Research Contracts & Purchasing Specialist

The University of Kansas; Lawrence (KS); On-site; USD 50,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Kansas is seeking a detail-focused Research Contracts & Purchasing Specialist for the Fiscal Affairs team. You will draft, review, and process research-related agreements using established templates, ensuring accuracy and compliance across contracting, purchasing, and accounts payable functions.

You will support procurement, review requisitions, and coordinate with KU Purchasing and vendors to meet sponsor and Uniform Guidance requirements, delivering timely, well-documented

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or a related field with 1 year of procurement, purchasing, contract administration, or research administration experience OR alternative qualifications as listed.
• Experience with enterprise financial systems such as Oracle.
• Minimum of three years’ experience with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word).
• History of delivering high-quality work in a high-volume environment with accuracy and compliance.
• Excellent written communication skills demonstrated in application materials.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating with a team.
• Demonstrated customer service skills as evidenced by application materials.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive contract support across the processing lifecycle using KU/KUCR templates and standard language.
• Perform preliminary compliance checks and flag missing or inconsistent information.
• Ensure submissions align with contracting and procurement requirements before review.
• Draft agreements with meticulous attention to terms, dates, and provisions.
• Manage and track agreements through internal workflows and maintain records.
• Provide guidance on processes, timelines, and system usage, escalating issues as needed.
• Coordinate procurement with KU Purchasing, Shared Service Centers, Award Management Services, and suppliers.

Skills

Attention to detail

Written communication

Independent work

Customer service

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or related field

Associate’s degree + 3 years experience

High school diploma/GED + 5+ years experience

Tools

Oracle

Microsoft Office

Job description

The University of Kansas is seeking a detail-focused Research Contracts & Purchasing Specialist for the Fiscal Affairs team. You will draft, review, and process research-related agreements using established templates, ensuring accuracy and compliance across contracting, purchasing, and accounts payable functions.

You will support procurement, review requisitions, and coordinate with KU Purchasing and vendors to meet sponsor and Uniform Guidance requirements, delivering timely, well-documented