Skip to main content
 State Universities Civil Service System 

Employment Opportunities
Job Details


Research Security Specialist

University/Agency Illinois State University
Civil Service Classification Program Coordinator
View Class Spec Details
Posting Duration 9/10/2026 - 9/23/2026
Probationary Period 12 months

Job Description

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/


Qualifications

Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree
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
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
Collaborative working style and team player
Professional level work experience with federal regulatory requirements or research compliance experience as they relate to research security including foreign influence and export controls.
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


Salary

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


Links

ISU Jobs Website


Contact Information


University/Agency Illinois State University
Department/College Human Resources
Contact Kira Shelton
Phone Number 309-438-8311
Address 718 W College Ave
Comments 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