Senior Contract Officer

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How to Apply

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and must outline your skills and experience that directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of this position.

Job Summary

A remote work option is available.

Being part of something greater, of serving a larger mission of discovery and care - that's the heart of what drives people to work at Michigan. In some way, great or small, every person here helps to advance this world-class institution. It's adding a purpose to your profession. Work at Michigan and become a victor for the greater good.

The Office of Research and Sponsored Projects (ORSP) safeguards and advances U-M's research enterprise by providing its partners with efficient pre-award and non-financial post-award services for the compliant administration of externally sponsored grants, contracts, and ancillary agreements. ORSP aspires to be recognized across the globe as the leading provider of innovative, and high value guidance on the conduct of sponsored research and other funded activities. Additional information regarding ORSP is available on our website.

Our office is growing and looking for experienced individuals to negotiate and execute contracts related to sponsored projects for the institution. The incumbent in this position reviews, negotiates, and accepts sponsored project contracts and related agreements for the University of Michigan. This position has the responsibility and authority to review and agree to contractual terms and conditions on behalf of the University as a project representative in the Office of Research and Sponsored Projects.

Under management of an Associate Director, Sponsored Contracts, this position is responsible for the following:

Contract and Agreements Negotiation and Acceptance

• Draft various complex contracts, subcontracts, and other legal documents.
• Negotiate terms and conditions for industry basic, applied and development research contracts, master research agreements, clinical research agreements, clinical trial agreements, subcontract agreements for sponsored projects, service agreements, and other award instruments and related agreements. In this capacity, the Sr. Contracts Officer assumes responsibility for differentiating between negotiable positions and absolute requirements.
• Accept contracts and awards exercising appropriate delegated signatory authority.
• Develop knowledge base of Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and analyze proposed agreements to determine whether clauses in the prime agreement should properly flow down to U-M and, if not, negotiate such revisions or waivers with the other party.
• Conduct comprehensive analyses of provisions regarding intellectual property ownership and licensing, publication and confidentiality, liability, indemnification, warranty, export control, choice of law, scope of work, deliverables, and budgeting.
• Conduct negotiations to ensure an appropriate balance between the needs of the sponsor with those of the PI and the University. Clearly and concisely, convey University positions and the rationale for these positions to sponsors while working to maintain good sponsor relations.
• Identify issues during research negotiations in which U-M's position and/or goals diverge from the sponsoring entity, work with manager, as appropriate, to favorably resolve those issues, and assist with alerting more senior management when resolution is not able to be reached in a timely manner or when there are issues that are broad-based or potentially applicable to or problematic in other situations.
• Solicit input from principal investigators and other central administrative offices, such as Research Information Security, Export Controls, IRB, IACUC, Innovation Partnerships, General Counsel, and Risk Management as appropriate.
• Advise principal investigators and their staff of unusual or problematic terms, coordinate plans of action and keep informed of the negotiation process.
• Work with Sponsored Project Officers, central offices, and Project Team to ensure that each sponsored project has the appropriate University approvals for human subject research, animal use, and if applicable, indirect cost waivers prior to execution.

Training, Professional Development, and Other Duties

• Work with ORSP management team and other central and University units to develop training programs and materials on sponsored research related topics such as working with sponsors, industry, patents and intellectual property.
• Provide support to investigators and Pre-Award Officers in the proposal review and submission process for sponsored research proposals.
• Ensure that proposals and terms of award adhere to University, agency, and federally mandated requirements.
• Assist in education and training meetings, specialized training seminars, and staff professional development and participate actively in staff meetings and departmental working groups.
• Participate actively in national and regional research administration organizations and activities, with an emphasis on continuously enhancing job knowledge and skills.
• Represent Sponsored Research and the University as part of working groups.

Agency and Industry Liaison

• Maintain ongoing liaison with funding entity personnel to enhance ongoing research relationship.
• Monitor proposed and imposed modifications in sponsor regulations, requirements, and policies.
• Assist ORSP leadership in providing university management with critical analyses of these changes and or analyze potential impact to the University, alternative responses, and implementation strategies.

Required Qualifications*

Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution or equivalent combination of education and experience.

U.S. Citizenship or Lawful Permanent Resident Status: ORSP deals with export controlled information, the handling of which is regulated by the U.S. Federal Government and access to which is restricted to U.S. Citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents.

Experience negotiating contracts and agreements

Transactional legal experience drafting and redlining contracts and agreements.

Two or more years of experience negotiating government, industry, and non-profit agreements and contracts

Desired Qualifications*

Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited institution or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Working knowledge of sponsor software systems (e.g. eRA Commons, Research.gov, Proposal Central, etc.)

Familiarity with U-M policies and procedures related to research administration (including, but not limited to, accounting, purchasing, personnel, and regulatory compliance)

Experience providing excellent customer service

Certification in Research Administration (CRA)

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Background Screening

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.