Senior Security Analyst (Research)

Position Function:

This position directly supports the Mississippi State University Research Security Program in accordance with National Security Presidential Memorandum 33 (NSMP 33) and applicable government agency requirements. The position necessitates a high level of collaboration among cross functional teams supporting MSU research security relative to international operations and relations, including compliance, security management, and other high-risk activities and programs. The incumbent will research, analyze, and prepare risk assessments/products that will assist leadership in the decision-making process to ensure compliance in research security. Products developed will assist in the prevention and/or mitigation of risks, threats and vulnerabilities to the University’s personnel, information, technology, property and physical assets. A specific focus will be on international collaboration, sensitive research, and other high-risk activities that may impact the University’s ability to accomplish its educational and research mission. The incumbent will work with stakeholders to provide guidance and assistance concerning security standards and other compliance related programs.

Salary Grade: 16

Please see Staff Compensation Structure for salary ranges. For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Lead efforts to identify Malign/Undue Foreign Influence. Develop training materials related to foreign influence.
2. Assess foreign travel request for security concerns. Provide training and security briefings to travelers to mitigate risk.
3. Collect, research, collate, analyze diverse pieces of information and author security/risk assessment products that assist leadership in the decision-making process.
4. Advise university employees involving international agreements, operations, relationships and governance responsibilities.
5. Work across cross functional lines to ensure the development of standards, and policies to identify, assess, prevent and mitigate threats, vulnerabilities, and risks.
6. Collaboratively works with university subject matter experts and stakeholders to operationalize strategies that reduce and mitigate security risks.
7. Conducts security audits and carry-out risk mitigation policies and procedures.
8. Assists in investigations of security incidents in the MSU research enterprise that include, but are not limited to, export control violations, failure to disclose conflicts of interest or commitment, or participation in Malign Foreign Government Talent Recruitment Programs.
9. Stay abreast of new and evolving technology relative to security issues, as well as legal, ethical, and social issues related to the operation and use of information systems at a public, land grant, high research university.
10. Use tools of the trade to perform ongoing vulnerability assessments of MSU research systems and networks to determine weaknesses; design and communicate with stakeholders any remediation strategies for discovered vulnerabilities to mitigate risk.
11. Liaison with government and non-government organizations to ensure compliance for international agreements relative to research, travel, visa applications, visiting researchers, sensitive and secure research, Controlled Unclassified Information, faculty and personnel clearances, and export control.
12. Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibility:
No direct reports; however, will use managerial and supervisory skills across organization to meet assigned targets.

The above essential duties are representative of major duties in this position. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary based upon departmental needs. Other duties may be assigned to the above consistent with the knowledge, skills and abilities required for the job. Not all of the duties may be assigned to a position.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree with focus in Business, foreign policy, security studies, emergency management, public policy or related field.

Experience (yrs.): Minimum of 5 years’ experience working with international and national security issues, law enforcement, investigations, security management (government or corporate), intelligence analysis, analytical tradecraft, or any combination thereof.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) analyst, advance computer use and web research experience.
2. Working knowledge of the National Industrial Security Program (NISP), Export Administration Regulation, and the International Traffic and Arms Regulations (ITAR).
3. Working understanding of information technology security and governance.
4. Experience with Conflict of Interest/ Conflict of Commitment disclosure procedures.
5. Work experience in JPAS, DISS, NISS.
6. Demonstrative public speaking and training skills.
7. Experience living, studying, working, or traveling abroad.
8. Intelligence, investigative, or foreign policy background
9. Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Security Clearance.
10. Certifications: ISP by NCMS or CPP, APP, PCI, or PSP by ASIS

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

1. Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of geo-political issues.
2. Knowledge or investigative and analytical tradecraft to collect, analyze and disseminate security/risk related information to stakeholders.
3. Ability to critically think and act quickly and effectively under pressure.
4. Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships in a team environment.
5. Demonstrated strong written and verbal communication and organizational skills with ability to synthesize and report on information clearly, accurately, and in a timely manner.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

1. Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.
2. Limited exposure to physical risk.
3. Limited physical effort required.
4. Job requires sitting at computer for extended periods of time.

Instructions for Applying:

Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/

Restricted Clause:

Position is contingent upon continued availability of funding.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

MSU is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy, gender identity, status as a U.S. veteran, and/or any other status protected by applicable law. We always welcome nominations and applications from women, members of any minority group, and others who share our passion for building a diverse community that reflects the diversity in our student population.

What do I do if I need an accommodation?

In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: (662) 325-3713 or [email protected].

If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or [email protected]. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.