Contracting Officer I

University of Florida; Gainesville (FL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Florida seeks a Contracting Officer I to support sponsored programs on the main campus in Gainesville, FL. The role focuses on negotiation of complex contracts and ensuring compliant administration of awards.

The position involves ongoing collaboration with faculty, campus administrators, and sponsors, with responsibilities spanning negotiation, processing, and policy interpretation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience in research administration.
• Preferred: experience processing and reviewing contracts and/or research administration with focus on federal grants, cooperative agreements, and regulations.

Responsibilities

• 50% Award Negotiation and Acceptance: review and negotiation of complex contracts and agreements related to sponsored programs, including NDAs and data use agreements.
• 40% Process Management: maintain UFIRST records, ensure proposals and agreements are entered accurately, liaise with sponsors and university offices.
• 10% Other Duties: stay updated on sponsor regulations, identify improvements and communicate policy changes.

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent education/experience in research administration

Job description

Contracting Officer I

Job Details

• Job No: 541068
• Work Type: Full Time
• Location: Main Campus (Gainesville, FL)
• Categories: Office/Administrative/Fiscal Support, Legal/Audit Services/Compliance
• Department: 11060000 - RE-SPONSORED PROGRAMS

Job Description

Classification Title: Contracting Officer I

Classification Minimum Requirements: Bachelor's degree; or an equivalent combination of education and experience in research administration

Job Description: 50% Award Negotiation and Acceptance: Review and negotiation of complex federal, industry and foreign contracts and agreements, non-disclosure agreements, data use agreements, and other agreements relating to research, training and other sponsored programs, including any modifications or amendments thereto. Represents the Division in relationships with sponsors. Reviews, evaluates and interprets complex contracts and agreements for compliance with UF Policies and Procedures, and applicable governmental regulations. Evaluates, interprets, negotiates and applies federal and sponsor policy and regulations to determine acceptable conditions of awards including such areas as: Conflict of Interest, Export Control, Intellectual Property, Indemnity, Governing law, Cost Principles, data and information security requirements, Human use, Animal use and lab safety. Coordinates with appropriate University experts and offices (i.e., the Office of Technology Licensing, Contracts and Grants Accounting, General Counsel, Division of Research Compliance, IRB, IACUC, EHS, Privacy Office) as needed throughout negotiations for review and feedback. Reviews official proposal budget and scope of work to ensure the award reflects the proper indirect cost rate, budget expectations and timelines.

40% Process Management: Maintains knowledge with university and sponsor electronic research administration systems in order to ensure timely and compliant post award activities. Maintains accurate and complete files and records for each award or agreement in UFIRST. Ensures that proposals are in UFIRST as the basis for negotiating the award. Ensures that agreements and modifications are entered in UFIRST accurately and completely. Maintains positive and productive business relationships within the University and with its Sponsors. Acts as a liaison between faculty, campus administrators, agency officials, as well as federal, state, and local offices to troubleshoot problems or issues that develop during the course of a project. Participates in the shared responsibility for ensuring responsible stewardship for funds provided by external sponsors through responsible payment structures in agreements.

10% Other Duties: The Officer will maintain knowledge of federal, state and non-profit sponsor regulations, policies, requirements, procedures, and other areas pertinent to the scope of work assigned through self-study, research, participation in professional development, and attendance at webinars and conferences. The Officer will assist in detecting areas where new regulations need to be interpreted, implemented and communicated into existing and, as warranted development of new policy statements, procedural guidelines and associate business objects. The Officer will be responsible to identify operational problems and deficiencies of any nature or when problems are discovered, resolve those within limits of authority or coordinate resolutions with the Assistant Director of Sponsored Programs. Is expected to identify necessary reports, upgrades, enhancements and innovations to ensure transparent and efficient processing of industrial and federal contracts.

Expected Salary: Commensurate with Education and Experience

Required Qualifications: Bachelor's degree; or an equivalent combination of education and experience in research administration.

Preferred: Prefer applicants with experience processing and reviewing contracts and/or research administration experience with a focus on federal grants, cooperative agreements, and contracts and the related regulations

Applications Close

19 September 2026

Our Commitment

The University of Florida is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Hiring is contingent on eligibility to work in the U.S. The University of Florida is a public institution and is subject to all requirements under Florida Sunshine and Public Record laws. If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 352-392-2477 or the Florida Relay System at 800-955-8771 (TDD) or visit Accessibility at UF.