Job Title
Contract Negotiator II
Agency
Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi
Department
Research and Innovation
Proposed Minimum Salary
Commensurate
Job Location
Corpus Christi, Texas
Job Type
Staff
Job Description
Description:
This position is responsible for managing the sponsored research contracts within the department and overseeing preparation and negotiation of a range of contracts (both monetary and non-monetary) and other legal documents for sponsored projects, including but not limited to federal, state, and industry sponsored research agreements awarded to TAMU-CC, subcontracts issued by TAMU-CC to collaborators, collaboration agreements, external technical service, and testing agreements. Reviews and negotiates terms and conditions of award documents to ensure compliance with the Texas A&M University System (TAMUS) policies, Federal and State laws and regulations, and sponsor guidelines. Minimal supervision is required.
Responsibilities:
Sponsored research contract/agreement negotiation:
Negotiates sponsored contracts, agreements, and subcontracts with corporate and public sponsors, including federal agencies and local government.
Performs direct negotiation of disputed contractual clauses to bring agreements to mutually acceptable conclusions.
Partners with faculty to draft and negotiate intellectual property and licensing terms to develop corporate research strategies into sponsored research projects with the industry.
Contract review and provide contractual guidance to the stakeholders:
Ensures negotiated terms are consistent with proposals, federal, state, local regulations and laws and TAMUS policies. Works with R&I’s Office of Research Development and Commercialization to secure intellectual property and publication rights. Works collaboratively, under minimal supervision with TAMUS Office of General Counsel, R&I’s Office of Research Compliance and other members’ offices.
Provides guidance to research administration on contractual issues and key contractual obligations; provides guidance to sponsored programs regarding terms and conditions.
Reviews and analyzes agreements and contracts to identify risks, liabilities or gaps in information and resolves issues.
Responsible for remaining current on issues in the field of research administration and any changes in federal/state legislative, practices, policies and contract regulations.
Documentation and data entry in Maestro and other duties as assigned:
Maintains all negotiations-related documentation in negotiations database, Maestro. Ensures that all records are updated regularly, and that documentation represents the current status of each negotiation. Ensures that all negotiations are processed in a timely fashion and that all parties to the negotiation are kept apprised of the status.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, law or other related field.
Two (2) years of professional business administration, grant and contract administration, intellectual property management or related work experience.
Paralegal or transactional contract experience.
Extensive knowledge of federal agency grants and contract regulations. Considerable knowledge of contract law.
Superior writing, speaking and general communications skills.
Ability to negotiate and to synthesize many kinds of information effectively in pursuit of general and specific objectives
General understanding of the function and mission of higher education and specific knowledge of the dynamics of a university.
Knowledge of and facility in using electronic data storage and communications systems. Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships.
Knowledge of safety, security, and confidentiality precautions appropriate to work performed.
Preferred Qualifications:
Master’s or Professional Degree in Business Administration, Finance, Public Administration, Law from an accredited institution.
Experience in research administration at a university, company, foundation, and/or state agency is highly desirable.
Knowledge of US Law regarding Intellectual Property (IP) and Copyright (CR). Legal experience and/or a Juris Doctorate.
All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.
EqualOpportunity/AffirmativeAction/Veterans/DisabilityEmployer committed to diversity.
