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Provost URA: Research Contracting

About the Department

University Research Administration has the responsibility to review and provide institutional endorsement for all proposals to federal and other external sponsors (excluding gifts), assuring compliance with University policies and sponsor terms and conditions. URA is the institutional authority for the negotiation and acceptance of financial support or other contractually-binding obligations in the form of a contract, grant, or agreement, including material transfer agreements and clinical trials.

Job Summary

The Contract Officer position sits within the Grants and Contracts Team on the Research Contract Group at University Research Administration. The Research Contract Group plays a key role in a team-based approach to faculty-centric development and execution of sponsored research, collaboration, and related agreements. The group is organized into teams that support Clinical Trials, Industry Collaboration and Research Related Grants and Contracts. The position will be focus on specialized research-related agreements including but not limited to Material Transfer Agreements (MTAs), Confidential Disclosure Agreement (CDAs), and Data Use Agreements (DUA) and Collaboration Agreements.

The Contract Officer is responsible for administering and coordinating proposals, awards, incoming subawards, clinical trial agreements, corporate sponsored research agreements, and other contract types as needed, for support of research, training, and other sponsored activities at The University of Chicago. The external funding to the University is provided by various sources - federal; non-profit; for-profit; pharmaceutical companies and other non-federal biomedical sponsors; and governmental non-federal sources, including foreign entities.

The job uses best practices and knowledge of activities to support the functional areas of University Research Administration. Supports research, training, and other sponsored activities at the University, building upon knowledge of the University, processes, and customers. Requires in-depth knowledge and experience. Uses best practices and knowledge of internal or external University issues to improve products or services. Solves complex problems; takes a new perspective using existing solutions.

Responsibilities

• Drafts, negotiates, and comments upon complex sponsored research and collaboration agreements with third parties on all research -related agreements including confidentiality, data use and material transfer agreements.
• Acts as part of the Contracts Team, to independently manage various agreement types from initiation to completion/execution in a timely, efficient, and thorough manner.
• Communicates clearly and consistently with stakeholders during the negotiation process.
• Works closely and collaboratively with University Leadership support of faculty and various University needs and priorities.
• Has delegated authorization to sign agreements on behalf of the University under delegations authorized by the Associate Vice President for Research Administration.
• Applies advanced knowledge of contracting and related processes for all sponsored projects/portfolio assigned to this position.
• Demonstrated understanding of university research environment and policies.
• Post-award management/contract negotiation for all sponsored projects for the University departments and units assigned to the position.
• The individual is a member of a Team and must contribute to the team effort, as needed. This may involve assisting colleagues to ensure timely campus service to departments, units, and sponsors, as needed and to perform backup duties during staff vacations or sick leaves.
• Interacts with individuals at companies and institutions regarding all agreement/contract types; faculty and administrative staff at the University; and on occasion with staff of the federal government, non-federal sponsors and other organizations.
• Provides faculty and administrators with application preparation, analyzing possible solutions to problems that arise using standard procedures. Reviews, interprets, and negotiates contract and grant terms to determine compliance and/or conflict with federal regulations and procedures.
• With moderate guidance, helps to obtain sponsor approvals for major changes to project work scope, etc. Transmits proposals and manages post award administration, gathers and submits closeout documentation, and maintains records. Ensures completeness and accuracy and coordinates any internal controls prior to the submission of documents to awarding agency.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

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Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job disciplin