Department

Provost URA: Research Compliance

About the Department

University Research Administration (URA) has the responsibility to review and provide institutional endorsement for all proposals to federal and other external sponsors (excluding gifts), assuring compliance with University policies and sponsor terms and conditions. URA is the institutional authority for the negotiation and acceptance of financial support or other contractually binding obligations in the form of a contract, grant, or agreement, including material transfer agreements and clinical trials.

Job Summary

The Export Control Analyst for University Research Administration (URA) will be responsible for monitoring the application of the University’s export control program, including supporting institutional-wide initiatives to respond appropriately to federal regulations as they apply to the export control requirements. Supports Export Control Officers responsible for export compliance of research conducted at the University, including developing and conducting Export Control training for faculty and staff, review and maintenance of University Technology Control Plans, proposals, and contracts. Supports the Export Control Office’s position as a designated point of contact and resource for University researchers, administrators and sponsors. Responsible for regularly responding to requests for information, analysis of export compliance impact and review of federal contract provisions relating to export controls.

A critical component of the export control program is to work collaboratively with the Offices of International Affairs, Environmental Health and Safety; Central and department administration, Human Resources; the Controller; the Purchasing Department; and the Office of the Legal Counsel as resources for information regarding export control regulations.

The job uses best practices and knowledge for regulatory compliance program activities. Anticipates problems and helps to implement systems to identify areas of risk through internal audits. Uses proven skills to manage compliance documentation submission and maintenance, compliance training, and other programmatic functions.

Requires practical knowledge and experience while still acquiring higher-level knowledge and skills in the field. Uses best practices and knowledge of internal or external University issues to improve products or services. Solves problems; takes a new perspective using existing solutions. Works in partnership with Export Control Officers and University Research Administration Research Compliance team. Receives guidance and direction as needed, but the expectation is for the individual to be an independent contributor.

The job maintains regulatory compliance programs, including the interpretation of systems to identify areas of risk and may coordinate internal audits. With a moderate level of direction, participates in compliance documentation, compliance training, and compliance committee formation.

Responsibilities

Work closely with Export Control Officer regarding the identification of awards that may require monitoring for export control purposes.

Reviews and advises on institutional contracts for Export Control Compliance.

Screens foreign involvement in University activities.

Serves as a resource for principal investigators (PIs) and other individuals involved in the conduct of research to understand compliance issues associated with the transfer of materials, restrictions of foreign nationals in labs, publication restrictions, etc.

Review and provide guidance on documents to which the University is a party including H1-B visa submissions, foundation grants, NDAs, licensing agreements, and material transfer agreements to ensure availability of applicable export license exemptions and exclusions.

Supports the development and take a lead in the promulgation of export control training for institution personnel.

Assesses whether export control licenses are required and coordinates the application process to secure necessary licenses from applicable federal agencies.

Works to keep institution export control guidance and materials up to date and available on institution websites.

Partners with institutional export control staff and business units/departments regarding all activities associated with research administration in a timely and fiscally responsible manner.

Provides support for the development and implementation of an effective export control compliance program to include compliance standards and procedures as required by law, oversight responsibilities and educational modules.

Supports initiatives to develop, implement and communicate strategies regarding relevant contracting, licensing of materials, and access issues.

Administers export control training for faculty and staff and supports maintenance and development of training and informational resources related to export control.

Maintain appropriate data entry into institutional database for all export control reviews ensuring data quality and documentation of any institutional risk.

With minimal supervision, facilitates contact with external agencies, acting as a liaison between government partners and the University community in support of research compliance.

Gains and stays current thorough understanding of related University and sponsor regulations. Monitor and provide analysis of federal export control and research security regulatory developments that affect the University’s export and research security compliance efforts.

Continuously seek to improve University Research Administration (URA) processes for export controls and related compliance.

Attend export control training sessions conducted by Government agencies, including, among others, Departments of Treasury, Commerce, and State and non-governmental entities.

Participate in Association of University Export Control Officer (AUECO) and other relevant national organizations and trainings.

Work with leaders and departments to plan and execute projects that will drive improved performance through the implementation of data-focused systems, process, and resources.

Coordinates department or clinic compliance with a moderate level of guidance.

Prepares, completes and submits all compliance documentation or a routine basis, Coordinates compliance committee meetings.

Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications 

Experience:

Advanced degree or equivalent combination of training experience.

Prior experience working in an academic, government, or laboratory environment.

 Technical Skills or Knowledge: 

Knowledge of Export Administration Regulations (EAR), International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) or interpretation of similar regulations.

Strong computer skills including word processing, database management and spreadsheet skills (Microsoft Office suite and Adobe suite a must).

Ability to develop proficiency and work with various sponsor/third-party electronic systems.

Preferred Competencies 

Independence: Work independently with a high degree of initiative, curiosity and minimal supervision. Willingness to learn new skills, take on new challenges, and ability to effectively interact and collaborate with all levels of university administrators and faculty members. Make decisions independently that will have downstream impacts on the management of sponsored projects.

Communication Skills: Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to interact effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders, with faculty and administrative staff at the University, and close collaboration with all staff within the office of University Research Administration. 

Service Orientation: Positive, service-oriented attitude with a courteous demeanor, maintaining professionalism in all interactions. Ability to develop and manage interpersonal relationships.

Discretion and Confidentiality: Ability to handle sensitive and confidential situations with absolute discretion and maintain confidentiality. 

Attention to Detail and Accuracy: Exceptional attention to detail and thoroughness in completing tasks accurately. Work on multiple projects simultaneously, set priorities, and meet deadlines.

Organizational and Multitasking Skills: Strong organizational skills with the ability to multitask, meet deadlines, and navigate ambiguity in a fast-paced work environment. Interact by phone, email, online meetings or in person with faculty and administrative staff at the University and occasionally with staff of federal government, non-federal sponsors, and other institutions and organizations.

Judgment and Project Management: Sound judgment with the ability to prioritize and anticipate potential issues and address them proactively. 

Adaptability and Feedback Reception: Stay current with technology and digital tools. Ability to maintain composure under pressure, work flexible hours as needed, and respond constructively to feedback. 

Working Conditions 

Sit for 4 hours or more.

Use computers extensively for 4 hours or more.

Use standard office equipment and troubleshoot IT equipment in a remote/hybrid environment.

Some evening and weekend work may be required. 

Application Documents 

Resume/CV (required) 

Cover Letter (preferred) 

Reference Contact Information (preferred) 

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family

Legal & Regulatory Affairs

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Drug Test Required
 

No

Health Screen Required
 

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
 

No

Pay Rate Type

Salary

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FLSA Status

Exempt

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Pay Range

$68,000.00 - $88,000.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Posting Statement
 

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

 

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

 

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

 

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