Director of Sponsored Contracts & Research Administration

UTHealth Houston; Houston (TX); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

UTHealth Houston seeks an experienced research administration leader to serve as Assistant Director or Director of Sponsored Contracts, overseeing the Sponsored Contracts team and acting as Authorized Institutional Official. The role negotiates complex research agreements, guides IP, data ownership, and regulatory requirements, and partners with investigators to advance the university’s research mission.

The position emphasizes mentoring staff, strengthening processes, and improving customer

Qualifications

• Six years of experience negotiating and administering research contracts.
• Strong knowledge of intellectual property, data rights, and sponsored research administration.
• Experience supporting faculty investigators and research leadership.
• Experience with NIH-funded research and federal sponsor requirements preferred.
• Ability to mentor, train, and develop research administration professionals.
• Doctoral degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Establishes strong relationships with research faculty and staff to guide contracts and resolve issues.
• Independently reviews, drafts, redlines, and negotiates complex research agreements.
• Serves as University signature authority for contracts and liaises with investigators and sponsors.
• Develops and reports team metrics and performance indicators.
• Leads training programs and curriculum development for staff and students.
• Keeps abreast of federal, state, and agency policy changes affecting contracts.
• Represents the University in professional organizations and conferences.
• Manages HR activities including recruitment, hiring, training, and performance evaluations.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

Negotiation

Mentoring

Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Doctorate Degree in Life Sciences or legal

Job description

UTHealth Houston seeks an experienced research administration leader to serve as Assistant Director or Director of Sponsored Contracts, overseeing the Sponsored Contracts team and acting as Authorized Institutional Official. The role negotiates complex research agreements, guides IP, data ownership, and regulatory requirements, and partners with investigators to advance the university’s research mission.

The position emphasizes mentoring staff, strengthening processes, and improving customer