Contract Officer

Contract Officer

About Northeastern:
Founded in 1898, Northeastern is a global research university and the recognized leader in experience-driven lifelong learning. Our world-renowned experiential approach empowers our students, faculty, alumni, and partners to create impact far beyond the confines of discipline, degree, and campus.

Our locations—in Boston; Charlotte, North Carolina; London; Portland, Maine; San Francisco; Seattle; Silicon Valley; Toronto; Vancouver; and the Massachusetts communities of Burlington and Nahant—are nodes in our growing global university system. Through this network, we expand opportunities for flexible, student-centered learning and collaborative, solutions-focused research.

Northeastern's comprehensive array of undergraduate and graduate programs— in a variety of on-campus and online formats—lead to degrees through the doctorate in nine colleges and schools. Among these, we offer more than 195 multi-discipline majors and degrees designed to prepare students for purposeful lives and careers.

Responsibilities:
Northeastern University's Research Enterprise Services (NU-RES) provides leadership and expertise to faculty, investigators and college administrators in support of research and sponsored programs at Northeastern University. NU -- a dynamic, innovative, and entrepreneurial university with a diverse and growing research portfolio -- seeks to hire talented, experienced administrators who are dedicated to supporting investigators secure and manage their extramurally sponsored activities. The University is committed to hiring and developing personnel who enjoy working in a high-performing culture that rewards excellence. To learn more about Northeastern's unique academic environment and generous benefits please see: http://www.northeastern.edu/hrm/. Northeastern is a global university and NU-RES supports its team working remotely. Remote locations and work schedules are determined based on operational needs and in consultation with Team members, consistent with University policies and guidance.

As a key member of the NU-RES Contracts Team, the Contract Officer will report to the Director of Grants & Contracts, supporting, facilitating and advancing faculty research and sponsored activities by advising faculty and administrators on a wide-range of regulatory and practical issues related to extramurally funded contracts and agreements with industry, Federal agencies, and non-profit organizations. The Contact Officer reviews, analyzes, drafts and negotiates sponsored research and related contracts (e.g., confidentiality, non-disclosure, data use, material transfer agreements, etc.), leveraging strong technical knowledge of academic standards, intellectual property rights and applicable regulatory requirements. In addition, as a member of the larger NU-RES team, the Contract Officer provides administrative support for the management of the University's contract award portfolio. The Contract Officer must be independent, be able to think critically and have strong interpersonal, collaborative, and project management skills. A sense of humor, high tolerance for ambiguity and preference for working in a deadline-driven environment preferred.

Responsibilities include:
Primarily responsible for the timely administration, review, analysis, and negotiation of contracts and related research agreements with industry partners, federal agencies and non-profit institutions (as assigned). Scope of negotiated agreements included, but are not limited to, sponsored research agreements, non-disclosure agreements, material transfer agreements, and data use agreements. Identify legal, financial, regulatory and business risks; effectively communicate with investigators, administrative colleagues and counterparts about issues and recommend mutually satisfactory terms & conditions. Coordinate with University offices, including Office of General Counsel, Office of Research Compliance, IT, Risk Services, OHSRP, and EHS as needed for the constructive resolution of contract and agreement issues and post-execution administration of contract awards. The Contract Officer will offer effective analytical and creative problem-solving skills and the ability to manage a high volume of work in a fast-paced, deadline driven work environment.

Must have demonstrated ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively, excellent verbal and written communication skills; strong interpersonal skills; demonstrated integrity, initiative, professionalism and highly collegial and collaborative approach in all work and in developing and maintaining professional relationships. Strong principle-based negotiation and agreement drafting experience coupled with an understanding of areas of key concern to academic institutions, funding agencies, especially corporate/industry partners.

Assist in identification, development and implementation of contract policies and processes, including contribute to on-going process improvement initiatives, e.g., dynamic workflow management, and outreach, education and training programs.

Qualifications:
Experience reviewing applicable federal statutes and regulations, including a strong understanding of laws and regulations related to research and sponsored activities (e.g., Federal Acquisition Regulations, Uniform Guidance, Intellectual Property, FCOI, IRB/IACUC/IBC, Data/Privacy, Export Controls, etc.). Must be detail oriented and have solid judgment and capacity to exercise discretion to resolve ambiguity and promote effective solutions.

Demonstrated knowledge of sponsored research issues including policies (e.g., intellectual property rights, publications, and academic freedom) and best practices, preferably in an academic or corporate setting. The Contracts Officer will offer effective analytical and creative problem-solving skills and the ability to manage a high volume of work in a fast-paced, deadline driven work environment.

Ability to effectively manage multiple priorities and thrive in a fast-paced, time-sensitive, innovative environment. Must have a strong commitment to providing professional, timely, value-added courteous service to the university research community. Must have solid judgment and capacity to exercise discretion to resolve ambiguity and promote effective solutions. Must have a strong commitment to constructively contribute to a customer service environment, providing professional, timely, efficient, and courteous service to the university research community.

Bachelor's degree and a minimum of 5 years' relevant experience in the field of research administration in an academic, non-profit or industry setting and a commitment to continued professional education and development required. Knowledge of government grant regulations, agency policies, and familiarity with customary policies and procedures of an institute of higher education preferred.

Salary Grade:
Salary commensurate with experience.

Additional Information:
Northeastern is a global university and NU-RES supports its team working remotely. Remote locations and work schedules are determined based on operational needs and in consultation with Team members, consistent with University policies and guidance.

Northeastern University is an equal opportunity employer, seeking to recruit and support a broadly diverse community of faculty and staff. Northeastern values and celebrates diversity in all its forms and strives to foster an inclusive culture built on respect that affirms inter-group relations and builds cohesion.

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

To learn more about Northeastern University's commitment and support of diversity and inclusion, please see www.northeastern.edu/diversity.


To apply, visit https://careers.pageuppeople.com/879/cw/en-us/job/508696

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