Contracts Specialist I, Technology Development

University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 52,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PPO medical plan, available day one at

100% coverage for preventive care

Paid Time Off, day one

Retirement Programs (TRS)

Paid Parental Leave Benefit

Wellness programs

Tuition Reimbursement

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Job summary

UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, TX, seeks an entry-level Contracts Specialist to support the preparation, review, and administration of technology transfer agreements. This role uses approved templates and checklists, learning contract terminology and office systems under supervision.

You'll receive structured training, with senior staff reviewing drafts, leading negotiations, and resolving standard contractual terms.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in a related field.
• No prior professional experience required; suitable for candidates with 0-2 years in contract administration or related areas.
• Familiarity with templates, checklists, and basic contract terminology is helpful.

Responsibilities

• Prepare initial drafts of routine confidentiality and material transfer agreements using approved templates.
• Assist senior staff with portions of license, option, and other agreements.
• Identify differences between drafts and templates; flag missing info for review.
• Gather project and funding details to prepare agreements; incorporate reviewer-approved language.
• Support negotiations by maintaining issue lists and drafting revisions.

Skills

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Written and verbal communication

Analytical skills

Ability to learn contract terms

Document comparison

Education

Bachelor's Degree in legal studies, business, technology management, science, or related field

Tools

Contract management systems

IP tracking systems

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

WHY UT SOUTHWESTERN?

With over 75 years of excellence in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, UT Southwestern is committed to excellence, innovation, teamwork, and compassion. As a world-renowned medical and research center, we strive to provide the best possible care, resources, and benefits for our valued employees. Ranked as the No. 1 hospital in Dallas-Fort Worth according to U.S. News & World Report, we invest in you with opportunities for career growth and development to align with your future goals. Our highly competitive benefits package offers healthcare, PTO and paid holidays, on-site childcare, wage, merit increases and so much more. We invite you to be a part of the UT Southwestern team where youll discover a culture of teamwork, professionalism, and a rewarding career!

JOB SUMMARY

Works under direct supervision to support preparation, review, and administration of technology transfer agreements. This entry-level role performs defined assignments using approved templates, checklists, and procedures while learning contract terminology, institutional requirements, and office systems. The Contracts Specialist receives structured training and regular feedback and is accountable for accurate, timely completion of assigned work. Senior staff review substantive drafts, lead negotiations, and resolve non-standard terms and contractual risk issues.

BENEFITS

• PPO medical plan, available day one at no cost for full-time employee-only coverage
• 100% coverage for preventive healthcare-no copay
• Paid Time Off, available day one
• Retirement Programs through the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS)
• Paid Parental Leave Benefit
• Wellness programs
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer
• Learn more about these and other UTSW employee benefits!

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

Required

• Education: Bachelor's Degree in legal studies, business, technology management, science, or a related field.
• Experience: No prior professional experience required. This entry-level position is designed for candidates with 0-2 years of relevant experience in contract administration, legal support, research administration, or technology development/commercialization. Relevant coursework, academic projects, internships, or student employment may demonstrate foundational skills. Prior experience drafting or negotiating technology agreements is not required.

JOB DUTIES

• Prepare initial drafts of routine confidentiality agreements and material transfer agreements using approved templates and instructions; submit drafts for review before release.
• Assist senior staff with assigned portions of license, option, interinstitutional, sponsored research, visiting scientist, data transfer, data use, NDAs, and collaboration agreements.
• Compare incoming drafts with approved templates and checklists, document proposed changes, and flag missing information or nonstandard provisions for senior review.
• Collect project details, party information, funding information, and approved business terms needed to prepare agreements; incorporate reviewer- approved language as directed.
• Support negotiations by maintaining issue lists, recording proposed revisions, and preparing revised drafts.
• Refer substantive negotiation and approval decisions to senior staff.
• Communicate routine status updates and request information from researchers, commercialization staff, and external partners; route questions requiring contract interpretation to the assigned reviewer.
• Use established checklists to support review of institutional policies, sponsor requirements, confidentiality, and intellectual property provisions; elevate potential compliance or risk issues.
• Track assigned agreements from intake through review, approval, and execution using contract management and intellectual property tracking systems.
• Maintain accurate files and version histories, route documents for required approvals and signatures, and check completed records for completeness under established procedures.
• Record obligations, milestones, and reporting deadlines confirmed by the reviewer; provide reminders and raise potential missed requirements with responsible staff.
• Help maintain approved templates, guidance materials, and process records by incorporating authorized updates and identifying recurring administrative issues.
• Complete training, apply feedback, and take on additional defined assignments as proficiency is demonstrated and the supervisor authorizes.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Good organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to maintain accurate records and meet assigned deadlines.
• Clear written and oral communication and professional interaction with internal and external contacts.
• Basic analytical skills, including the ability to compare documents, identify differences, and summarize questions for review.
• Working knowledge of word processing and spreadsheet software and ability to learn document comparison and contract tracking tools.
• Ability to learn contract terminology and follow templates, written procedures, and reviewer instructions.
• Ability to handle confidential information appropriately, apply feedback, and seek guidance on unfamiliar or nonstandard issues.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORKING CONDITIONS

Physical Requirements

• Talking

Working Conditions

• Indoors
• Office Setting

Salary Information

Salary is commensurate with education, skills, and relevant experience.

SECURITY AND EEO STATEMENT

Security

This position is security-sensitive and subject to Texas Education Code 51.215, which authorizes UT Southwestern to obtain criminal history record information.

EEO

UT Southwestern Medical Center is committed to an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the University community. As an equal opportunity employer, UT Southwestern prohibits unlawful discrimination, including discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, or veteran status.