Contracts Specialist II
Key Skills for This Role
Full Job Posting
Ideal Candidate Statement
The ideal candidate is an organized, detail-oriented professional with experience in research administration or intellectual property management in a university setting. They have a strong understanding of contractual issues related to sponsored research and intellectual property and can balance multiple priorities while achieving consensus in negotiations. The candidate communicates clearly and effectively with stakeholders across the university, including faculty, staff, students, and colleagues in the Office of Technology Transfer, and demonstrates sound judgment, strong analytical skills, and a commitment to advancing the university’s research mission.
Workplace Requirements
- This position is offered as a hybrid role, combining both in-office and remote work to provide flexibility and support collaboration. Per Rice policy 440 , work arrangements may be subject to change.
- *Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime.
Hiring Salary
- $72,600 - $92,500
Minimum Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year-for-year basis may be substituted
- In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year-for-year basis may be substituted
- 2+ years experience in research, research administration, or intellectual property management In lieu of the experience requirement, additional related education, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year-for-year basis may be substituted
- In lieu of the experience requirement, additional related education, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year-for-year basis may be substituted
- Skills:
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize a variety of tasks and demands
- Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite, and ability to learn applicable university and departmental systems
- Advanced ability to independently draft, negotiate, and conclude industry research agreements
- Understanding of intellectual property and licensing issues as they pertain to industry sponsored research
- Understanding of university research environment and policies
- Understanding of industry practices and regulatory requirements
- Advanced communication skills to clearly and effectively communicate information to Rice faculty, staff, and students; external university and industry negotiating partners; and all levels of management
- Advanced analytical and problem solving skills to review and analyze complex information
- Experience with contracts and grants administration
- Demonstrated ability to negotiate effectively with external university and industry partners in a timely manner
- Strong service orientation, demonstrated ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, action-oriented, customer-focused service environment
- Extremely detail oriented and ability to work independently, but also able to seek out assistance when needed
- Excellent interpersonal skills, good judgment, and the ability to conduct negotiations in a timely manner
- Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite and the ability to learn applicable university and departmental systems
- Preferences:
- Experience working in a university setting or negotiating research-related agreements with universities
- Advanced degree in STEM field from accredited university or J.D. from ABA-accredited law school
- Registered Technology Transfer Professional (RTTP), Certified Licensing Professional (CLP), or Certified Research Administrator (CRA) certifications
Essential Functions
Negotiates and finalizes research-related agreements, including industry sponsored research, material transfer, non-disclosure, data use, and other agreements as assigned
Negotiates key terms of sponsored research agreements, including intellectual property and publication rights, confidentiality, indemnification and invoicing terms
Negotiates research‐related agreements as assigned by Assistant Director for Contracts that involve intellectual property, publication, confidentiality and related issues
Identifies contractual and policy issues such as research integrity policies, conflicts of interest, export control, and accounting, raises issues to appropriate university officials, and provides follow through until resolved
Interprets and explains contract terms and conditions to students, faculty and staff
Resolves complex contractual problems that develop during the course of negotiations by consulting with the Office of Technology Transfer team, investigators, staff, and industry sponsors
Collects and documents necessary internal approvals before contract execution, e.g., intellectual property assignments, required internal NDAs and acknowledgement letters
Maintains complete records of agreement drafts, correspondence, and internal approvals
Facilitates interactions with other university research administration offices
Assists management and other Industrial Contracts Specialists in revising standard agreements to reflect changes in university policies, federal regulations and laws
Develops ideas for more effective client service; assists Office of Technology Transfer staff to coordinate the development and delivery of training to other team members, faculty and client groups
Performs all other duties as assigned
Rice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits Rice Mission and Values : Mission and Values | Rice University
Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and welcoming the fullness of diversity into our candidate pools. Rice considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. Rice also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. If an applicant requires a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please get in touch with Rice University’s Human Resources Office via email at [email protected] for support.
If you have any additional questions, please email us at [email protected] . Thank you for your interest in employment with Rice University.
About Rice University
Private nonprofit research university serving undergraduate and graduate students through education and research in Houston, Texas.
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