Academic Research Contracts Specialist

Old Dominion University; Norfolk (VA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Old Dominion University in Norfolk seeks a Contract Specialist to assist faculty, staff, and the Office of Innovations Commercialization in reviewing and managing unfunded contracts and agreements related to IP and academic research.

The role drafts and negotiates confidential disclosure agreements, collaboration agreements, and various material/software agreements, coordinating with ODURF and General Counsel to ensure compliance and proper records.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of contract terms related to IP and academic research, incl. NDAs, MTAs, CRADAs.
• Familiarity with federal/state regulations governing research compliance (Bayh-Dole Act, Virginia Code).
• Experience with agreement management databases and records retention standards.
• Ability to draft, edit, and finalize complex legal agreements with precision.

Responsibilities

• Review, draft, and negotiate contracts and agreements with minimal oversight.
• Maintain records of disclosed agreements (CDAs/NDAs, MTAs, CRADAs).
• Interact with faculty, staff, and General Counsel to ensure compliance.
• Prepare periodic reports and manage multiple priorities.

Skills

Contract terms knowledge

NDAs/MTAs/CRADAs

Negotiation skills

Legal drafting

Independent work

Relationship building

Office software

Education

Bachelor’s degree (Business Admin/Legal Studies)

Tools

Sophia Knowledge Management System

Microsoft Word

Excel

Job description

Old Dominion University in Norfolk seeks a Contract Specialist to assist faculty, staff, and the Office of Innovations Commercialization in reviewing and managing unfunded contracts and agreements related to IP and academic research.

The role drafts and negotiates confidential disclosure agreements, collaboration agreements, and various material/software agreements, coordinating with ODURF and General Counsel to ensure compliance and proper records.