Contract Officer

Overview

This role supports the Office of Research and Sponsored Projects (ORSP) by reviewing, negotiating, and accepting unfunded contracts and related agreements for the organization. The position holds responsibility and authority to agree to contractual terms and conditions on behalf of the University as a representative in ORSP.

A remote work option may be available. Hybrid or mobile/remote work arrangements are determined by the hiring department and reviewed annually at a minimum; work mode agreements may change at any time during employment.

Responsibilities

Under the leadership of the Assistant Director, Unfunded Agreements, responsibilities include:

Contract and Agreements Negotiation and Acceptance

• Draft various contracts and other legal documents related to sponsored projects, using standard templates when possible.
• Negotiate terms and conditions for material transfer and data use agreements, confidentiality agreements, and other agreements as assigned.
• Accept contracts exercising appropriate delegated signatory authority.
• Conduct comprehensive analyses of contract provisions related to intellectual property ownership and licensing, publication and confidentiality, liability, indemnification, warranty, export control, and choice of law, among others.
• Conduct negotiations to balance the needs of the parties with those of the PI and the organization.
• Identify negotiation issues where the organization’s position and/or goals diverge from the external entity; work with colleagues to seek favorable resolution and escalate to more senior management when resolution cannot be achieved timely or when issues are broad-based or may apply to other situations.
• Solicit input from principal investigators and other central administrative offices (as appropriate), including Research Information Security, Export Controls, IRB, IACUC, Innovation Partnerships, General Counsel, and Risk Management.
• Advise principal investigators and their staff of unusual or problematic terms, coordinate action plans, and stay informed of the negotiation process.
• Ensure negotiated terms adhere to University, agency, and federally mandated requirements.

Agency and Industry Liaison

• Maintain ongoing liaison with external counterparts to strengthen research relationships.
• Collaborate with departmental stakeholders and external parties to move agreements toward execution in a compliant and timely manner.

Training, Professional Development, and Other Duties

• Support ORSP management and other central and university units as requested by contributing to training programs and sponsored research materials on topics such as working with sponsors and industry.
• Attend and assist in education and training meetings, specialized training seminars, staff professional development activities, and participate in staff meetings and departmental working groups.
• Use tools and information from national and regional research administration organizations to continuously enhance knowledge and skills.
• Represent ORSP and the organization on working groups as requested.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• U.S. Citizenship or Lawful Permanent Resident Status: ORSP deals with export-controlled information, the handling of which is regulated by the U.S. Federal Government and access to which is restricted to U.S. Citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents.
• Experience negotiating contracts and agreements.
• Transactional legal experience drafting and redlining contracts and agreements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited institution or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Working knowledge of sponsor software systems (e.g. eRA Commons, Research.gov, Proposal Central, etc.).
• Familiarity with University policies and procedures related to research administration (including, but not limited to, accounting, purchasing, personnel, and regulatory compliance).
• Experience providing excellent customer service.
• Certification in Research Administration (CRA)

Compensation & Benefits

Compensation and benefits are not specified in the job posting.

Location

Remote work may be available. Hybrid or mobile/remote work mode eligibility is determined by the hiring department.

Application Notes

• A cover letter is required for consideration. It should be attached as the first page of your resume.
• The cover letter must address specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience directly related to the responsibilities and requirements.

Background Screening

Upon acceptance of a contingent offer, the organization conducts background checks on all candidates and may use a third-party administrator. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. The opening may be removed from posting boards and filled at any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The organization is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.