Entry-Level Contracts Specialist — Sponsored Research

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Town of Amherst (NY); On-site; USD 63,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

University at Buffalo is seeking a Contracts Specialist, an entry‑level role in Sponsored Projects Services. You will administer, draft, review, and negotiate simple agreements to support sponsored research activities, under supervision, ensuring compliance with university and sponsor policies.

You will collaborate with faculty, legal counsel, and sponsors to gather information, process contracts, and maintain documentation, helping the office operate efficiently and on time.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 2 years’ experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong attention to detail with ability to manage multiple contracts and projects simultaneously.
• Familiarity with basic legal principles and contract language, with a willingness to learn specific institutional and sponsor policies.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to interact professionally with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team and contribute to the overall efficiency of the office.

Responsibilities

• Administer and Draft Contracts: Assist in the preparation, review, and negotiation of simple agreements, including sponsored research agreements, non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), and material transfer agreements (MTAs).
• Compliance and Policy Adherence: Ensure that all agreements comply with University, Research Foundation, and sponsor policies, as well as applicable legal and regulatory requirements.
• Collaboration and Communication: Work closely with faculty, department administrators, legal counsel, and external sponsors to gather necessary information and facilitate contract execution.
• Risk Assessment and Issue Resolution: Identify potential risks and issues in contracts and provide recommendations for resolution or mitigation strategies.
• Support Research Activity: Assist in the processing and management of contracts that support sponsored research initiatives at the University, ensuring timely and accurate contract handling.
• Document Management: Maintain accurate records of all contracts and related documentation, ensuring that proper approval processes are followed and documented.

Skills

Attention to detail

Excellent communication

Team collaboration

Legal principles familiarity

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Job description

University at Buffalo is seeking a Contracts Specialist, an entry‑level role in Sponsored Projects Services. You will administer, draft, review, and negotiate simple agreements to support sponsored research activities, under supervision, ensuring compliance with university and sponsor policies.

You will collaborate with faculty, legal counsel, and sponsors to gather information, process contracts, and maintain documentation, helping the office operate efficiently and on time.