Contract Specialist - University of Rochester

GENERAL PURPOSE: Independently reviews complex contracts related to the administration of material transfer agreements (MTA), data use agreements (DUA), confidential disclosure agreements (CDA), and other related agreements. Responsibilities include: independently preparing, negotiating, and maintaining agreements in accordance with University policy, strict governmental guidelines, and other sponsor requirements; providing oversight responsibility for training new agreement administrators; conducts restricted party screening on all agreements that involve international partnerships and communicates the results and implications of such screening as appropriate; providing assistance to researchers who request research materials, data, or information; participating in the development of sponsor/governmental compliant policies and practices. Demonstrates a deep knowledge and technical understanding of business practices, contract law, and University and sponsor policies and procedures. Holds signature authority for all unfunded agreements inclusive of CDAs, MTAs, and DUAs. **JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:** + Independently composes and negotiates MTAs, CDAs and DUAs in accordance with University policies, strict governmental guidelines (e.g., HIPAA), and other sponsor requirements. Coordinates the receipt and transfer of materials for PI departure/arrival to or from University of Rochester. Analyzes prior agreements related to current research so that the scientist’s research and University’s pre-existing obligations are not compromised. Initiates communication with UR Ventures, University Privacy Officer(s), UR Office of Counsel, Biosafety and other central compliance offices to determine relevant requirements and obligations. Assists the ORPA Research Administrators with CDA, MTA and DUA provisions within funded research agreements. + Conducts restricted party screening on all agreements that involve international partnerships and, in collaboration with Export Control Officer, communicates the results and implications of such screening as appropriate. + Supervises the Administrative Assistant and Agreement Administrator 1 within the Agreements group of ORPA. Participates in training of new ORPA staff. + Provides guidance to researchers and University leadership regarding policies impacting MTAs, CDAs and DUAs. Provides interpretation and advice to the University research community regarding material provider requirements; ensures compliance for any reporting obligations under MTAs, CDAs and DUAs. Demonstrates a knowledge of federal regulations and industry standard contact positions. Provides ongoing communication to investigators on the status of agreement negotiations + Assumes responsibility for the overall administration of all agreements relating solely to the transfer of research materials, data and information to/from the University. Such responsibilities include: retaining records and ensuring appropriate project descriptions are obtained; advising researchers of obligations under contracts, tracking and documenting compliance with MTAs, CDAs, and DUAs. + Utilizes, and maintains expertise in, the University’s Integrated Online Research Administration System (IORA) in order to negotiate awards. May take a leadership role in providing on-line and in-person IORA training for the office and research community, as well as participate in the upgrade/development/testing of IORA. + Assumes responsibility for special projects. Develops or coordinates the development of University educational tools with respect to MTAs, CDAs and DUAs, or assist with the development of University-wide or internal policies. **QUALIFICATIONS:** + Bachelor's degree and training in an administrative area (e.g., Management, Law, or Public Policy) required. + Master’s level education preferred. + 6+ years of related research administration experience; or an equivalent combination of education experience required. + Problem solving, communication and organizational skills, ability to prioritize workload, hard drive and software computer skills required. + CLASP Certification required The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion to advance the University’s mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion/creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other status protected by law. This commitment extends to the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates from underrepresented populations, veterans, and persons with disabilities consistent with these values and government contractor Affirmative Action obligations. **How To Apply** All applicants must apply online. _EOE Minorities/Females/Protected Veterans/Disabled_ **Pay Range** Pay Range: $75,300 - $113,000 Annually _The referenced pay range represents the minimum and maximum compensation for this job. Individual annual salaries/hourly rates will be set within the job’s compensation range, and will be determined by considering factors including, but not limited to, market data, education, experience, qualifications, expertise of the individual, and internal equity considerations._ **Location:** Central Administration **Full/Part Time:** Full-Time **Opening:** Full Time 40 hours Grade 055 Research & Project Admin **Schedule:** 8 AM-5 PM