Fast Facts

The Information Technology Research Security Specialist at UMBC plays a pivotal role in enhancing research security through the implementation of robust cybersecurity measures and compliance with standards, contributing to the university's mission of advancing health and well-being through research.

Responsibilities: Key responsibilities include safeguarding sensitive data, designing security measures, assessing vulnerabilities, collaborating with auditors, and providing training on IT security best practices.

Skills: Minimum qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or Information Systems, and two years of experience with security control frameworks and training on IT security.

Qualifications: Preferred qualifications include a Master’s degree and experience with NIST or HITRUST certification processes, risk assessments, and designing secure IT solutions.

Location: This position is based in the USA with a hybrid telework schedule potentially available.

Compensation: $94000 - $106000 / Annually

Department: The Division of Information Technology (DoIT) has approximately 85 full time staff members and 100 undergraduate or graduate students that work each day to support the mission of UMBC through the delivery of IT services to the campus. DoIT provides robust, secure IT environments that enable solutions for advancing the UMBC community. We do this through a staff of technology professionals that are connected both nationally and to UMBC. 

Position Overview: The Information Technology Research Security Specialist reports to the Chief Information Security Officer and collaborates with the Office of Research Protections & Compliance and The Hilltop Institute to enhance IT research security. This role implements and maintains robust security measures, advising on systems and controls tailored to the research environment and The Hilltop Institute's data warehouse function. Additionally, this position contributes to a grant-funded research study, developing training materials and best practices for IT security-based research compliance at universities similar in size to UMBC.

Why Work at UMBC? UMBC offers competitive compensation. This role starts at $94,000 and has over 4 weeks of vacation for regular full time roles. Tuition remission is also available.

What is it like to work at UMBC? Check out Glassdoor or Indeed .

For 15 years in a row UMBC has been recognized as a Great College to Work For ! 

Telework: A hybrid telework schedule may be available. 

Responsibilities: Safeguard research and sensitive data as a key player in our cybersecurity team. You'll provide important cybersecurity expertise for our dynamic research environment and The Hilltop Institute whose mission is advancing health and wellbeing through research and analytics. 

Your mission? To build a robust security posture that protects vital information while empowering groundbreaking research. This includes: 

• Designing and implementing security measures to combat data breaches, unauthorized access, and cyber threats. 
• Assessing and strengthening existing security controls, identifying vulnerabilities, and developing mitigation strategies. 
• Collaborating with internal and external auditors, assessors, and consultants to ensure compliance with rigorous standards (e.g., HITRUST). 
• Serving as a trusted advisor to university research operations and The Hilltop Institute, providing expert security guidance tailored to their unique needs.
• Empowering the research community by developing and delivering training and resources on IT security best practices.  

If you're passionate about cybersecurity and want to make a real difference in protecting vital research data, we encourage you to apply!

• Required Minimum Qualifications: Requires a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or Information Systems
• A minimum two (2) years experience applying security control frameworks to information technology systems including but not limited to:
• Selecting and documenting security controls for an IT system,
• Developing risk mitigation plans for vulnerabilities and findings, and
• Experience conducting training and outreach related to information technology security.
• Preferred Qualifications:  Master’s degree in Computer Science or Information Systems
• Two (2) years experience applying security control frameworks to information technology systems including but not limited to:
• Selecting and documenting security controls from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) or HITRUST for an IT system,
• Facilitating or supporting the HITRUST certification of an IT system,
• Conducting risk assessments against IT security control implementations or Data Use Agreements (DUA),
• Developing risk mitigation plans for vulnerabilities and findings,
• Designing secure IT solutions, and
• Experience conducting training and outreach related to information technology security.

Background Screening Statement: A background check will be required. 

Special Instructions to Applicants: Upload a cover letter and a resume.  

Closing Date: Open Until Filled Benefits: UMBC offers a rich benefits package.

Regular and grant funded regular positions ( Full benefits summary click here ):

Generous Leave which includes accruing:

• 22 Days of Annual Leave  
• 15 Days of Sick Leave  
• 15 Holidays
• 3 Personal Days

Tuition Remission :

• 8 credit hours per semester
• Tuition remission at UMBC for eligible dependents after two years of FT employment

Additional Benefits:

• Life and disability insurance
• Retirement plans (including the choice of joining the pension plan)
• Professional development opportunities
• Wellness opportunities
• & Much more 

Salary: Salary: $94,000 - $106,000 depending on qualifications and experience.

The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, budget, prior experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business considerations.

The above salary range represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Hours: Full-time Type: Grant Funded

This position is Grant Funded, wherein employment is contingent upon award renewal.

FLSA Status: Exempt  Equal Opportunity Statement: UMBC is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Applications from women, minority group members, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Title IX: As an institution that receives federal financial assistance, UMBC adheres to Title IX and does not discriminate on the basis of sex. For more information about Title IX and contact information for Title IX Coordinator click here.   Accommodation: 

If you require a reasonable accommodation for a disability for any part of the employment process, please contact the Human Resources Department at 410-455-2337 or MD TTY Relay Service 1-800-735-2258 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Work Authorization  As required by the 1986 Immigration Act, be prepared to present acceptable documentation upon hire showing your identity and that you are a U.S. citizen or an alien who is authorized to work.