Research Export Control Senior Specialist

Role Overview

This position acts as Khalifa University's in-house expert on export control regulations tied to research activities. The Senior Specialist's principal duty is to identify and oversee sensitive, restricted, or high-risk research areas early on, ensuring compliance with UAE non-proliferation laws and applicable international export control statutes. The role supports lawful global partnerships, responsible technology commercialization, and secure handling of controlled assets, balancing regulatory demands with academic freedom while minimizing unnecessary bureaucracy for lower-risk projects.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage KU’s Export Control operations for research projects flagged as sensitive or high-risk.
• Perform risk-centered assessments of research proposals and collaborations to detect export control implications.
• Identify items classified under the UAE Goods Schedule, including controlled goods, software, and technologies.
• Evaluate whether research requires permits, licenses, or End-User Certificates (EUCs).
• Establish and document when research qualifies as Fundamental Research exempt from export controls.
• Classify controlled materials per UAE laws and assess relevant foreign export regulations triggered by jurisdictional factors.
• Coordinate preparation, submission, and oversight of required permits and authorizations.
• Ensure no distribution of controlled items or information occurs without necessary approvals.
• Serve as liaison to UAE authorities such as the Executive Office for Control and Non-Proliferation (EOCN) on high-risk research matters.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation of export control reviews, permits, and compliance records.
• Develop and enforce specific mitigation strategies like technology control plans and access restrictions.
• Conduct internal audits on high-risk research to verify compliance with controls and permit conditions.
• Stay current with UAE export control and non-proliferation regulations, advising leadership on pertinent implications.
• Evaluate export control risks in commercial, service-based, and contract research engagements beyond Fundamental Research.
• Review agreements involving specialized lab services, contract testing, facility access, and proprietary data for potential export control exposures.
• Advise on the export control aspects of research commercialization, industry collaborations, and technology transfers.
• Collaborate with Legal Affairs, Procurement, and Research Operations when handling restricted technologies or assets.
• Guide principal investigators and research teams regarding controlled transfers, data sharing, end use/end user considerations, and international collaboration risks.
• Deliver targeted training sessions to promote understanding of KU’s risk-based export controls.
• Contribute to refining KU’s export control procedures, templates, and practices.
• Coordinate with departments like Research Operations, Compliance, Legal, and Procurement on export control responsibilities.
• Ensure compliance with the University's information security policies, reporting any breaches or risks appropriately.
• Promote and uphold a safe and healthy work environment.
• Perform other tasks assigned by the line manager.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Law, International Trade, Compliance, Research Administration, or closely related discipline; advanced degrees (Master’s, Ph.D., JD) preferred.
• Professional certification or formal training in export control or trade compliance is advantageous.
• Proven ability to classify dual-use goods, software, or technology per national control lists.
• Experience managing export control permits, authorizations, and End-User Certificates.
• Knowledge of UAE non-proliferation regulations and related Goods Schedule.
• Background in research institutions, universities, or advanced technology sectors is preferred.
• At least 7 years of relevant professional experience.
• Strong communication and interpersonal acumen to foster productive university relationships.