Senior Contract Specialist (Remote) - Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research

About the role

• Location
• Remote, US
• Scheduled Hours
• 40

Position Summary

Serves as the liaison between University stakeholders and companies, major national and international foundations and non-profit entities, and government agencies.

Contracting responsibilities are University-wide and include drafting and negotiating industry sponsored research agreements and other research agreements including federal contracts and non-profit agreements and subagreements for sponsored research activities and clinical trials.

The position thoughtfully expedites the negotiation of research contracts and upholding the institution's business principles, policies and goals, while following any applicable government regulatory requirements. Oversee a large volume contract portfolio from negotiation to contract close out.

It is expected that the person filling this position will be highly motivated and capable of recognizing potential problems and taking the initiative to address them, operating both independently and as an effective team member. Expertise and good judgment are required in planning and completing assignments, resolving conflicts, and coordinating work with others.

A key ability of the person filling this position will be to complete multiple, simultaneous tasks, to work effectively under deadline pressure, and to successfully manage competing priorities with tact and efficiency.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Manage the contract portfolio of departments and schools including review and negotiation of all contract supported activities. This may include drafting and negotiating different types of agreements such as clinical research agreements, laboratory agreements, data use agreements, confidentiality agreements, collaboration agreements, foundation agreements, federal contracts, sponsored research and service agreements, and subawards, taking into consideration the investigator's needs and proactively identifying any special considerations. Advise faculty and staff on issues that could impact contractual relationships or negotiations. Review contract and agency guidelines regarding intellectual property, publication, communication, financial and indemnification terms to safeguard the interests of the University and principal investigators; flag and address unusual circumstances internally; provide alternative language and compelling explanations for alternative terms desired by the university. Use judgment and an extensive amount of experience to adapt an advanced knowledge of skills, methods, practices, policies and procedures and a considerable degree of innovation, analysis and reasoning to independently plan and prioritize work that involves some extremely difficult problems and/or decisions.
• Ensure a high level of service support is provided to principal investigators, departmental, school and central administrators; evaluates the risk associated with a variety of transactions and agreements; maintains the standard operating procedures for contract service delivery. Maintain awareness of regulatory and policy changes impacting the office; maintain awareness of court decisions that impact contract negotiations; and interprets and disseminates contract related policies, regulations, and guidelines to faculty and staff. Assist in training of new contract specialists and assist in development of JROC resource materials and guidance documents for negotiations.

Additional responsibilities include

• Maintain electronic records that are consistent and current; this includes review of documents to ensure appropriateness and completeness; ensures integrity of data captured in contract tracking system; provide strategic data to senior administration through reports as requested.

Perform other duties as assigned.

• The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification.
• They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified.
• Management reserves the right to revise or amend duties at any time.

Required Qualifications

Education

Juris Doctor Or Phd Or Combination Of Education And Experience May Substitute For Minimum Education.

Certifications /Professional Licenses

• No specific certification/professional license is required for this position.
• Work Experience: Relevant Experience (7 Years)

Skills: Not Applicable

Driver's License: A driver's license is not required for this position.

More About This Job

WashU seeks highly motivated individuals who are able to perform duties in a manner consistent with our core mission and guiding principles.

Preferred Qualifications

Education: No additional education unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.

Certifications /Professional Licenses

• No additional certification/professional licenses unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.
• Work Experience: Research Administration Or Contract Negotiation (2 Years)

Skills

Agency Law, Communication, Contract Agreements, Contract Law, Contract Modifications, Contract Negotiations, FDA Compliance, Insurance, Licensing Agreements, Paralegal Education, Patent Licensing, Prioritization, Research Compliance, Self-Organization (Business), Sound Judgment, Working Independently, Writing

• Grade
• G15

Salary Range

Base pay is commensurate with experience.

The salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including one's qualifications and performance, equity with others in the department, market rates for positions within the same grade and department budget.

Questions

For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ.

Accommodation

If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.

Pre-Employment Screening

All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.

Benefits Statement

Personal

• Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.
• Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.
• Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees.
• WashU provides eligible employees with a defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%.

Wellness

• Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program (EAP), financial resources, access to dietitians, and more!

Family

• We offer 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child. Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs. Need adult care? We've got you covered.
• WashU covers the cost of tuition for you and your family, including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years with us.