Industry Sponsored Contract Specialist

Discovery to Impact at University of Texas at Austin; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

University Industry Demonstration Partnership in Austin seeks a skilled contract professional to draft, review and negotiate sponsored research agreements and subcontracts. You will assess risk, ensure compliance with university and regulatory guidelines, and advise stakeholders on contract interpretations and policy adherence.

The role requires strong communication, analytical thinking and experience with complex negotiations in a fast-paced environment, supporting multiple collaborations with

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Six years of experience drafting and negotiating sponsored research agreements.
• Experience drafting and revising key terms (IP, publication, confidentiality).
• Experience negotiating with federal, state, academia, industry partners.
• Knowledge of federal/state/university guidelines and regulations.
• Strong contract negotiation and portfolio management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Proficiency in Word and Excel.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review and negotiate sponsored research agreements and subcontracts.
• Evaluate risks and ensure compliance with policies and regulations.
• Provide contractual advice on interpretation of requirements and laws.
• Manage portfolio of agreements and document negotiation notes in UT systems.

Skills

Strong contract negotiation

Analytical thinking

Communications skills

Fast-paced environment

Education

Bachelor's degree

Juris Doctor or related graduate degree

Graduate or professional degree in law or business

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Mission of Discovery to Impact:

Discovery to Impact stands at the heart of transforming academic research into real-world solutions, serving as the pivotal bridge between campus innovators and the industry. Our mission is to harness the power of over 130 campus programs dedicated to entrepreneurship and intellectual property, guiding groundbreaking research from concept to commercial success. Through fostering strategic partnerships with corporations, investors, and entrepreneurs, we ensure that the University's innovations transition from labs and studios into services, solutions, and products that profoundly benefit society. Join us in our quest to change the world, one innovation at a time.

Purpose:

The purpose of this role is to provide service and support to faculty, staff, and external partners in the development, drafting, review and negotiation of proposals, contracts and subcontracts, including related daily administrative tasks. This position is responsible for overseeing the negotiation and management of a high volume of funded and non-funded agreements, including: Sponsored Research Agreements, Non-Disclosure Agreements, Material Transfer Agreements, Data Use Licenses, and Subcontracts.

Agreement Negotiation and Compliance:

Independently and skillfully draft, review and negotiate sponsored research agreements, outgoing sub-award agreements, non-financial agreements, and other research related agreements to ensure compliance with University policies, federal and state law and regulations, including terms regarding intellectual property, publication, insurance/ indemnification, export control, governing law, disputes, invoicing and payment, etc. Prepare and submit in a timely manner detailed written exceptions and recommendations on contractual language to the other party; hold negotiation meetings, as required, and keep stakeholders informed of the contract negotiation status until all contractual issues are resolved. The types of agreements include but are not limited to sponsored project agreements, research contracts, sub-award agreements and subcontracts, non-disclosure agreements, consortium agreements, material transfer agreements, data use agreements, and teaming agreements.

Evaluate, mitigate, and outline financial and compliance risks in research contracts to Collaborative Research and Discovery to Impact management, including outlining all risks associated with clauses not conforming to University of Texas System Board of Regents Rules and/or University policy. Review documentation upon receipt of agreement for compliance and coordinate with appropriate University offices (e.g. Office of Sponsored Projects, Risk Management Office, Research Security Office, or Office of Legal Affairs) to address compliance issues, including environmental health and safety, human subjects (IRB), animal subjects (IACUC), and budgetary compliance for cost sharing, time and effort, and facilities and administrative costs.

Contractual Advice and Communication:

Provide expert written and verbal advice regarding the interpretation of federal, state, contractual requirements, grant and funding regulations, University and UT System policies and procedures, and Collaborative Research's policies. Contribute to the development and implementation of procedures and/or policies to improve contract workflow and ensure compliance. Acknowledge and respond to communications in a timely manner, this includes taking action or forwarding correspondence as appropriate, following up on the status of outstanding actions, and communicating results to stakeholders. Demonstrate excellent ability to communicate effectively both orally and in written form.

Contract Management:

Daily oversight and management of assigned agreement portfolio to ensure timely actions and workload efficiency. Responsible for prioritizing agreement assignments with appropriate consultation with Collaborative Research management. Enter and maintain thorough and accurate documentation, data and negotiation notes related to agreements and related actions into UT Research Management Suite (UTRMS) and other electronic file systems.

Other:

Special projects as assigned by Associate Director and/or Director of Collaborative Research.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree.
• Six years of experience drafting and negotiating sponsored research agreements and research-related contracts.
• Demonstrated experience in contract preparation, including drafting, review, and revision of key terms (e.g. intellectual property, publication, confidentiality).
• Experience negotiating with federal, state, academic, industry, and other partners.
• Thorough knowledge of federal, state, local and University guidelines and regulations.
• Highly skilled in complex contract negotiations and management of contract portfolios, with strong analytic and critical thinking skills, accustomed to a fast-paced environment with competing deadlines.
• Exceptional customer service and excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel.
• Must work well with others and contribute positively to the organization, team and University.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis for any employer.
• Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Preferred Qualifications:

(candidates need not have all of these qualifications to apply)

• Bachelor's degree in law, business administration, public administration, or related field.
• Graduate or professional degree in law, business administration, public administration, related field.
• More than six years of experience in management, preparation, processing, and negotiation of research contracts.
• University or UT System experience.
• Expert knowledge of University intellectual property policy.
• Demonstrated knowledge in the development of research budgets.
• Ability to work independently.
• Experience with Huron Research Suite product.