Research Export Control Senior Specialist

Job Overview

Khalifa University is seeking a Research Export Control Senior Specialist to guide research teams on regulatory controls affecting sensitive technologies, data, software, equipment, and international collaboration. The role helps identify higher-risk activities early, apply proportionate controls, and support responsible research partnerships while protecting institutional compliance and enabling legitimate academic work.

Key Responsibilities

• Advise principal investigators, researchers, and administrative units on controlled transfers, data sharing, end-use, and end-user considerations.
• Review research activities and collaborations to identify potential export-control exposure and determine suitable next steps.
• Classify dual-use goods, software, and technologies against applicable national control lists and relevant regulatory requirements.
• Prepare or coordinate export permits, authorizations, end-user certificates, and records of control reviews and approvals.
• Explain UAE non-proliferation requirements and relevant foreign export-control laws when they legally apply.
• Coordinate with Research Operations, Compliance, Legal Affairs, Procurement, and other units on risk management and approvals.
• Provide guidance and awareness support, maintain accurate records, protect confidential data, and report compliance risks promptly.

Requirements and Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in Law, International Trade, Compliance, Research Administration, or a related field is required.
• A master’s, PhD, or JD degree is preferred; export-control or trade-compliance certification is an asset.
• A minimum of seven years of professional experience is required.
• Experience classifying dual-use goods, software, or technology and managing permits or end-user certificates is expected.
• Familiarity with UAE non-proliferation regulations and experience in research, higher education, or high-technology settings are important.

Key Skills

• Regulatory interpretation, compliance assessment, and export-control risk classification.
• Permit administration, recordkeeping, research advisory, and policy communication.
• Professional judgement, relationship-building, confidentiality, and training delivery.

Work Approach

The successful candidate is expected to work professionally with colleagues and stakeholders, maintain reliable records, communicate progress clearly, and follow applicable university policies. Careful planning, responsible handling of information, attention to quality, and a willingness to improve processes will help support consistent outcomes in this role.

Employment Details

• Company: Khalifa University
• Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
• Employment Type: Full Time
• Functional Area: Higher Education, Research Compliance, Export Control, Legal & Regulatory