Contract Officer

Northeastern University•Boston, MA

1d•$67,855 - $95,845•Remote

About The Position

Northeastern University’s Research Enterprise Services (NU-RES) supports faculty, investigators, and administrators in managing research and sponsored programs across the University’s global system, including its wholly owned subsidiary KRI at Northeastern University, LLC. The Contract Officer is a key member of the NU-RES Contracts Team, advising faculty and administrators on regulatory and practical issues related to externally sponsored contracts and agreements with industry, federal agencies, and nonprofit organizations. The role reviews, analyzes, drafts, negotiates, and administers sponsored research and related agreements, including nondisclosure, data use, and material transfer agreements. It also identifies legal, financial, regulatory, and business risks; coordinates with University offices to resolve contract issues and meet regulatory requirements; and supports post-execution award administration. The Contract Officer contributes to contract policies, processes, workflow improvements, outreach, education, and training, as well as professional development and special projects. The role requires independent judgment, strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, effective communication and collaboration, and the ability to manage high volumes of deadline-driven work. Remote work and schedules are supported where operationally appropriate, with arrangements determined in consultation with team members and consistent with University policies. Northeastern offers benefits to eligible employees, including medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness and life benefits, retirement, and commuting and transportation benefits.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree.
Three to five years of relevant research administration experience in an academic, military, nonprofit, or industry setting.
Demonstrated knowledge of sponsored research administration and related issues, including intellectual property rights, publications, academic freedom, policies, and best practices.
Experience reviewing applicable federal statutes and regulations, with a strong understanding of laws and regulations related to research and sponsored activities, such as Uniform Guidance, intellectual property, FCOI, IRB/IACUC/IBC, data and privacy, and export controls.
Strong principle-based negotiation and agreement-drafting experience, and understanding of key concerns for academic institutions, funding agencies, and corporate or industry partners.
Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills, and demonstrated ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively.
Integrity, initiative, professionalism, and a collegial, collaborative approach to work and professional relationships.
Analytical and creative problem-solving skills, sound judgment, attention to detail, and discretion in resolving ambiguity and developing effective solutions.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and a high volume of work in a fast-paced, time-sensitive, deadline-driven environment.
Commitment to providing professional, timely, efficient, value-added, and courteous service to the University research community.
Commitment to continued professional education and development.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with government contracting concepts, including FAR Parts 12 and 13, DFARS, and various contract vehicles.
Research administration experience in an academic or military setting.
Knowledge of government grant regulations, agency policies, and customary policies and procedures of an institute of higher education.
A sense of humor, high tolerance for ambiguity, and preference for working in a deadline-driven environment.

Responsibilities

Intake, review, draft, negotiate, and administer sponsored program agreements with industry partners.
Process unfunded agreements, including nondisclosure, material transfer, and data use agreements, from federal, state, municipal, and nonprofit entities.
Independently identify legal, financial, regulatory, and business risks in procurement contracts and other agreements.
Communicate contract issues to NU-RES leadership, investigators, administrative colleagues, and counterparts, and recommend mutually satisfactory terms and conditions.
Coordinate with the Office of General Counsel, Office of Research Compliance, IT, Risk Services, OHSRP, EHS, and other University offices to resolve contract issues and ensure regulatory requirements are met.
Contribute to post-execution administration of contract awards.
Work with leadership and contract team colleagues on process improvement initiatives and support outreach, education, and training programs.
Provide assistance and feedback on systems, reports, and other tools for the University research community.
Participate in University-wide professional development, training, workshops, resource development, and NU-RES special projects.
Contribute to NU-RES customer service initiatives and maintain expertise through professional development activities.