Research Security Program Manager

Natcast (short for The National Center for the Advancement of Semiconductor Technology) is a new, purpose-built, non-profit entity created to operate the National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC) consortium, established by the CHIPS Act of the U.S. government.

Working at Natcast represents an opportunity to help extend America’s leadership in semiconductor technology, significantly reduce the time and cost of moving from idea to commercialization, and build and sustain a semiconductor workforce development ecosystem.

These efforts to advance semiconductor technology and seed new industries built on the capabilities of a wide range of advanced chips hold the potential to benefit the country and the world for generations to come.

Research Security Program Manager

In this role, you will help safeguard semiconductor research initiatives from potential risks and ensure compliance with federal regulations.

Every day you will collaborate with government agencies, industry partners, and academic institutions to develop and implement robust research security measures that protect Natcast's groundbreaking initiatives.

Success in this role requires a unique combination of technical knowledge, analytical skills, and the ability to navigate complex stakeholder relationships with integrity and pragmatism.

Natcast is a trailblazing non-profit entity established under the CHIPS Act to operate the National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC) consortium. As a key component of the CHIPS and Science Act, Natcast is poised to drive innovation, set standards, and re-establish U.S. leadership in semiconductor design and manufacturing. By convening the brightest minds from government, industry, and academia, Natcast is addressing the most pressing challenges in the domestic semiconductor ecosystem head-on.

The Research Security Program Manager will play a pivotal role in shaping Natcast's research security framework from the ground up. By developing cutting-edge policies, procedures, and training programs aligned with federal regulations like NSPM-33 and NIST IR 8484, you will ensure that Natcast's research activities are secure and globally competitive. Your expertise will be instrumental in assessing risks, providing guidance to funding recipients, and collaborating with stakeholders to implement best practices across the semiconductor research landscape.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain Natcast's research security program framework, including policies, processes, and training materials
• Collaborate within Natcast to assess security risks and review plans from funding applicants/recipients
• Provide guidance to funding recipients on establishing effective research security programs, conflict of interest/commitment procedures, foreign travel security, cybersecurity, and export control and compliance
• Oversee the review and approval process for foreign research collaborations, data sharing, and publication requests
• Conduct risk assessments for "covered individuals" participating in Natcast projects, including review of current/pending support for potential conflicts of interest and/or commitment as well as affiliations with malign foreign talent programs
• Develop and deliver research security training to Natcast staff, funding recipients, researchers, and other stakeholders
• Stay updated on evolving threats, regulations, and best practices related to research security and technology protection
• Liaise with relevant government agencies and stakeholders on research security matters affecting Natcast's initiatives
• Provide subject matter expertise and support on research security issues to Natcast's leadership
• Serve as the primary liaison between Natcast and relevant government security agencies, ensuring compliance with the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM) and associated regulations.
• Oversee and maintain secure facilities, including Closed Areas or Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities (SCIFs), as required by contracts and government regulations.
  
  

Required Skills And Experience

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field of study
• Minimum 10 years of experience in research security, technology protection, export controls, counterintelligence or a related field
• In-depth understanding of relevant federal regulations (e.g. NSPM-33, Export Controls) and best practices pertaining to research security
• Able to obtain and maintain at least a Top Secret Security Clearance
• Excellent analytical, critical thinking, and risk assessment skills
• Strong communication and training abilities
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and stakeholders
• Knowledge of industrial security processes, regulations, and best practices, including the NISPOM, Industrial Security Letters (ISLs), and contract-specific security requirements.
• Experience managing personnel security clearances, including submitting clearance requests, tracking periodic reinvestigations, and conducting debriefings for departing personnel.
  
  

Preferred Skills, Experience And Qualifications

• Active U.S. security clearance
• Deep understanding of semiconductor technology
• Significant experience applying cybersecurity best practices to leading-edge research environments
• Advanced Degree in a relevant field
  
  

Natcast is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, or any protected attribute. We encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply and join us in our mission. If you require accommodation at any stage of the application process due to a disability, please let us know.

We collect and manage personal data in compliance with data privacy regulations and best practices.