Senior Industrial Contracts Officer

Stanford University; Redwood City (CA); Hybrid; USD 158,000 - 181,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

Stanford University’s ICO seeks a Senior Industrial Contracts Officer to lead drafting, negotiation, and administration of complex industry-sponsored agreements. You will manage high-value contracts, ensure policy compliance, and advise faculty and sponsors throughout the lifecycle.

The role emphasizes negotiating IP, publication rights, and financial terms, with a focus on risk balance and operational excellence. Hybrid work and a background check are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and seven years of relevant experience.
• Advanced ability to draft, negotiate and conclude industry research agreements.
• Thorough understanding of intellectual property and licensing in industry sponsored research.
• Thorough understanding of university research environment and policies.
• Advanced communication and analytical skills for complex negotiations.
• Significant experience with contracts and grants administration; strong negotiation.
• Ability to work independently and with teams; attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Conduct formal negotiations, finalize, and administer complex industry sponsored project agreements.
• Negotiate intellectual property and publication rights, including confidentiality and invoicing terms.
• Draft Material Transfer Agreements in line with policy and regulatory requirements.
• Negotiate other research-related agreements with IP, publication and confidentiality issues.
• Identify issues and coordinate with university officials to resolve compliance matters.
• Advise clients by interpreting contract terms to faculty and staff.
• Resolve contractual problems with investigators, staff, and sponsors.
• Collaborate with OTL, OGC, OSR, RMG to address policy matters.

Skills

Drafting

Negotiation

IP licensing

Contract administration

Communication

Analytical thinking

Policy knowledge

Team leadership

Attention to detail

Publications rights

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

The Industrial Contracts Office (ICO) is a unit within the Office of Technology Licensing, Stanford's technology transfer office. OTL evaluates, markets and licenses technology created by the university. ICO is responsible for reviewing, negotiating, and signing a variety of research-related agreements on behalf of Stanford with industry and some non-profit collaborators, including sponsored research, material transfer, and equipment loan agreements. ICO Contract Officers have authority to sign research-related agreements on behalf of Stanford University and ensure that all agreements comply with Stanford policy, sound business practice, and legal requirements. ICO works closely with the OTL Licensing Team to ensure that Stanford’s intellectual property are protected and developed to serve the public interest.

Our VPDoR Diversity Journey:

• We create a hub of innovation through the power of diversity of disciplines and people.
• We provide equitable access and opportunity to all members of the community in order to do their best work, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
• We listen to and value all colleagues who bring diverse perspectives to the advancement and development of a respectful community.
• We promote a culture of belonging, equity, and safety.
• We embed these values in excellence of education, research, and operation.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Office of Industrial Contracts (ICO) at Stanford University is seeking a Senior Industrial Contracts Officer (Industrial Contracts Officer 2) to independently lead the drafting, negotiation, execution, and administration of complex industry-sponsored research agreements, collaborations, and material transfer agreements. This role manages a high volume of transactions across diverse disciplines and sponsors, including complex, multi-party, and high-value agreements, ensuring alignment with Stanford policy, regulatory requirements, and sound business practices.

The position requires advanced judgment in evaluating and negotiating intellectual property, publication, confidentiality, indemnification, and financial terms, while balancing institutional risk and supporting Stanford’s research mission. The Senior Industrial Contracts Officer partners closely with faculty, staff, and external sponsors to structure agreements that meet research needs, and proactively manages the full lifecycle of contracts—from intake through execution and issue resolution.

This role holds delegated signature authority on behalf of the university for research agreements within scope and serves as a subject matter expert, providing guidance to junior staff, contributing to training and process improvements, and collaborating with internal stakeholders (e.g., OTL, OGC, OSR, RMG) to resolve complex contractual, compliance, and policy matters.

This is a 100% FTE, benefits-eligible position. The preference for this position is to be based at the Stanford work location with the option of a hybrid work arrangement, subject to operational need. Hybrid work arrangements require a regular presence at the Stanford work location that is determined based on business needs, and is typically two, three, or four days per week or an equivalent amount of time monthly. All final candidates must complete a background check.

