Research Export Control Senior Specialist

Role Overview

Research Export Control Senior Specialist at Khalifa University, serving as the institution's internal subject-matter expert for export control matters relating to research activities.

Role Purpose

Ensure that sensitive, restricted, or high-risk research activities are identified early and managed proportionately in accordance with applicable UAE non-proliferation regulations and relevant foreign export control laws. Enable compliant international collaboration, responsible commercialization, and secure management of controlled technologies while preserving academic freedom and minimizing administrative burden for low-risk research.

Key Responsibilities

Risk Identification and Classification

• Administer Khalifa University'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, including foreign-origin controlled items.

Licensing and Regulatory Compliance

• Coordinate the preparation, submission, and management of required UAE permits, authorizations, and End-User Certificates.
• Ensure that controlled circulation of goods, software, technology, or related documentation does not proceed without required approvals.
• Serve as Khalifa University'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 such as technology control plans and access controls for affected research activities, including 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 Khalifa University leadership on material impacts to research activities.

Commercial 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, and compliance with permit and license conditions.
• Deliver focused training and awareness sessions emphasizing Khalifa University's risk-based and proportionate oversight model.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of Khalifa University's export control procedures, templates, and operational practices.
• Collaborate with Research Operations, Compliance, Legal Affairs, and Procurement and Contracts Departments primarily 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 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.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in law, International Trade, Compliance, Research Administration, or a related field; Master's, Ph.D., or JD degree preferred.
• Professional training or certification in export control or trade compliance is an asset.
• Minimum 7 years of experience.
• Demonstrated experience classifying dual-use goods, software, or technology under national control lists.
• Experience preparing and managing export permits, authorizations, and End-User Certificates.
• Familiarity with UAE non-proliferation regulations and Goods Schedule.
• Experience working within research institutions, universities, or high-technology environments preferred.

Skills & Competencies

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to connect and build relationships in a university environment.