Assistant Vice President, Research Security - OVPR Pittsburgh, PA

The Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR) at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) is seeking a highly motivated, resourceful, and trustworthy individual to support the senior leadership team as the inaugural Assistant Vice President of Research Security. The OVPR oversees the university-wide strategic initiatives and operational functions of CMU’s $620 million research enterprise and associated top-ranked technology transfer and startup activities, which span the university’s academic colleges, research institutes and centers, and the Software Engineering Institute, a federally funded research and development center. Globally recognized for academic excellence and interdisciplinary research, this position is key CMU’s ambitious plans to deliver innovative and impactful solutions to the most pressing grand challenges of our time.

About Carnegie Mellon
A member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), CMU is a global, research-intensive private university with more than 1,500 faculty, 17,000 students, more than 117,000 alumni. In 2024, U.S. News & World Report ranked CMU #21 among national universities, and Times Higher Education at #24 among world universities. CMU is home to top ranked programs in artificial intelligence, computer science, electrical and computer engineering, software engineering, cybersecurity, business analytics, quantitative analytics, and more. It is also one of a small number of academic institutions in the nation with a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC), the Software Engineering Institute (SEI), and a National Manufacturing Innovation Institute, the Advanced Robotics Manufacturing Institute. CMU's confluence of scholarly excellence, robust federal and industry partnerships, and heritage of innovation has consistently placed it among the world's most dynamic and impactful research institutions. Central to its research impact is CMU's strong track record of technology transfer and industry partnerships: over the last five years, CMU faculty, students, and alumni have launched more than 400 start-ups that together have raised more than $7 billion in follow-on funding.

The University is known for its distinctive culture, which champions interdisciplinary inquiry and collaborative efforts in a technology rich environment. With more than a dozen degree-granting locations, as well as a growing number of research partnerships around the world, CMU is truly a global institution. CMU's global footprint fosters cooperation across borders, including from its campuses in Silicon Valley, Qatar, and Rwanda. CMU faculty are known for inspiring students to think creatively, interpret with insight, and solve major societal, scientific, and technological challenges. Current and former faculty and alumni include 20 Nobel Laureates, 79 members of the National Academies, 12 Turing Awardees, 10 Academy Award winners, 116 Emmy Award winners, and 44 Tony Award winners. Exceptionally talented students, roughly 47% undergraduate and 53% graduate, are drawn to the University's commitment to innovative education and training and its outstanding programs across its seven schools and colleges. CMU's annual budget is over $1.2 billion with total research expenditures of over $620 million (FY2023).

After a storied history dating to the early 1900s, in 1967, the Carnegie Institute of Technology merged with the Mellon Institute, a science research center founded by the Mellon family of Pittsburgh, to become known as Carnegie Mellon University. Today, CMU is a dynamic institution that has exceptional impact in the world. Although it is among the youngest of the nation's top universities, CMU's extraordinary success emanates from its deeply held core values and a unique heritage of innovation. It is a place of creativity, pragmatism, and ambition, with a tradition of strategically focusing its efforts and resources in areas where it can lead, then pursuing those areas with startling intensity. CMU is firmly committed to academic freedom and shared governance, providing a fertile environment for faculty success. The University facilitates collaboration across its seven schools and colleges through organizational mechanisms and incentives, such as numerous joint appointments and a dedication to recognizing contributions outside one's main field. CMU has long embraced diversity as a core value that is central and indivisible from the pursuit of intellectual and artistic excellence, and for more than two decades it has made increasing diversity in every constituency and building a supportive and nurturing community a strategic priority.

Research at Carnegie Mellon

Carnegie Mellon is known as a hotbed of innovative research, from the founding of the nation's first Robotics Institute in 1979 to the world's first program in engineering and public policy more than 50 years ago. The entrepreneurial mindset of its faculty, staff, and leadership have made the University a pioneer in societally transformative technologies such as the wireless campus, autonomous transportation and smart infrastructure, artificial intelligence, and advanced manufacturing, among others. Research and creative expression span the arts, humanities, social sciences, science, and engineering as well as the fundamental to the applied, from blue-sky curiosity driven research in the academic units, to large-scale applied research and prototyping at the National Robotics Engineering Center, to support for mission-driven agencies at the SEI and across campus.

CMU's strengths span the institution:

• CMU is bringing together AI and social sciences researchers from across the country in the NSF-supported AI Institute for Societal Decision Making to develop human-centric AI for societal good that harnesses the power of data and improved understanding of decisions to create better and more trusted choices.
• CMU researchers have enriched learning science at the LearnLab, a cross-disciplinary international laboratory for advancing the practical science of robust student learning. CMU scholars are pinpointing how children learn languages with partners at the University of Chicago and the George Washington University.
• CMU chemists are working with colleagues at Yale University as part of the landmark National Institutes of Health-funded Somatic Cell Gene Editing Consortium, aimed at accelerating genome editing research and the development of new classes of therapeutics.
• Experts at the Wilton E. Scott Institute for Energy Innovation, a university-wide research initiative, develop and demonstrate technologies, systems and policies needed to accelerate the transition toward a more sustainable future.
• CMU’s SEI formed the AI Security Incident Response Team to help ensure the safe and effective development and use of AI by analyzing and responding to threats and surety incidents emerging from advances in AI and machine learning.

