Contracts Specialist I, Technology Development

UT Southwestern Medical Center; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PPO medical plan and benefits

Paid Time Off

Tuition Reimbursement

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Job summary

UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, TX is seeking an entry-level Contracts Specialist to support preparation, review, and administration of technology transfer agreements. The role uses approved templates, checklists, and procedures, with structured training and regular feedback; senior staff review drafts and negotiate nonstandard provisions.

No prior professional experience required; 0-2 years in contract administration or related areas welcome.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in legal studies, business, technology management, science, or a related field.
• 0-2 years of experience in contract administration, legal support, research administration, or technology development/commercialization.
• No prior professional experience required; candidates may demonstrate foundational skills through coursework or internships.

Responsibilities

• Prepare initial drafts of routine confidentiality agreements and material transfer agreements using approved templates and instructions.
• Assist senior staff with portions of license, option, interinstitutional, sponsored research, data transfer, NDAs, and collaboration agreements.
• Track assigned agreements from intake through review, approval, and execution using contract management systems.
• Maintain accurate files and version histories, and route documents for required approvals and signatures.

Skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree in legal studies or related field

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 you‿ll 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 nonstandard terms and contractual risk issues.

BENEFITS

UT Southwestern is proud to offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. Our benefits are designed to support your overall wellbeing, and include:

• 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