Director of Security

Lovelace Biomedical Research Institute•Albuquerque, NM

9d•Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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.

Nice To Haves

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.

Responsibilities

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