Research Contract Negotiator

To manage research business transactions for faculty, departments, and the University by evaluating sponsored projects and research contracts, industry agreements, negotiating terms and conditions, and resolving disputes in accordance with institutional policies and procedures.

Description of Duties

• Responsible for drafting, evaluating, negotiating, and finalizing funded and non-funded agreements in support of research and sponsored projects.

• Responsible for preparing, negotiating, and finalizing all amendments to approved agreements.

• Works with researchers to prepare/evaluate agreements to meet project deliverables within approval timelines.

• Ensures that all records are updated on a regular basis and that documentation represents the current status of each negotiation.

• Ensures that all negotiations are processed in a timely fashion and that all parties to the negotiation are kept apprised of the status.

• Works independently and as part of a team to ensure quality and standards across research and sponsored programs agreements.

• Establishes and maintains excellent relationships with external and internal stakeholders.

• Works closely with other internal departments/areas (i.e., Research Compliance, Clinical Research, Export Controls, Research Administration) to ensure agreement is compliant with applicable laws, regulations, and institutional policies and procedures.

• Assists in responding to potential audits and export compliance requests.

• Tracks agreements, ensures expected timelines are maintained, and alerts customers of the need for renewals/amendments.

• Participates in corporate initiatives and actions that ensure continued success.

• Performs other contracts/agreements related duties as assigned.

Supervision Received

General supervision from assigned supervisor.

Supervision Given

Direct supervision of assigned staff.

Required Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Health Administration, Pre-Law, Law or related field from an accredited university.

Preferred Education

N/A

Licenses/Certifications

None.

Required Experience

Two (2) years of experience with contracts administration, review of research proposals or review and implementation of clinical studies/clinical trials and other closely related duties.

Preferred Experience

Experience drafting, reviewing, and negotiating variety of complex funded and non-funded agreements, including but not limited to sponsored research (clinical and non-clinical), cooperative agreements, materials transfer, confidentiality/non-disclosures, testing, performed services, and research affiliations. Experience working as a clinical study/trial coordinator may substitute for experience working on sponsored research contracting involving clinical studies/trials.

Equipment

Use of standard office equipment.

Working Conditions

Needs to be able to successfully perform all required duties. Office Environment; some travel and weekend work is required. Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. UTRGV is a distributed institution, which requires presence at multiple locations throughout the Rio Grande Valley. Work is performed primarily in a general office environment.

• Work is performed primarily in a general office environment to include hybrid work (subject to change based upon business needs). If the work is performed off campus, high-speed internet and a designated workspace are required.

Other

Exceptional planning and organizational skills. Able to interpret and analyze complex laws and regulations and appropriately apply them to a diverse range of agreements. Able to understand contractual terms and conditions and their implications on the operations of the project. Knowledge in research administration and operations of clinical trials.

Physical Capabilities

N/A

Employment Category Full-Time Minimum Salary Commensurate with Experience Posted Salary Commensurate with Experience Position Available Date 07/24/2023 Grant Funded Position No If Yes, Provide Grant Expiration Date