Research Contract Officer

UT Tyler; Arlington (TX); On-site; USD 78,000 - 114,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Texas at Arlington seeks a Research Contract Officer to support the Program Director in managing and negotiating a portfolio of research contracts, ensuring IP protection and compliance with sponsor requirements. The role collaborates across offices to align terms with scope, budget, and institutional authority.

Responsibilities include drafting and redlining agreements, coordinating with internal teams, and maintaining contract records.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
• Active license to practice law in Texas or the ability to obtain a Texas license within twelve (12) months of employment.
• One (1) year of legal experience.

Responsibilities

• Drafts, reviews, and negotiates university research agreements, including SRA, NDA, MTAs, DUAs, and third-party contracts.
• Evaluates terms for alignment with policies, system rules, federal requirements, IP, publication rights, and liability.
• Coordinates with Pre-Award, Grants Office, legal resources, Investigators, and departments to align terms with scope, budgets, and compliance.
• Prepares redlines, negotiation summaries, briefing materials, compliance checklists, and signature packets for review.
• Maintains template agreements, workflow documentation, contract records, status tracking, and auditable files.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

Contract drafting

Negotiation

IP rights

Publication rights

Confidentiality

Export controls

Education

J.D. degree

Job description

The annual salary for this position ranges from $78,000 to $114,000. The final offer will be commensurate with the candidate’s relevant experience and qualifications.

Purpose of Position

The Research Contract Officer assists the Program Director in managing, drafting, reviewing, and negotiating the University's portfolio of academic, industrial, and government research contracts. The position supports the protection of University intellectual property, compliance with applicable institutional and sponsor requirements, and the timely execution of research agreements.

Essential Functions

• Drafts, reviews, and negotiates customary and nonstandard University research agreements, including Sponsored Research Agreements, Non-Disclosure Agreements, Material Transfer Agreements, Data Use Agreements, equipment loans, and third-party commercial contract documents.
• Evaluates agreement terms for alignment with UTA policies, University of Texas System rules, federal requirements, controlled information obligations, export control considerations, intellectual property rights, publication rights, and liability exposure in public higher education contracts.
• Coordinates with Pre-Award, the Office of Grant and Contract Services, UTA/System legal resources, Principal Investigators, and departmental administrators to align contract terms with scopes of work, budgets, compliance requirements, and institutional signature authority.
• Prepares redlines, negotiation summaries, background briefs, compliance checklists, and signature packets for review by the Program Director and authorized institutional signatories.
• Maintains template agreements, workflow documentation, contract records, status tracking, and auditable electronic files in support of efficient agreement management and institutional reporting.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
• Active license to practice law in the State of Texas or the ability to obtain a Texas license within twelve (12) months of employment.
• One (1) year of legal experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with higher education law, research administration, technology transfer, federal grants or contracts, state procurement, public-sector contracting, or sponsored research agreements.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of contract drafting, negotiation, and legal issue spotting in a public university or research environment.
• Understanding of intellectual property, publication rights, confidentiality, data use, export controls, controlled information, and liability concepts.
• Ability to manage multiple active workflows, proofread complex documents, and communicate clearly with faculty, administrators, sponsors, and legal stakeholders.
• Ability to prepare concise summaries, redlines, briefing materials, and escalation notes for institutional decision-makers.

Work Schedule

• Monday through Friday; 8:00am through 5:00pm

Benefits Information

Position is benefit eligible: Yes

We are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package to our employees at the University.

It is the policy of The University of Texas at Arlington to conduct a pre employment background check on any applicant who is under final consideration for employment with the University.

This position may have access to critical infrastructure as defined by Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code. If so, to be hired for and continue to be employed in this position you must maintain the security or integrity of the infrastructure as set forth in Texas Executive Order GA 48. By assuming this position, and if you have access to critical infrastructure, you authorize the University to conduct routine background checks.

University Information

The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) is located in the heart of the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metroplex, a vibrant and diverse metropolitan area that is home to over 7 million people, one of the fastest-growing tech economies in the United States, and a wide array of arts, entertainment, and cultural activities. As a comprehensive teaching, research, and public service institution, UTA is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge through scholarship and creative work. With an enrollment of more than 42,000 students, UTA is the second largest in the University of Texas System. As a result of its combination of rigorous academics and innovative research, UTA is designated as a Carnegie R-1 Very High Research Activity institution and nationally recognized for its commitment to student success and service. It ranks No. 5 in Military Times’ Best for Vets: Colleges and is the top university in North Texas for its graduates’ salaries (The Wall Street Journal). UTA is designated as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution and is No. 6 for undergraduate ethnic diversity in the United States (U.S. News & World Report, 2023). With a global alumni network of approximately 280,000 – including leaders at many of the 24 Fortune 500 companies headquartered in North Texas – UTA contributes an estimated $29 billion annually to the Texas economy.

UTA is expanding its regional footprint by building a regional campus, called UTA West, in Parker County on the far west side of Fort Worth. It is scheduled to open in fall 2028. This initiative aligns with the university’s strategic growth and commitment to serving the broader community.

This is an exciting time to join UTA and contribute to its bold vision for the future.

EEO Statement

It is the policy of The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA or The University) to provide an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the University community. In accordance with federal and state law, the University prohibits unlawful discrimination, including harassment, on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, and/or veteran status. The University also prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender identity, and gender expression. Retaliation against persons who oppose a discriminatory practice, file a charge of discrimination, or testify for, assist in, or participate in an investigative proceeding relating to discrimination is prohibited. Constitutionally-protected expression will not be considered discrimination or harassment under this policy. It is the responsibility of all departments, employees, and students to ensure the University’s compliance with this policy.

ADA Accommodations

The University of Texas at Arlington is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to 817-272-5554 or email [e-mail] .