Research Export Control Senior Specialist

This role serves as KU’s internal subject-matter expert for export control matters relating to research. The Senior Specialist ensures that sensitive, restricted, or high-risk research activities are identified early and managed proportionately in accordance with applicable UAE non-proliferation regulations and, where legally triggered, relevant foreign export control laws. The position plays a key enabling role, supporting compliant international collaboration, responsible commercialization, and secure management of controlled technologies, while preserving academic freedom and minimizing administrative burden for low-risk research.Risk identification and Classification• Administer KU’s Export Control for Research activities identified as sensitive, restricted, or high risk. • Conduct risk-based screening of research proposals, agreements, and collaborations to determine whether export control considerations arise. • Identify controlled goods, software, technology, or technical data listed in the UAE Goods Schedule. • Assess whether research activities trigger permit, authorization, or End-User Certificate (EUC) requirements. • Confirm and document when research qualifies as Fundamental Research and falls outside export control scope. • Classify controlled items under UAE regulations and assess applicability of foreign export control laws where jurisdictional triggers exist (e.g., foreign-origin controlled items). Licensing and Regulatory Compliance• Coordinate the preparation, submission, and management of required UAE permits, authorizations, and EUCs.• Ensure that controlled circulation of goods, software, technology, or related documentation does not proceed wihtout required approvals. • Serve as KU’s liaison with relevant UAE authorities, including the Executive Office for Control and Non-Proliferation (EOCN), for high-risk research matters. • Maintain accurate records of export control reviews, classifications, permits, and related compliance documentation.Targeted Mitigation and Oversight• Develop and implement activity-specific mitigation measures (e.g., technology control plans, access controls) for affected research activities, and compliance monitoring. • Conduct targeted internal reviews of high-risk research activities to verify compliance with imposed controls and permit conditions. • Monitor developments in UAE export control and non-proliferation regulations and advise KU leadership on material impacts to research activities.Commercial, Service-based and Contract Research Support • Conduct export control assessments for commercial, service-based, and contract research activities performed for external entities where activities fall outside Fundamental Research. • Review agreements involving laboratory services, contract testing, third-party facility access, restricted data, or proprietary engagements to identify potential export control risks. • Advise on export control implications in research commercialization, industry engagement, and technology transfer activities. • Coordinate with Legal Affairs, Procurement, and Research Operations where controlled technologies or restricted assets are involved. Advisory and Capacity Building • Provide expert guidance to Principal Investigators, research teams, and relevant administrative units on: Controlled transfers, Data sharing, End-use and end-user considerations, International collaboration risks, Compliance with permit and license conditions.• Deliver focused training and awareness sessions emphasizing KU’s risk-based and proportionate oversight model.• Contribute to the continuous improvement of KU’s export control procedures, templates, and operational practices.• Act as KU’s liaison with competent UAE authorities (including EOCN) for high-risk research matters only, as required.• Collaborate with Research Operations, Compliance, Legal Affairs, and Procurement and Contracts Departments primarly where export control risks are present, ensuring clear allocation of responsibility.• Ensure adherence to the University's information security policies and procedures, and report breaches or other security risks accordingly. • Ensure coordination with other departments to facilitate the accomplishment of tasks and responsibilities, as and when needed. • Demonstrate a strong commitment and practice to maintaining a safe and healthy work environment. • Perform other related duties as assigned by the Line Manager.Required Qualifications• Bachelor’s degree in law, International Trade, Compliance, Research Administration, or a related field with preference for Master, Ph.D. or JD degree holders• Professional training or certification in export control or trade compliance is an asset. • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to connect and build relationships in a university environment. Required Experience• Demonstrated experience classifying dual-use goods, software, or technology under national control lists. • Experience preparing and managing export permits, authorizations, and EUCs. • Familiarity with UAE non-proliferation regulations and Goods Schedule. • Experience working within research institutions, universities, or high-technology environments preferred. • A minimum 7 years of experience.