Interim Research Security and Compliance Manager

Robertson Bell is partnering with a leading London-based university to recruit an Interim Research Security and Compliance Manager on an initial three-month contract.

This is an opportunity to take ownership of a specialist research security function within a research-intensive university, helping ensure international research collaborations and funding arrangements comply with relevant UK legislation. Working closely with senior stakeholders, the postholder will make decisions on escalated compliance cases while developing policies, guidance and processes to strengthen the university’s approach to research security.

Key responsibilities include:

• Reviewing cases escalated by the due diligence team and making informed decisions on whether proposed research collaborations can proceed, including identifying appropriate mitigations and licensing requirements.
• Interpreting relevant legislation relating to international research, export controls and national security, applying requirements to complex research partnerships and funding arrangements.
• Developing and implementing policies, procedures and guidance to address recurring compliance risks and improve institutional processes.
• Advising and training academic colleagues on research security, trusted research and their responsibilities when engaging with international partners.
• Working collaboratively with research development, due diligence and wider professional services teams to embed effective compliance practices across the university.

The successful candidate will have:

• Essential experience working within a research environment, ideally within higher education or a research-intensive institution.
• Experience in research security, trusted research, international research collaboration or a closely related compliance area.
• A good understanding of relevant legislation and the ability to interpret regulatory requirements and recommend proportionate mitigations.
• Experience developing policies, procedures or guidance and applying these to practical scenarios.
• Strong judgement and stakeholder management skills, with the confidence to make decisions on sensitive matters and manage competing priorities.

This role would suit an experienced research professional with the credibility to advise academic stakeholders, the confidence to make risk-based decisions and the initiative to strengthen research security policies and processes.

The assignment is available for an immediate start, with a minimum of two days per week on site in Central London. There may be an opportunity for the role to become permanent.