CMU researchers distinguish themselves with an international reputation for the breadth of their work as well as research support, consistently receiving funding from the National Science Foundation, the National Institutes of Health, the Departments of Defense, Commerce, Energy, Transportation, among others. Of CMU's $620 million in expenditures in FY2023, 70% of funding was derived from the federal government, with the majority being from the NSF and DOD. The University has diversified its funding portfolio over time, with FY2023 being a record year for industry and non-profit funding at $68 million.
 

CMU's unique interdisciplinary strengths that cut across AI, CS, engineering, technology, social and behavior science, design and the arts are a growing and major attraction for industry partners. Coupled with the efforts of CMU's Center for Technology Transfer and Enterprise Creation and the Swartz Center for Entrepreneurship, the University is a leader in introducing research innovations into the global marketplace and a driving force of regional economic development.

The Office of the Vice President of Research (OVPR)
The OVPR is a large and complex organization with close to 100 talented individuals that directly aid the research and innovation strategy, operations, and administration across campus. The OVPR bridges colleges, departments, university institutes, and centers to foster dialogue and collaboration on strategic major interdisciplinary initiatives across campus. The Government Relations team in OVPR leverages its long-standing presence in Washington D.C. to advocate for higher education priorities and bring new funding to CMU's talented faculty. The OVPR works in close partnership with University Advancement on holistic industry and foundation partnerships, including strategic alliances, master research agreements, and gifts.
 

The OVPR oversees the SEI, a DOD FFRDC, which has a budget of nearly $150 million annually, and whose director reports to the VPR. The considerable capabilities of the SEI are leveraged across the CMU research enterprise. The OVPR also is responsible for ensuring that the ARM Institute, a DOD MII that operates as a 501c3 of CMU, is delivering on its mission to the federal government and is well integrated with the university.
 

The OVPR fosters an entrepreneurial climate that gives faculty and students tremendous freedom and strongly encourages the pursuit of bold ideas that translate into real-world impact. Thanks to the efforts and investments of CMU, the University of Pittsburgh, and other entities, the Pittsburgh Region has established itself as a technology hub for both startups and large corporations, including Duo Lingo, ANSYS, Bosch, Google, Meta, Apple, NVIDIA, SAP, and the Department of Energy's National Energy Technology Laboratory. Through the Swartz Center for Entrepreneurship and the Center for Business Engagement, the OVPR drives economic prosperity in the region, nationally, and globally.

Given the scale and influence of CMU’s research enterprise, the University is investing in enhancing its support for research and innovation, including expanding external relationships with federal and industry sponsors, increasing collaboration across the across the University, and managing the complexities of research at this level. The OVPR is keenly attuned to the security implications of controlled unclassified and classified research in an environment of international collaborations, and the VPR aids the University  to drive innovation while upholding its commitment to national security.  . The OVPR seeks an Assistant Vice President of Research Security in this newly created role to develop and implement efficient and effective risk-based policies, procedures and decision-making processes to meet the rapidly evolving research security requirements and regulations in NSPM-33 and the CHIPS Act. This position will be responsible for all aspects of research security including, export control, foreign influence, conflict of interest, and controlled unclassified information management. It will collaborate with other units in CMU to ensure the University is providing faculty and staff with access to state-of-the-art infrastructure, services, and training.

Scope and Responsibilities

The inaugural Assistant Vice President of Research Security provides strategic risk identification and policy assessment to prevent, reduce, or mitigate security and safety risks to university personnel, programs, physical and data assets, and other intellectual property (IP). Specific focus for the position includes security, foreign influence, export control, international travel, and insider threat risks associated with university domestic and international collaboration; sensitive and controlled research; and IP protection. Reporting to the Senior Associate Vice President for Research, Chief Research Operations Officer (CROO), the Assistant Vice President works collaboratively across the university and its affiliated entities to support the university’s operations in delivering a risk-based approach to ensuring security standards and programs meet or exceed institutional and regulatory expectations and reputational considerations. The incumbent will serve as a central resource and advisor to senior leadership concerning security, investigations, and interpreting threat and risk information potentially impacting the university. They will develop and implement a comprehensive and proactive research security training program for faculty, staff and students. They will work closely with the university’s empowered official(s) to develop and implement programs to ensure compliance with required protocols, regulations, and laws, including federally mandated agency program requirements. They will serve as a primary liaison l with federal agencies (DOD, NSF and others), federal law enforcement and security organizations on matters related to national security and export control.

