Contracts Specialist I

Rice University; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 64,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Rice University’s Office of Technology Transfer is seeking an Industrial Contracts Specialist I to help draft, negotiate and administer research-related agreements with external partners. This hybrid role focuses on material transfer and data use agreements while ensuring compliance with university and federal policies.

The position supports collaboration with faculty, staff and external partners to advance Rice’s research impact through effective contract administration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required or equivalent
• 1+ years experience in research, research administration, or IP management
• Ability to draft, negotiate and finalize industry research agreements
• Knowledge of university policies and federal regulations
• Clear communication with internal and external audiences
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to administer contracts and grants
• Detail oriented with the ability to work independently
• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills

Responsibilities

• Negotiate and finalize non-disclosure and material transfer agreements under supervision
• Draft language to comply with University and Federal policies
• Identify policy issues and coordinate with university officials to resolve
• Explain contract terms to students, faculty and staff
• Collect internal approvals before contract execution
• Facilitate interactions with other university offices
• Assist in revising standard agreements to reflect policy changes
• Contribute to development of better client service
• Perform other duties as assigned

Skills

Drafting

Negotiation

Communication

Contract administration

Attention to detail

Multitasking

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Job Description

The Office of Technology Transfer (OTT) at Rice University supportsthe commercialization of university research by managingintellectual property, pursuing patents, and facilitatingpartnerships with industry. OTT helps turn innovations intoreal-world products while advancing Rice’s research impact.

The Industrial Contracts Specialist I, under the supervision of theAssistant Director for Contracts, will serve in the Office ofTechnology Transfer by assisting in drafting, negotiating andadministering research-related agreements with external partners,including, but not limited to, material transfer, non-disclosureagreements, and data use agreements. This role supports thecommercialization of Rice University research by ensuringagreements comply with university and federal policies,facilitating collaboration with faculty, staff, and externalpartners, and helping advance the university’s research impactthrough effective contract administration.

Please note that we are currently recruiting for this role at twodifferent levels. The final position and salary will be offered commensurate with the successful candidate's experience andqualifications . We encourage you to apply to the specificposting that best aligns with your current professionalbackground.

Ideal Candidate Statement

The ideal candidate is an organized, detail-oriented professionalwith some experience in research administration or intellectualproperty management. They understand contractual issues in auniversity research environment, can assist in drafting andmanaging material transfer agreements, and communicate clearly withinternal and external stakeholders. The candidate worksindependently while collaborating effectively, demonstratesattention to detail, and can manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced,client-focused environment.

Workplace Requirements

This position is offered as a hybrid role, combining both in-officeand remote work to provide flexibility and support collaboration. Per Rice policy 440 , workarrangements may be subject to change.

Hiring Salary

$63,731 - $80,400 annually

*Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree
  • In lieu of the education requirement, additional relatedexperience, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalentyear-for-year basis may be substituted
• One or more (1+) years experience in research, researchadministration, or intellectual property management
  • In lieu of the experience requirement, additional relatededucation, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalentyear-for-year basis may be substituted

Skills

• Ability to draft, negotiate and conclude industry researchagreements under the supervision of management
• Understanding of university research environment andpolicies
• Ability to clearly and effectively communicate information tointernal and external audiences, Rice faculty, staff, and students;external university and industry partners; and all levels ofmanagement
• Analytical and problem solving skills
• Demonstrated ability to administer contracts and grants
• Strong service orientation, demonstrated ability to workeffectively in a fast-paced, action-oriented, customer-focusedservice environment
• Detail oriented and ability to work well independently, butalso ability to seek out assistance when needed
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize avariety of tasks and demands
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite andability to learn applicable university and departmentalsystems

Preferences

• Experience working in a university setting or negotiatingresearch-related agreements with universities

Essential Functions

• Negotiates and finalizes non-disclosure and material transferagreements, drafts language to comply with University, Federal andother regulatory policies, requirements and conditions
• Under supervision of management, negotiates and finalizes otherresearch-related agreements as assigned
• Identifies contractual and policy issues such as researchintegrity policies, conflicts of interest, export control, andaccounting, raises issues to appropriate university officials, andprovides follow through until resolved
• Interprets and explains contract terms and conditions tostudents, faculty and staff
• Collects and documents necessary internal approvals beforecontract execution, e.g., intellectual property assignments,required internal NDAs and acknowledgement letters
• Facilitates interactions with other university researchadministration offices
• Assists management and other Industrial Contracts Specialistsin revising standard agreements to reflect changes in Universitypolicies, Federal regulations and laws
• Participates in developing ideas for more effective clientservice
• Assists in the development and training as needed
• Performs all other duties as assigned

Rice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits

Rice Mission and Values : Mission and Values | RiceUniversity

Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal EmploymentOpportunity and welcoming the fullness of diversity into ourcandidate pools. Rice considers qualified applicants for employmentwithout regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexualorientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, geneticinformation, disability, or protected veteran status. Rice alsoprovides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons withdisabilities. If an applicant requires a reasonable accommodationfor any part of the application or hiring process, please get intouch with Rice University’s Human Resources Office via email [e-mail] for support.

If you have any additional questions, please email us at [e-mail] . Thankyou for your interest in employment with Rice University.