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 manages post award administration, gathers and submits closeout documentation, and maintains records. Ensures completeness and accuracy and coordinates any internal controls prior to the submission of documents to awarding agency.

• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications
 

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

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Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

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Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Law degree strongly preferred.

Experience:

• Paralegal or legal experience a plus.

• At least five years experience working in a university contracts-management environment, law firm, or in-house legal department required or at least seven years of relevant experience drafting complex research or commercial agreements.

• Demonstrated experience in the management and/or negotiation of complex contracts.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Proven ability to grasp complex legal and business issues.

• Proven ability to work effectively in support of business development and/or research administration and health care professionals.

• Familiarity with intellectual property concepts and federal laws and regulations as they pertain to academic research.

• Knowledge of academic research principles and research integrity policy (Conflict of Interest, IRB, IACUC, etc.).

• Knowledge of intellectual property law (copyright, patent).

• Working knowledge of and experience applying regulatory requirements regarding research data and privacy, including HIPAA and GDPR as applied to research.

• Comfortable with scientific concepts and terminology; able to understand the significance of various agreement terms in view of the nature of the materials/confidential information to be transferred and proposed research.

• Rapid proficiency in the use of University of Chicago systems such as AURA and a high level of proficiency in Excel.

• Strong computer skills including word processing, database management and spreadsheet skills (Microsoft Office suite and Adobe suite).

Preferred Competencies

• Proven ability to grasp complex legal and business issues.

• Superior communication, drafting, and negotiation skills.

• Excellent collaboration skills with a strong customer focused approach.

• Comfortable with scientific concepts and terminology; able to understand the significance of various agreement terms in view of the nature of the materials/confidential information to be transferred and proposed research.

• Strong reading and analytical abilities and be detail oriented and organized.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Demonstrated maturity and sensitivity to the needs of multiple constituencies in a complex academic environment.

• Prioritize and meet deadlines and adhere to University policies, raising questions when necessary.

• Self-motivated and able to work independently with strong administrative/problem solving skills.

• Demonstrated comprehension of University policies to ensure compliance, as well as to identify when appropriate to request exceptions. Self-motivated and work independently with strong administrative/problem solving skills.

• High level of creativity, energy, integrity, thoughtful judgment and problem solving, decision-making, and teamwork.

• Willingness to learn new skills, take on new challenges, and effectively interact and collaborate with all levels of University administrators and faculty members. Provide excellent customer service while maintaining a demeanor of civility and professionalism at all times, Handle multiple, concurrent tasks.

Working Conditions

• Make decisions independently that will have downstream impacts on the management of sponsored projects.

• Manage detail-oriented workload, to organize and prioritize workload during high-pressure, high-volume workload periods and to manage stress.

• Work on multiple projects simultaneously, set priorities, and meet deadlines.

• Exercise sound judgment, absolute discretion regarding confidential matters discretion, and tact.

• Interact by phone, email, online meetings or in person with faculty and administrative staff at the University and occasionally with staff of federal government, non-federal sponsors, and other institutions and organizations.

• Stay current with technology and digital tools.

• Sit for 4 hours or more.

• Use computers extensively for 4 hours or more.

• Use standard office equipment and troubleshoot IT equipment in a hybrid environment.

• Occasional domestic travel.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)

• Cover Letter (preferred)

• References Contact Information (3) (preferred)

When applying, the document(s) MUST  be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family
 

Financial Management

Role Impact
 

Individual Contributor

FLSA Status
 

Exempt

Pay Frequency
 

Monthly

Scheduled Weekly Hours
 

37.5

Benefits Eligible
 

Yes

Drug Test Required
 

No

Health Screen Required
 

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
 

No

Posting Statement
 

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

 

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

 

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

 

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