Core responsibilities include:

• Leads CMU’s efforts to meet the certification requirement for research security programs in the Implementation Guidance for NSPM-33 and CHIPS and Science Act of 2022.
• Working together with CMU’s Office of Sponsored Programs, Office of Research Integrity and Compliance, Office of International Education and Office of General Counsel, facilitates international research and scholarly collaborations and activities in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, policies and guidance.
• Develops and implements policies and processes for strategic, risk-based review and analysis of international partnerships and international programs funded by sponsored programs or gifts and provides recommendations to senior leadership.
• Oversees the development and implementation of comprehensive security plans to ensure export controlled and controlled unclassified information is afforded proper protection in accordance with applicable government standards, including data protection, physical security and safeguards.
• Leads the development and delivery of proactive research security training program(s) that are appropriate for diverse audiences, including faculty, staff, students and partners, and customized for a range of sensitive research, technologies and campus environments.
• Supervises the university’s team responsible for export control oversight, including the development of training, education and assessment tools, and the implementation of policies and procedures to promote the university’s ongoing compliance with export control laws.
• Works with the university research compliance leaders and chief audit executive to help ensure the effectiveness of compliance programs supporting research security efforts and to assess ‘red flags’ identified in the course of restricted party screening activities.
• Works with HR professionals on all campuses to integrate research security activities within business processes and to help manage complex employment activities. 
• Provides senior leadership, administrators, faculty, staff and students with guidance and interpretation of regulations, policies and advisories concerning research security, export controls and high-risk travel.
• Serves as a primary liaison officer with local, state, and federal governmental agencies concerning research security, national security and export control matters.
• Works with CMU’s SEI research security office to support CMU faculty holding active clearances and on CMU’s insider threat program; leads the potential expansion of classified research and facilities outside of the SEI.
• Maintains high standards of personal and professional ethics as well as effective working relationships with university administrators and operating personnel. Maintains confidentiality of security matters.
• Receives and maintains necessary clearances and training as required for ITPSO designation.
• Provides subject matter expertise, security training and recommendations to contractors and CMU personnel to reduce risks that can negatively affect new or existing initiatives.
• Assists in the design of new or existing facilities to ensure the proper security equipment and protocols are included to support CMU’s compliance with various state and federal requirements.
• Develops and executes technology control operational security plans designed to reduce risks to new or existing initiatives.
• Provides security and investigative support to detect, deter and reduce risks on complex activities.
• Participates and demonstrates leadership on security organizations designed to reduce risks to the academic community.
• Other duties as assigned.

Flexibility, excellence and passion are vital qualities within the Office of the Vice President for Research. Inclusion, collaboration and cultural sensitivity are valued competencies at CMU. Therefore, CMU seeks a team member who is able to effectively interact with a varied population of internal and external partners at a high level of integrity. This is someone who shares CMU values and who will support the mission of the university through their work.

Key Selection Criteria

Required Qualifications and Skills:

• Education: Master’s degree and five (5) years of experience related to research security or national security within a university, government agency or similarly complex entity; OR bachelor’s degree and seven (7) years of related experience.
• U.S. citizenship and a minimum of 5 years of progressive leadership responsibility and supervisory experience.
• Experience providing vision and strategy for a large government or government-associated agency, non-government organization or research university.
• Experience investigating and analyzing threat information and developing comprehensive information security plans.
• Knowledge of government and contract research security policies, procedures, regulations and legislation.
• Experience managing change and process improvements.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the particular risk and reputational considerations of a large research enterprise.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships and foster trust with a diverse range of stakeholders, including university leadership, faculty, staff and students.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently or in a team setting, with diverse individuals.

Preferred Qualifications and Skills:

• Terminal degree in scientific, engineering, regulatory or legal field (Ph.D., J.D., or similar) with policy experience is preferred. A non-tenured faculty-track appointment in an appropriate college would be considered for this position.
• Secret or Top Secret clearance, active or able to secure within the first six months.
• Prior experience supporting classified programs and facilities.

Requirements:

• Successful Background Check

NOMINATION AND APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Carnegie Mellon University has retained DHR Global for assistance in this exciting search.

• All applications, nominations and inquiries are invited.
• Applications should include a cover letter/letter of interest, CV or resume.
• Application materials should be submitted using CMU’s career page by clicking “Apply”
• Nominations and inquiries can be directed to DHR Global. 

Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits available to eligible employees.

Those employees who are benefits eligible have the opportunity to experience the full spectrum of advantages from comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance to an enticing retirement savings program offering a generous employer contribution. You can also unlock your potential with tuition benefits and take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays. Finally, rest easy knowing you are covered by life and accidental death and disability insurance. 

Other perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and so much more!

For a comprehensive overview of the benefits that may be awaiting you, explore our Benefits page.

At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond just credentials, we consider the role and responsibilities, your invaluable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We acknowledge and appreciate your unique skills and the diverse perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it’s about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.

Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today!

Location

Pittsburgh, PA

Job Function

University Administration and Management

Position Type

Staff – Regular

Full Time/Part time

Full time

Pay Basis

Salary

More Information: