Senior Contract Specialist

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Missouri.

📋 Description

• Act as a bridge between university stakeholders and corporations, foundations, non-profit organizations, and government bodies.

• Prepare and negotiate agreements for industry-sponsored research along with other research contracts, including federal contracts, non-profit agreements, subagreements, and clinical trial contracts.

• Oversee contract portfolios for various departments and schools from the negotiation phase to project closeout.

• Assess and negotiate clinical research, laboratory, data use, confidentiality, collaboration, foundation, federal, sponsored research, service, and subaward agreements.

• Counsel faculty and staff on issues related to contractual relationships and negotiation.

• Examine terms related to intellectual property, publication, communication, finances, and indemnification.

• Recognize atypical situations, propose alternative language, and clarify university-preferred terms.

• Assess risks associated with transactions and agreements while maintaining standard operating procedures for contract service delivery.

• Keep abreast of changes in regulations, policies, and court decisions that may impact contract negotiations.

• Interpret and communicate contract-related policies, regulations, and guidelines.

• Aid in training new contract specialists and in the creation of JROC negotiation resources and guidance documents.

• Maintain electronic records and ensure the integrity of contract tracking data.

• Provide strategic data and reports to senior administration.

• Carry out additional duties as assigned.

⛳️ Requirements

• Juris Doctor or PhD; a combination of education and experience may be accepted in lieu of the minimum educational requirement.

• A minimum of 7 years of relevant experience.

• Preferred: At least 2 years of experience in research administration or contract negotiation.

• Proficient knowledge of agency law, contract agreements, contract law, contract modifications, contract negotiations, FDA compliance, insurance, licensing agreements, patent licensing, research compliance, and paralegal education.

• Capable of prioritizing tasks, self-organizing, exercising sound judgment, working independently, and writing effectively.

• No specific certification or professional license required.

• A driver's license is not a requirement.

• Successful completion of relevant pre-employment screenings, including a criminal background check and other applicable checks.

🏝️ Benefits

• Up to 22 days of vacation.

• 10 recognized holidays.

• Sick leave.

• Competitive health insurance packages offering priority appointments and reduced copays/coinsurance.

• Complimentary Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees.

• Defined contribution 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan, with both employee and university contributions starting at 7%.

• Wellness challenges.

• Annual health screenings.

• Mental health resources.

• Mindfulness programs and courses.

• Employee assistance program (EAP).

• Financial resources.

• Access to dietitians.

• 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with a new child.

• Family care resources, including ongoing childcare support and adult care assistance.

• Tuition coverage for the employee and their family, which includes up to 100% of dependent undergraduate-level college tuition at WashU and 40% at other institutions after seven years.