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Contract Specialist I

Employer
Rice University
Location
Texas, United States
Salary
Salary Not Specified
Date posted
Jun 30, 2022


Special Instructions to Applicants : Please attach a cover letter and a resume in the Supporting Documents section of the application. Please make sure to include employment dates on the resume in Month/ Year format.

Position Summary

The Contract Specialist I under the supervision of the Assistant Director of Contracts, will serve in the Office of Technology Transfer, by independently drafting, negotiating, and finalizing material transfer and non-disclosure agreements. Additionally, the position will assist in drafting, conducting negotiations and preparing agreements, subcontracts and amendments for industry sponsored research in accordance with institutional and departmental policies and procedures

This is a full-time, benefits eligible, one-year term limited position.

Essential Functions
  • Reviews sponsored project agreements for completion, accuracy, and compliance with internal policy and external regulations
  • Conducts formal solicitation of contracts by government sponsors ensuring compliance with the Code of Federal Regulations, Federal Acquisitions Regulations, Office of Management & Budget guidance, and other government regulations
  • Accepts standard contract awards on behalf of the university
  • Acts on behalf of the university and serves as liaison between the faculty and sponsors during contract negotiation and by providing justification, documentation, and policy / guideline interpretation to stakeholders
  • Prepares and negotiates select agreements for management approval
  • Checks contracts for special provisions
  • Collects, obtains, and ensures completion of required sub recipient documentation
  • Provides regular status updates to Principal Investigators, Managers and Project Administrators
  • Coordinates account setup with the post-award team
  • Partners with others to serve as a resource to educate units regarding institutional processes
  • Performs all other duties as assigned
Additional Functions / Information
  • Draft, conduct negotiations and finalize material transfer (MTA) and non-disclosure agreements (NDA) in accordance with institutional and departmental policies and procedures.
  • Assist in drafting, negotiating and preparing agreements, subcontracts and amendments for industry sponsored research in accordance with institutional and departmental policies and procedures.
  • Analyze and interpret MTA, NDA and industry contract language.
  • Analyze, synthesize, and interpret information from multiple sources to solve problems.
  • Interface with licensing managers in interpreting intellectual property issues and applying correct contract language.
  • Assist in providing service to the faculty requesting advice and interpretation of language in MTA, NDA and industry sponsored research agreements and amendments.
  • Be familiar with compliance information such as IACUC, IRB, and COI as they relate to industry-funded research as well as export control regulations and issues.
  • Monitor two office email inboxes and distribute emails, as appropriate.
  • Work with the Director of the Office of Technology Transfer and the Assistant Director of Contracts on special projects as assigned.
  • Remain fully cognizant of changing internal and external policies, procedures and regulations as they apply to industry sponsored research, MTAs and NDAs, particularly intellectual property issues as they affect these contracts.
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s Degree
    • Experience may not be substituted for the education requirement
  • 1 year of administrative experience
  • Must be able to multitask, prioritize, have excellent time management and be able to meet deadlines.
  • Must exhibit excellent customer service, presentation skills, verbal and written communication and organizational skills.
  • Must be able to quickly adapt to changes regulations, requirements, policies and procedures.
  • Must have strong analytical skills.
  • Must be able to work in a team-based environment.
  • Must be detail oriented.
  • Must have demonstrated decision-making ability and good judgement.
  • Must be able to interpret complex contract language, regulations and requirements.
  • Experience – Contract negotiation, research administration, or technology transfer.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in Science
  • 3 years of experience
  • Experience working in a university setting handling or negotiating research related agreements.
  • Experience working in an industry setting working with research related agreements.
  • Knowledge of industry contracts and/or a background university administration in a department or a central research administration unit.
  • Familiarity with university policies as they relate to research.
  • Familiarity with Excel.
Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer with commitment to diversity at all levels, and considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status.

Current Rice University COVID policies, which include vaccination, face mask, testing, gatherings, occupancy limits, and travel policies can be found here: https://coronavirus.rice.edu/policies

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