Contract Negotiator I

Job Title

Contract Negotiator I

Agency

Texas A&M Engineering

Department

Tees Contracts

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Bryan, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

Why work for Texas A&M Engineering?

Who we are

Texas A&M Engineering is a large employer in the great and growing cities of Bryan/College Station, offering thousands of career opportunities in a wide variety of fields. We are deeply committed to recruiting and retaining a talented workforce that embraces our core values of respect, excellence, leadership, loyalty, integrity, and service. Texas A&M Engineering offers competitive salaries, full benefits, an extensive support network, and above all, an enriching and highly collaborative working community that is deeply passionate about our vision for higher education, research, and public service.

Job Description

Purpose:

The Contract Negotiator I drafts, reviews, edits, and negotiates terms of various agreements including industry-related sponsored project agreements.  Negotiates rights to technical data and intellectual property, publication rights, termination, liability, institutional contributions, payment terms etc. Ensures that agreements are in compliance with the following:  state and federal laws, policies and guidelines, Texas A&M University System (TAMUS), and Agency requirements, and sponsor guidelines as applicable.  Works collaboratively with the offices of Technology Commercialization, General Counsel, System Real Estate, Ethics and Compliance, TEES Administration, and other offices as appropriate.

Responsibilities:

• Communicates with Principal Investigators, sponsors, and internal staff to acquire relevant facts for accurate contract development (negotiation) and revision.
• Identifies areas of risk for the System and Agency in addition to providing potential solutions including but not limited to identification of export control issues.
• Analyzes contractual language and drafts alternative language without supervision.  Drafts contracts without the use of forms.
• Provides guidance to research administration and/or management on resolving issues that prevent completion of agreements.  Demonstration of conceptual understanding of complex contract issues, management of contract workflow and completion of complex negotiations.
• Assists with coordination of researchers and departmental personnel throughout negotiations utilizing both effective written and verbal communication.
• Assists with resolving award related issues as they arise.  Facilitate individual and collaborative meetings/interaction with faculty and sponsors as needed.
• Ability to research and apply federal, state, and local laws and regulations including knowledge of federal flow through procedures and the Federal Acquisition Regulations.
• Assists in the evaluation of contracts administration practices and procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.

What we need:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• No prior experience

What is helpful:

• Degree in Law, Business, or related field. 
• Professional job-related work experience specifically related to business administration, contracting and/or research administration.
• Experience with technical writing and the ability to draft contracts.
• Business experience in the TAMUS or other university setting.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Working knowledge of federal grant and contract regulations and current research administration issues.
• Excellent critical thinking and analytical capabilities with attention to detail and accuracy
• Excellent verbal and written communications, organizational, interpersonal, proofreading, and time management skills 
• Ability to apply problem-solving skills to complex problems, prioritize, and manage multiple projects and meet deadlines
• Ability to work independently and with minimal supervision
• Ability to utilize software systems and other electronic tools to execute projects
• Excellent time management and customer service skills
• Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others

Preferred Licenses and Certifications:

• Certified Research Administrator

Work Location:

• RELLIS Campus – Bryan, TX.

About TEES Contracts

The Contracts team is a dedicated team of professionals charged with facilitating cutting-edge research by leveraging contracting expertise, industry insights, and close coordination with other Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station (TEES) and Texas A&M University System to execute agreements that further TEES’ overall mission while mitigating risks. TEES Contracts is responsible for the negotiation and execution of industry sponsored research contracts and collaborative and exchange agreements. From initiation to execution, the TEES Contracts team works diligently and efficiently to deliver results that support innovation and create a positive contracting experience for all involved.

Texas A&M Engineering provides an outstanding benefits package including but not limited to:

• Competitive health benefits.
• Generous paid vacation, sick time, and holidays.
• Vision, Dental, Life, and Long-Term Disability insurance options.
• Teachers Retirement System of Texas (TRS), a defined benefit retirement plan with 8% employer contribution.
• Additional Voluntary Retirement Programs: Tax Deferred Account 403(b) and a Deferred Compensation Program 457(b).
• Flexible spending account options for medical and childcare expenses
• Robust free training access through LinkedIn Learning plus professional development opportunities.
• Tuition assistance https://engineering.tamu.edu/information/esac/educational-assistance-programs.html
• Wellness program release time offered to employees to promote work/life balance.

Helpful Applicant Information

Required Materials for Application:

• Resume/CV
• Three work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor/former supervisor.
• Letter of interest

Compensation Philosophy:

• Recruit and retain high-performing workforce through competitive compensation and career development including career pathing, coaching and skills development.
• Offer total rewards, flexible benefits, professional development, performance recognition and work-life balance.
• Ensure resources are readily available and utilized to attract and retain the highest quality researchers, faculty, and staff.  

Employment Eligibility Verification

• If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form.  You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States.  Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment.  Failure to do so will result in delay of start date.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer.