Job Description

Division Name: Academic Affairs
Department: Research Ethics & Compliance

Job Summary

The Research Security Specialist will support the Director of Research Ethics and Compliance in the execution of a comprehensive research security and compliance program with a primary focus on research security and export controls. This position works with faculty and researchers to assist them in compliance with these areas related to their institutional responsibilities, research and sponsored projects. The Research Security Specialist will back up the Director in other areas of the research security program (i.e. conflict of interest and disclosure to federal sponsor agencies). This position will also provide support to the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC). This position acts as the liaison between faculty, staff and the Office of Research Ethics and Compliance regarding export controls and research security. The position acts as a coordinator of office policies and procedures for Research Ethics & Compliance at the instruction of the Director of Research Ethics & Compliance.

Additional Information

University Benefit Highlights:

• Insurance benefits, including health, dental, vision, and life
• Retirement and supplemental retirement planning options
• Tuition waiver benefits available to staff as well as their eligible dependents
• Paid holiday/administrative closures during Thanksgiving and Winter Breaks
• Paid benefit time

Additional University Benefit information, including information regarding eligibility to participate in the State Universities Retirement System and the State of Illinois Group Insurance program, can be reviewed here: https://hr.illinoisstate.edu/benefits/insurance/

Salary Rate / Pay Rate

$55,000 - $65,000 annual, combined with an excellent benefits package

Required Qualifications

1. Bachelor’s degree
2. Two years (24 months) of professional level work experience in research, research administration, and/or another relevant field (export compliance, foreign influence reviews, sponsored program administration, etc.) which included:
   a. Successful project management, administration, and database management
   b. Using data management programs, including form design, process development, and implementation
3. The following skills and/or abilities:
   a. demonstrated exemplary customer service, diplomacy, and tact working with faculty, students, staff, and/or the general public
   b. strong communication skills, both written and oral
   c. proficiency with commonly used software and ability to become proficient with applicable databases and online systems
   d. ability to work independently and to exercise discretion and judgment in sensitive and potentially controversial matters

Preferred Qualifications

1. Collaborative working style and team player
2. Professional level work experience with federal regulatory requirements or research compliance experience as they relate to research security including foreign influence and export controls.
3. The following skills and/or abilities:
   a. ability to demonstrate thorough knowledge of research security and export control regulations, including EAR, ITAR, and OFAC
   b. demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and multi-task in a fast-paced work environment
   c. good organizational and system skills and superb attention to detail
   d. demonstrated ability to generate complex reports using database programs

Work Hours

Core Hours: 8:00am-4:30pm Monday through Friday

Functional Expectations

Must be able to complete the following with or without a reasonable accommodation:

1. Remain at a workstation for extended periods.
2. Effectively communicate daily.
3. Move about in various location on and off campus as needed.

Proposed Starting Date

October 2026

Required Applicant Documents

Cover Letter
Transcripts - See Special Instructions to Applicants for additional options

Please Note: These documents are required to be submitted online in order to complete the application process. Please have these documents ready prior to clicking on "Apply"

Special Instructions for Applicants

Please fully complete the entire application including, but not limited to, the education and work history portions. Be specific on your work history, including employment dates (if part-time you must list the number of work hours) and duties for all positions held. Applicable part-time work experience will be considered toward qualifying for this position; however, it will be converted to a full-time equivalency to determine combined length of experience. Please do not put "see resume" in the duties and responsibilities section of the work history. This will be considered an incomplete application and incomplete applications will not be considered.

College or university transcripts (may be unofficial) must be submitted prior to the application deadline to receive full consideration. Transcripts can either be uploaded with your application or submitted via the options listed below.

To be eligible for Veteran's Preference points on the exam, appropriate military service documentation such as a DD-214 must be submitted prior to the application deadline.

Transcripts and/or military service documentation may be emailed, faxed, or mailed to Human Resources by the application deadline:

Email: kgshelt@ilstu.edu 
Fax: 309.438.0011, Attn: Kira Shelton
Address: Illinois State University
Human Resources
Campus Box 1300
Normal, IL 61790-1300

The Civil Service examination for this classification is based on your application materials and responses to the supplemental questions. No participation other than submission of applicant materials is required from applicants that qualify to take the exam. If you meet the minimum required qualifications for this position, you will receive a score calculated based on your education and experience, and your name will be placed on the active employment register by exam score. After the application deadline, the names within the top three scores will be referred to the department for interview. The active register for this classification will be voided when the position is filled.

Illinois State University is authorized to do business within the State of Illinois. All work under this appointment is required to be performed from within the State of Illinois.

Residency Requirement: If hired, out-of-state candidates must establish Illinois residency within 180 calendar days from the start date for this position. Illinois residency requires proof of a valid Illinois driver’s license or a valid State of Illinois ID card. Failure to produce the required documentation within 180 calendar days will result in immediate termination of employment.

Sponsorship: Applicants for this position must be currently legally authorized to work for Illinois State University in the United States. Illinois State University will not sponsor or take over the sponsorship of an employment visa for this opportunity. Illinois State University is not a qualifying employer for the STEM OPT benefit: only the 12-month OPT may be used to work at Illinois State University.

Contact Information for Applicants

Kira Shelton
Human Resources
kgshelt@ilstu.edu 
(309) 438-2120

Important Information for Applicants

This position is subject to a criminal background investigation and if applicable, an employment history review, based on University Policy 3.1.30 and any offer of employment is contingent upon you passing a satisfactory criminal background investigation and/or an employment history review. You may not begin work until the criminal background investigation results have been received and cleared by Human Resources.

Illinois State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or other state or federal law you may request an accommodation by contacting the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access at (309) 438-3383. The Office of Equal Opportunity and Access will hold any confidential information you provide in confidence.

If you are having difficulty accessing the system, please call Human Resources at (309) 438-8311.