CORE DUTIES:

• Conduct formal negotiations, finalize, and administer complex industry sponsored project agreements.
• Negotiate intellectual property and publication rights, including confidentiality, indemnification, and invoicing terms.
• Negotiate Material Transfer Agreements, draft language that complies with University, Federal and other regulatory policies, requirements, and conditions
• Negotiate other research-related agreements that involve intellectual property, publication, confidentiality, and related issues.
• Identify contractual and policy issues such as compliance, conflicts of interest and accounting, raise issues to appropriate university officials, and provide follow through until resolved.
• Advise and assist client groups by interpreting and explaining contract terms and conditions to faculty and staff.
• Resolve contractual problems that develop during course of project by consulting with investigators, staff, and sponsors.
• Facilitate interactions with other university research administration offices.
• Review and revise standard agreements to reflect changes in University polices, Federal regulations and laws.
• Participate in developing ideas for more effective client service; support Industrial Contracts Manager to coordinate the development and delivery of training to other team members, faculty, and client groups.
• This is a hybrid role, which requires a regular presence at the employer’s local Stanford Work Location. Required regular presence is determined based on business needs, and is typically two, three, or four days per week or an equivalent amount of time monthly.

Qualifications:

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Education & Experience:

Bachelor's degree and seven years of relevant experience or a combination of education and relevant experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Advanced ability to draft, negotiate and conclude industry research agreements.
• Thorough understanding of intellectual property and licensing issues as they pertain to industry sponsored research.
• Thorough understanding of university research environment and policies.
• Advanced communication skills to clearly and effectively communicate information to internal and external audiences, client groups and all levels of management.
• Advanced analytical and problem solving skills to review and analyze complex information.
• Significant experience with contracts and grants administration; demonstrated ability to negotiate effectively with industry.
• Strong service orientation, demonstrated ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, action-oriented, customer-focused service environment.
• Extremely detail oriented and able to work well independently, but also able to seek out assistance when needed.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, good judgment and the ability to conduct negotiations in a timely manner.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize a variety of tasks and demands.
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite and ability to learn applicable university and departmental systems.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Frequently perform desk based computer tasks, seated work and use light/ fine grasping.
• Occasionally use a telephone, stand, walk, twist, bend, stoop, squat, write by hand, sort, and file paperwork or parts.
• Rarely lift, carry, push, and pull objects that weigh up to 10 pounds.

* Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact Stanford University Human Resources by submitting a contact form.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• May have occasional extended or weekend work hours during peak business cycles.

WORK STANDARDS:

• Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
• Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
• Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University’s Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu .

The expected pay range for this position is $158,135 - $181,196 per annum.

Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of the salary or hourly wage the university reasonably expects to pay for a position upon hire. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location and external market pay for comparable jobs.

At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website ( https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/benefits-rewards ) provides detailed information on Stanford’s extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.

Why Stanford is for you:

Imagine a world without search engines or social platforms. Consider lives saved through first-ever organ transplants and research to cure illnesses. Stanford University has revolutionized the way we live and enrich the world. Supporting this mission is our diverse and dedicated 17,000 staff. We seek talent driven to impact the future of our legacy. Our culture and unique perks empower you with:

• Freedom to grow. We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, or audit a course. Join a TedTalk, film screening, or listen to a renowned author or global leader speak.
• A caring culture. We provide superb retirement plans, generous time-off, and family care resources.
• A healthier you. Climb our rock wall, or choose from hundreds of health or fitness classes at our world-class exercise facilities. We also provide excellent health care benefits.
• Discovery and fun. Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums.
• Enviable resources. Enjoy free commuter programs, ridesharing incentives, discounts and more!

The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Benefits that support you, and your future

18+ PTO days per year

Health benefits start when you start

Flexible work options

$6000+ annual tuition and training assistance

403(b) plan

Mental health and wellness programs

Free and discounted commuter transportation

Applies to regular full-time positions.

Notice to Applicants

The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of their job.

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Stanford University provides job pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a particular job. The specific pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on a wide range of factors that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to geographic work location, relevant knowledge, skills and abilities, relevant education, years of relevant experience, depth and breadth of relevant experience, and performance; further including but not limited to other business and organization needs such as the scope and responsibilities of the position, the minimum qualifications, departmental budget availability, and market and internal equity across the university, school/ unit, department, as well as job reporting relationships.

Why work at Stanford

World-changing work in a culture of continuous learning

An inspiring community that values collaboration

High-quality health and wellness benefits that put you and your family first

Access to world-class education and career development, with tuition reimbursement, training assistance, and more