Contracts Specialist

University at Buffalo; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Well-being benefits

UB community

Job summary

The University at Buffalo’s Sponsored Projects Services (SPS) seeks a Contracts Specialist. This entry‑level role administers, drafts, reviews and negotiates simple agreements to support sponsored research activities.

Under supervision, you will ensure compliance with university policies, Research Foundation guidelines and applicable laws, while gaining proficiency in routine contracts and collaborating with faculty, legal counsel and sponsors.

Qualifications

• Entry-level position with opportunity to develop proficiency in handling routine contracts and agreements.

Responsibilities

• Administer and draft simple agreements, including sponsored research agreements, NDAs, and MTAs.
• Ensure all agreements comply with University, Research Foundation, and sponsor policies, as well as applicable legal and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate closely with faculty, department administrators, legal counsel, and external sponsors to gather information and facilitate contract execution.
• Identify potential risks and issues in contracts and provide recommendations for resolution or mitigation strategies.
• Assist in the processing and management of contracts that support sponsored research initiatives at the University, ensuring timely and accurate contract handling.
• Maintain accurate records of all contracts and related documentation, ensuring proper approval processes are followed and documented.

Job description

Sponsored Projects Services (SPS) within the Office of Research, Innovation and Economic Development at the State University of New York at Buffalo is seeking a Contracts Specialist. The Contracts Specialist is an entry‑level position responsible for administering, drafting, reviewing, and negotiating simple agreements in support of sponsored research activity at the University at Buffalo. This role is designed to ensure compliance with institutional policies, Research Foundation guidelines, and applicable laws, while providing crucial support for sponsored research contracts. The Contracts Specialist will work under supervision but is expected to develop proficiency in handling a variety of routine contracts and agreements. This is an excellent opportunity for individuals looking to begin or further develop their career in research contract administration.

Key Responsibilities

• Administer and draft simple agreements, including sponsored research agreements, non‑disclosure agreements (NDAs), and material transfer agreements (MTAs)
• Ensure all agreements comply with University, Research Foundation, and sponsor policies, as well as applicable legal and regulatory requirements
• Collaborate closely with faculty, department administrators, legal counsel, and external sponsors to gather information and facilitate contract execution
• Identify potential risks and issues in contracts and provide recommendations for resolution or mitigation strategies
• Assist in the processing and management of contracts that support sponsored research initiatives at the University, ensuring timely and accurate contract handling
• Maintain accurate records of all contracts and related documentation, ensuring proper approval processes are followed and documented

Benefits

• Our benefits, where we prioritize your well‑being and success to enhance every aspect of your life
• Being a part of the University at Buffalo community