Strategic Research Contracts Specialist

Commonwealth Of Virginia; Norwich; On-site; GBP 49,000 - 67,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth Of Virginia seeks a contract specialist to support faculty, staff, and Office of Innovations Commercialization in reviewing, drafting, and managing unfunded contracts and IP-related agreements. You will draft NDAs, MTAs, CRADAs with corporate and nonprofit partners, while coordinating with ODU General Counsel to ensure compliance and proper records management.

The role requires independent work, strong drafting and negotiation skills, and the ability to manage multiple contracts

Qualifications

• Knowledge of NDAs, MTAs, CRADAs and related contract terms.
• Familiarity with Bayh-Dole Act, Virginia Code and ethics for human tissue/animal research.
• Experience with contract management databases and records retention.
• Strong drafting, editing, and finalizing of complex agreements.
• Experience negotiating with external parties (corporate, nonprofit, federal).
• Proficiency with MS Word, Excel and records-keeping systems.
• Ability to work independently with minimal oversight.
• Ability to build relationships with external partners.
• Ability to analyze information to avoid conflicts with ODURF.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and track compliance.

Responsibilities

• Draft, negotiate, and finalize confidential disclosures, collaboration, and MTAs.
• Review contracts to ensure compliance with institutional guidelines.
• Maintain complete records of disclosed agreements and reports.
• Interact with faculty, staff, and counsel to manage contract lifecycle.
• Prepare periodic compliance and status reports.

Skills

NDA/MTA/CRADA terms

Regulatory knowledge (Bayh-Dole Act,VA

Contract management databases

Drafting and editing contracts

Negotiation with external parties

MS Word & Excel

Independent work

Relationship building

Contract lifecycle management

Multi-tasking / prioritization

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Legal Studies, Natural Science, or related field

Tools

Sophia Knowledge Management System

Job description

Commonwealth Of Virginia seeks a contract specialist to support faculty, staff, and Office of Innovations Commercialization in reviewing, drafting, and managing unfunded contracts and IP-related agreements. You will draft NDAs, MTAs, CRADAs with corporate and nonprofit partners, while coordinating with ODU General Counsel to ensure compliance and proper records management.

The role requires independent work, strong drafting and negotiation skills, and the ability to manage multiple contracts