Remote Research Contracts Manager

Princeton University; United States; Hybrid; USD 108,000 - 118,000; Full time

Job summary

Princeton University is seeking an Assistant Contracts Manager to draft, review, and negotiate research-related agreements in partnership with ORPA, Technology Licensing and New Ventures, and the Office of the General Counsel. The role manages a portfolio from intake through execution, ensuring timely, compliant contracting for sponsored and unfunded projects.

The position will contribute to agreement-management improvements, templates, training, and metrics.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 4+ years of related experience in research administration, contract administration, sponsored programs, technology transfer, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Knowledge of FAR, IP, export control, and risk or audit requirements.
• Experience reviewing, drafting and negotiating research contracts and other research-related agreements, with the ability to identify issues requiring senior review.
• Familiarity with nonfederal sponsors and best practices in research contracting with industry, foundations, and foreign sponsors.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate assigned research-related agreements, using established University templates, guidance, policies, and escalation pathways. This may include outgoing subawards and the associated compliance requirements.
• Collaborate with faculty, staff, ORPA colleagues, and campus stakeholders to gather relevant information, identify contractual issues, and support timely agreement review and execution.
• Evaluate non-standard or negotiated terms, identify potential concerns, and recommend appropriate revisions or escalation in consultation with the Assistant Director or other senior colleagues.
• Coordinate with the Office of the General Counsel and Technology Licensing and New Ventures on legal, intellectual property, and other complex issues.
• Explain agreement terms, obligations, and identified risks to faculty and staff, and assist in documenting decisions and required approvals.
• Maintain effective working relationships with campus offices and external parties involved in assigned negotiations.

Skills

Contract drafting

Negotiation

Risk assessment

Communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Project management

Attention to detail

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree

J.D. degree or Master’s degree

Tools

Huron

Visual Compliance

Job description

Princeton University is seeking an Assistant Contracts Manager to draft, review, and negotiate research-related agreements in partnership with ORPA, Technology Licensing and New Ventures, and the Office of the General Counsel. The role manages a portfolio from intake through execution, ensuring timely, compliant contracting for sponsored and unfunded projects.

The position will contribute to agreement-management improvements, templates, training, and metrics.