Cyber Research Compliance Specialist

TIAG is now hiring a Cyber Research Compliance Specialist to support our team at the Uniformed Services University based out of the Bethesda, MD region. This position requires a Secret level security clearance to be processed to start work, so US or Naturalized Citizenship is a requirement for consideration. While the project location is Bethesda, MD, the role is primarily remote.

The Cyber Research Compliance Specialist plays a critical role in supporting the administrative review and compliance of research activities and awards requiring approval from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS) Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO). Under general supervision, this position is responsible for conducting meticulous reviews of research-related document submissions to assess IT compliance with Federal, Department of Defense (DoD), and institutional regulations, policies, and procedural guidelines. The specialist will collaborate with internal stakeholders to facilitate a smooth and compliant research review and approval, ensuring that all technology-related components for research projects adhere to the required standards.

This role requires strong attention to detail, excellent organizational skills, and a proactive approach to ensuring compliance in a fast-paced research environment. The Cyber Research Compliance Specialist serves as a key resource for both the researchers navigating IT compliance requirements and helping the team facilitate the approvals process upholding institutional and regulatory standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Regulatory Compliance Oversight
• Develops a strong understanding of OCIO’s role in research activities at the USU.
• Ensures that research efforts incorporating technological components follow institutional, Federal, and DoD regulations.
• IT Compliance and Consultation
• Guidance and consultation to research teams regarding IT compliance requirements for various research initiatives.
• Assists in the evaluation of IT needs related to research projects, acquisition agreements, and federally sponsored programs.
• Supports researchers in navigating compliance expectations associated with technology-based research activities. Ability to take initiative in responding to customer requests.
• Interdepartmental Coordination
• Collaborates with multiple departments involved in the research awards process, including Financial Management (FMG), the Vice President for Research (VPR), the Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP), and Acquisition (ACQ).
• Maintains a clear understanding of each department’s roles and responsibilities in research lifecycle management.
• Document Review and Approval Process Management
• Conducts thorough reviews of sponsored research proposals. Ensure alignment with Federal and DoD policies, and institutional resourcing strategies.
• Reviews scientific documents and federal forms to identify relevant compliance information and work with stakeholders to address concerns proactively.
• Summarizes key compliance elements and compile OCIO approval forms for research projects.
• Coordinates necessary approvals with government leads.
• Ensures all approval processes are properly documented and archived for reference.
• Maintains detailed records of meetings, discussions, and compliance workflows.
• Monitors and respond to incoming communications daily, including emails, ServiceNow ticket inquiries, and other internal channels.
• Tracks research award inquiries using an internal research awards tracker. Ensure all communications are logged with date/time and concise details for transparency and best practices.
• Provides researchers with timely updates regarding the status of their submissions.
• Identifies and escalate policy-related matters through appropriate internal channels when necessary.
• Assists researchers with compliance-related inquiries, offering guidance on the next steps and directing them appropriately for further assistance.
• Proactively engages with research teams to address any concerns related to IT compliance.
• Works closely with team leads and institutional stakeholders to enhance communication and collaboration within the research compliance process.
• Contributes to the continuous improvement of compliance workflows and procedures by identifying areas for increased efficiency.
  
  
  

Required Experience

• Active DoD Secret Clearance
• Bachelor’s Degree from accredited University in Computer Science, Information Technology, Project Management or related field preferred
• Experience and understanding of cyber security best practices and compliance with Federal and DoD policy
• 3 years prior experience with document review
• Ability to manage time well to meet assigned milestones
• Strong risk management and communication skills with all levels of management.
• Demonstrated experience managing conflict and conflict resolution techniques to ensure team delivery and collaboration
• Security certification preferred