Research Security and Trade Compliance Specialist

Discover TRIUMF, Canada's particle accelerator centre. We are a publicly funded, not-for-profit research lab that is a hub for discovery and innovation.

Our mission is to serve as Canada’s particle accelerator centre. We advance isotope science and technology, both fundamental and applied. We collaborate across communities and disciplines, from nuclear and particle physics to the life and material sciences. We discover and innovate, inspire and educate, creating knowledge and opportunity for all.

TRIUMF's diverse community of nearly 600 multidisciplinary researchers, engineers, technicians, tradespeople, staff, and students create a unique incubator for Canadian excellence, as well as a portal to premier global collaborations. Fueling innovation and improving lives, we are committed to accelerating discovery and shaping a better world.

Are you someone who enjoys supporting innovative research, navigating complex challenges, and helping others succeed?

Do you have an interest in research administration, grants, agreements, compliance, and intellectual property?

The TRIUMF Office of Research Services (ORS) works with and supports TRIUMF’s research community to advance groundbreaking discoveries through grants facilitation, navigating complex agreements, managing compliance requirements and overseeing TRIUMF’s intellectual property. It also acts as a resource to the TRIUMF community to navigate existing, new and changing requirements from various levels of the Canadian government and international regulations on national security guidelines and global trade compliance.

BASIC FUNCTION:

This position is responsible for supporting TRIUMF’s compliance with applicable regulations, rules, guidelines and TRIUMF policies and procedures related to research security and trade compliance (including export controls, controlled goods and sanctions). Based on in-depth knowledge and understanding of safeguarding research and trade compliance issues and requirements, this role is responsible for advising management, researchers and other staff members of security and trade compliance related risks, processes and partnerships and developing educational and promotional material for the TRIUMF community. It also serves to help ensure understanding of compliance requirements; and providing content and process expertise to support researchers with the preparation, review and ongoing administration of research security risk assessments and risk mitigation plans.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Technical

• Conducts detailed OSINT due diligence checks, investigations and analysis on known or newly identified risks; prepares reports and/or briefings regarding research security topics; conducts or participates in review meetings with impacted staff and other stakeholders, communicates results of due diligence and provides advice on files and cases;
• Vets visitors, partners, suppliers, end-users, employees, candidates, etc. on a risk-based approach and in accordance with TRIUMF’s Research Security Plan and government guidelines;
• Guides, reviews, processes and provides ongoing administration of research security risk assessments;
• Provides guidance and support for the completion of risk mitigation plans;
• Works with the ORS team to monitor projects and partners and identify new or evolving research security or other compliance risks;
• Clears exports prior to shipment, in coordination with the Logistics Group;
• Implements export and import compliance requirements based on interpretations of Canadian and US legislation (Canada’s Exports and Imports Permit Act (EIPA), Canada’s Controlled Goods Program (CGP), United States ITAR/EAR regulations), as well as applicable legislation of other jurisdictions;
• Ensures TRIUMF’s compliance with Canadian sanctions, imposed under the United Nations Act (UNA), the Special Economic Measures Act (SEMA) or the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act (JVCFOA);
• Reviews and submits applications for required export and import permits/licenses, end-use statements/certificates, re-exports and re-transfer authorizations and other export/import authorizations (US, Canada, and international);
• Files government export and import related reports, as required;
• Performs periodic reviews to confirm the adequacy of export/import and research security compliance controls, as required;
• Serves as first-level point of contact for research security and trade compliance queries.

General

• Researches and curates a library of educational tools and resources that can be used directly or which can inform research security and/or trade compliance-related training and awareness material in TRIUMF;
• Either independently or in collaboration with other ORS team members or colleagues, develops, prepares and delivers training and awareness building materials, presentations and briefings;
• Works with other ORS groups on aligning procedures and processes related to research security and trade compliance, grant applications, research data management, and research contracts;
• Liaises with funding agencies both during and after grant application submission and with other ORS groups and Finance, as necessary;
• Contributes to the development of processes, standard operating procedures and guidelines;
• Establishes and maintains effective relationships with counterparts at other academic, research, and government institutions;
• Remains up-to-date on best practices both within Canada and internationally on conducting due diligence; and provide information, assistance and advice to researchers and other staff on the topic;
• Responsible for maintaining a high level of awareness regarding developments domestically and internationally that are relevant to the research security and trade compliance portfolio, and their impacts to TRIUMF’s program, and assists with communicating and implementing any required changes at TRIUMF;
• Must maintain a high standard of confidentiality, tact and discretion in dealing with sensitive and confidential matters.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• Knowledge of and demonstrated experience with implementing Canadian public policy regarding research security, national security and geopolitical risk;
• Proven experience in conducting open-source intelligence gathering;

• Familiarity with Canadian trade regulations, the Canadian Controlled Goods Program, U.S. ITAR and EAR, other export controls and sanctions regulations is an asset;
• Formal training in conducting investigations;
• Demonstrated ability to consistently apply high-level critical thinking and decision making
• Strong written and oral communication skills and the ability to share information in an effective and collaborative manner;
• Demonstrated expertise with using influencing and negotiation methods to garner acceptance and buy-in from stakeholders;

• Proven ability to develop professional, and respectful relationships built on a foundation of trust and respect;
• Highly detail oriented with strong research skills and the ability to prepare clear guidance resources on due diligence or other compliance procedures;

• Flexibility to deal with changing priorities;
• Ability to work independently and in teams;
• Highly proficient in the use of Microsoft applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, and Powerpoint);

• Experience providing presentations and briefings to all levels.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND YEARS OF EXPERIENCE:

• Requires a Bachelor’s degree in Security and/or Intelligence Studies, Criminology, Political Science, or other relevant discipline.
• Advanced level of knowledge in regulatory compliance.
• Requires a minimum of three (3) years of work experience in intelligence services, trade compliance, or working with open-source intelligence gathering and research.
• Demonstrated experience in a research environment, preferably in an institutional setting (post-secondary, government or agency), and in administrative procedures.

Applicants must be legally able to work in Canada on a permanent basis (Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident).

Salary: $74,630 annually, plus our comprehensive benefits plan.

Position type:

Permanent

Hours per week:

37.5

Total Rewards

At TRIUMF, we value our employees and are committed to providing a competitive total rewards package. We offer comprehensive benefits that promote the well-being and security of our staff and provide an excellent opportunity to grow your career in a high-profile national research facility, where you can make a difference.

Benefits Information:

• TRIUMF paid dental, extended health, vision care, emergency travel assistance, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Life Insurance, and supplementary Wellness Benefits.
• Excellent Employee Pension Plan
• Disability benefits, and optional additional Life insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D)
• Generous time away
• Maternity and paternity leaves and top-ups

Application closing date:

December 10, 2026

Apply now and be part of our extraordinary journey.

Learn more about the amazing research and work we do at TRIUMF.

https://www.discoverourlab.triumf.ca

http://www.rarestdrug.com

Equity, diversity, and inclusion are integral to excellence and enhance our ability to create knowledge and opportunity for all. Together, we are committed to building an inclusive culture that encourages, supports, and celebrates the voices of our employees, students, partners, and the people and communities we serve.

As an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity, we encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalised on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.

Contact information:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 604.222.1047
Fax: 604.222.3791

4004 Wesbrook Mall - Vancouver, BC - V6T 2A3

TRIUMF is located on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the xwməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam) People, who for millennia have passed on their culture, history, and traditions from one generation to the next on this site.