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Director of Security

Overview

The Director of Security is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing a comprehensive security program that protects LBRI’s personnel, facilities, assets, sensitive data, and intellectual property.

This role oversees physical security, laboratory security, emergency preparedness, incident response, and coordination with federal, state, and local agencies, and serves as the liaison between LBRI and the Kirtland Air Force Base. The Director ensures compliance with applicable biomedical research regulations, biosafety standards, and security requirements associated with federally funded research.

The Director of Security provides strategic leadership to safeguard high-value scientific infrastructure and maintain a safe and secure environment for researchers, staff, and visitors.

Key Responsibilities

Security Strategy & Leadership

Develop and execute the Institute’s enterprise security strategy aligned with organizational objectives and risk management priorities.
Establish security policies, procedures, and standards across all facilities.
Provide leadership and direction to the security operations team and contracted security personnel.
Serve as the primary advisor to executive leadership on security risk management.

Physical Security & Facility Protection

Oversee security for laboratories, research facilities, animal care facilities, offices, and restricted areas.
Manage physical security systems including:

Access control
Surveillance systems (CCTV)
Intrusion detection
Alarm systems

Ensure appropriate access restrictions to controlled research environments.

Research & Laboratory Security

Protect sensitive biological materials, research data, and intellectual property.
Support compliance with regulations related to:

Select Agent Program (if applicable)
Biosafety and biosecurity protocols
Federal research security guidance

Coordinate with biosafety, compliance, and research leadership.
Conduct suitability risk assessment adjudications for select agent access.

Risk Management & Threat Assessment

Conduct security risk assessments and vulnerability analyses across facilities.
Develop mitigation strategies for potential threats including:

Theft
Unauthorized access
Data compromise
Workplace violence
Insider threats

Emergency Management & Incident Response

Lead planning for emergency preparedness, crisis management, and business continuity.
Develop response protocols for:

Security incidents
Natural disasters
Biohazard emergencies
Active threat situations

Coordinate with local law enforcement, emergency responders, and federal agencies.

Regulatory Compliance

Ensure compliance with applicable security standards and regulatory requirements including:

Federal research security requirements
NIH/DoD/DHS/CDC security expectations (as applicable)
OSHA and workplace safety standards

Support audits and inspections related to security programs.

Security Operations

Oversee daily security operations including guard force management and patrol activities.
Manage security vendor relationships and contracts.
Develop and maintain security training programs for staff.

Technology & Security Systems

Evaluate and implement advanced security technologies.
Ensure integration of physical security systems with facility infrastructure.
Monitor system performance and cybersecurity coordination where relevant.

Key Competencies

Strategic leadership
Risk management and threat mitigation
Crisis and incident management
Regulatory compliance
Communication and stakeholder coordination
Security technology management

This position operates in a biomedical research institute environment, including offices, laboratories, and secure research areas. The Director must be able to respond to security incidents or emergencies outside normal working hours when necessary.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Security Management, Criminal Justice, Homeland Security, Emergency Management, or related field with 10+ years of progressive security leadership experience, preferably in research, healthcare, government, or laboratory environments, including 3 years in a leadership role and team management or an equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been attained.

Experience managing security programs in complex facilities.

Demonstrated experience with risk assessment and emergency management planning.

Knowledge of physical security technologies and systems.

Relocation may be offered for this position.

Preferred/Additional Qualifications

Master’s degree in Security Studies, Public Administration, or related field.
Experience with DoD regulations as they relate to Kirtland Air Force Base.
Knowledge of DoD facility and personnel industrial security regulations.
Experience conducting adjudications for Suitability Risk Assessments.
Professional certifications such as:
- CPP (Certified Protection Professional – ASIS)
- PSP (Physical Security Professional – ASIS)
Experience supporting federally funded research organizations.
Familiarity with biosafety and laboratory security frameworks.

Physical Requirements

Work is normally performed in a typical office work environment and includes; moderate physical activity; sitting for extended periods of time; dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard and mouse. Work assignments may require travel between LBRI North and South Facilities, MRN or other locations as required. Successful completion of a post-offer pre- employment physical is required. Potential to encounter chemical and radiation hazards on an infrequent basis. Will involve domestic travel and may involve international travel. Work location is primarily at the LBRI North, LBRI South, and MRN facilities, and may involve other LBRI work or customer locations depending on the needs of the business.

The above is intended to describe the general requirements for the position and should not be interpreted as an exhaustive statement of physical requirements. The Institute will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires an accommodation to perform the essential functions of the position.