(709) Program Manager and Senior Advisor for Research Security

Position Description

The Program Manager and Senior Advisor for Research Security will support the NOAA Research Security Program by leading and overseeing the execution of specialized analyses to identify, assess, and mitigate threats to NOAA's critical technologies, intellectual property, and research data. This position requires a strong background in counterintelligence methodologies with specific experience in research security, technology protection, and foreign influence detection.

Location:  (Hybrid) Silver Spring, MD  

Clearance:  Top Secret

Responsibilities and/or Success Factors: 

Threat Assessment and Analysis 

• Conduct comprehensive assessments of foreign influence risks in NOAA research programs
• Analyze intelligence reports and open-source information to identify potential threats to NOAA-sponsored research
• Perform due diligence research on foreign entities seeking collaboration with NOAA research programs.
• Lead development of the NOAA Critical Assets List by identifying critical technologies vulnerable to foreign acquisition Policy and Procedure Development
• Lead development of specialized due diligence processes for both classified (JWICS) and unclassified research security reviews
• Contribute to the export control policy development and technology control plan assessments
• Draft standard operating procedures for counterintelligence-focused due diligence in research collaborations
• Lead development of disclosure requirements standards and consequences for violations Security Framework Implementation
• Provide counterintelligence expertise for gap analysis of current NOAA research security posture
• Contribute to risk assessments of critical and emerging technologies as defined by NSPM-33
• Develop procedures for identifying and mitigating nation-state threats to NOAA research
• Lead in the design of supply chain risk management processes to protect research integrity Training and Incident Response
• Develop specialized training materials focusing on foreign influence detection, technology protection, and threat awareness
• Support tabletop exercises and simulations specific to counterintelligence scenarios
• Contribute to incident response planning for cases of suspected foreign influence or unauthorized technology transfer
• Provide briefings to NOAA personnel on counterintelligence trends and threat indicators
• Provide programmatic management support and oversight of the program and contract deliverables, timelines, and requirement adherence 

Minimum Qualifications Including Certificates:

• Bachelor's degree in Intelligence Studies, International Relations, Cybersecurity, or related field
• Minimum 10 years of experience in counterintelligence, preferably in a government or research environment.
• In-depth knowledge of NSPM-33 requirements and research security frameworks
• Experience with export control regulations (ITAR, EAR) and technology control procedures.
• Proficiency with classified and unclassified intelligence analysis tools and methodologies.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to synthesize information from multiple sources.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.