Senior Contracts Officer

Department
 

Provost URA: Research Contracting

About the Department
 

University Research Administration has the responsibility to review and provide institutional endorsement for all proposals to federal and other external sponsors (excluding gifts), assuring compliance with University policies and sponsor terms and conditions. URA is the institutional authority for the negotiation and acceptance of financial support or other contractually-binding obligations in the form of a contract, grant, or agreement, including material transfer agreements and clinical trials.

Job Summary
 

The Senior Contract Officer position is the Lead on Grants and Contracts Team on the Research Contract Group at University Research Administration.

The Research Contract Group plays a key role in a team-based approach to faculty-centric development and execution of sponsored research, collaboration, and related agreements. The group is organized into teams that support Clinical Trials, Industry Collaboration and Non-Profit/Foundation Research Related Grants and Contracts. The Senior Contract Officer position is the lead on the Grants and Contracts Team on the Research Contract Group at University Research Administration. The position will be focus on specialized research-related agreements including but not limited to Material Transfer Agreements (MTAs), Confidential Disclosure Agreement (CDAs), Data Use Agreements (DUAs), Collaboration Agreements, along with other funded and unfunded agreements.

The job uses best practices and knowledge of activities to support the functional areas of University Research Administration. The individual will be expected to take a leading role in research, training, and other sponsored activities at the University, building upon knowledge of the University, processes, and customers. Assists in the development of research compliance education programs.

Requires in-depth knowledge and experience. Uses best practices and knowledge of internal or external University issues to improve products or services. Solves complex problems; takes a new perspective using existing solutions. Acts as a resource for colleagues with less experience.

Responsibilities

• Works with the Director, Research Contracting to establish consistent and high level of service provided to faculty researchers and administrators by Grants & Contracts Team.

• Advanced knowledge of contracting and related processes.

• Demonstrated understanding of university research environment and policies.

• Drafts, negotiates, and comments upon complex sponsored research and collaboration agreements on all research -related agreements including confidentiality, data use and material transfer agreements.

• Consults with initiative team members, faculty/researchers, and outside partners as needed on explanation of, and compliance with, University policies and practices as they relate to contract terms and conditions.

• Acting as part of the Contracts Team, independently manages various agreement types from initiation to completion/execution in a timely, efficient, and thorough manner.

• Provides guidance, mentoring, and feedback to Contract Specialists and Contract Officers on the Grants and Contracts Team.

• Communicates clearly and consistently with stakeholders during the negotiation process.

• Works closely and collaboratively with University Leadership support of faculty and various University needs.

• Works with Post Award Administrators to resolve post-execution contract issues, including interpretation of terms and conditions, changes in requirements, terminations, disputes, etc., in consultation with the Office of Legal Counsel and the Polsky Center, as necessary.

• Works with colleagues and Associate Vice President for Research Administration to develop approaches and solutions for novel or atypical terms requested by faculty or potential sponsor.

• Maintains knowledge of current trends and developments in the field by attending professional development training, workshops, seminars and conferences and by reading professional literature in the related technical field.

• Has delegated authorization to sign agreements on behalf of the University under delegations authorized by the Associate Vice President for Research Administration.

• Provides faculty and administrators with application preparation, analyzing possible solutions to problems that arise using standard procedures. Reviews, interprets, and negotiates contract and grant terms to determine compliance and/or conflict with federal regulations and procedures.

• With limited guidance, helps to obtain sponsor approvals for major changes to project work scope, etc. Transmits proposals and manag