words and actions, in accordance with the USC Code of Ethics.

Preferred Qualifications:

The ideal candidate for the position of Research Security Analyst has the following qualifications:

• 3 years of experience of progressively responsible experience in research security, federal compliance, research administration, or a related national-security-adjacent environment.

• Master’s degree or Bachelor’s degree in law, public policy, cyber security or in related fields.

• Familiarity with NSPM-33, OSTP guidance, and sponsor disclosure requirements. 

• Advanced data analysis or visualization (Excel, Power Bl). 

• Experience with email marketing, website development/coding and Adobe Creative SuiteX.

• Ability to conduct risk assessments or reviews.

Minimum Qualifications:

The candidate for the position of Research Security Analyst must meet the following qualifications:

• 2 years of experience and Bachelor’s degree; Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum work experience.

• Knowledge of federal research funding requirement and research environments Understanding of compliance, expert controls, cybersecurity policy, regulatory frameworks. Knowledge of risk indicators involving foreign influence or conflicts of commitment. Ability to prioritize work and manage multiple deadlines. 

• Proficient in Microsoft Office. 

• Ability to prepare detailed written reports.

The budgeted salary range for this position is $128,737 - $143,272. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer alignment, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.