SRCS Contract Specialist III
About The Position
The Sponsored Research Contracting Services (SRCS) department plays a critical role in supporting research, innovation, and scientific advancement at SDSU. The SRCS team reviews, negotiates, and accepts sponsored research agreements from federal agencies, state organizations, foundations, nonprofit entities, universities, and industry partners. The team also develops and negotiates outgoing subawards that support collaborative research initiatives across the globe. Our work helps researchers navigate complex contracting requirements while safeguarding institutional interests and ensuring compliance with applicable regulations and policies. Are you a strategic negotiator who enjoys solving complex problems and building collaborative relationships? As a Contract Specialist III, you will serve as a trusted advisor and lead negotiator for sponsored research agreements that support groundbreaking research and innovation. You will partner with faculty, administrators, sponsors, and institutional stakeholders to transform funding opportunities into fully executed agreements that enable research to move forward. This role is ideal for a professional who combines strong analytical skills with sound judgment, negotiation expertise, and a passion for supporting higher education research.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree, or combination of education and progressively responsible experience in a university, research or non-profit organization or related field.
- Contract review and contract negotiation experience are required.
- At least four years of related and progressively responsible or expansive work experience in contract review and negotiation.
Nice To Haves
- Experience with Ellucian Banner, InfoEd, Etrieve or other related electronic systems
- Experience working with SDSU Research Foundation and SDSU policies and procedures.
- Familiarity with pre-award and post award research administration
Responsibilities
- Serve as the primary contracting liaison between project directors, principal investigators, and external funding sponsors.
- Negotiate sponsored research agreements, grants, contracts, and other related funding instruments.
- Analyze and negotiate contract terms to ensure compliance with university policies, sponsor requirements, and applicable federal, state, and international regulations.
- Develop creative solutions to complex contractual and compliance challenges while effectively managing institutional risk.
- Collaborate with subject matter experts, draft, and negotiate provisions related to intellectual property, publication rights, indemnification, export controls, and other research-related terms.
- Support award transitions and process improvements that enhance service delivery and operational effectiveness.
- Contribute to the development of agreements that enable transformative research, scholarship, and creative activities.
Benefits
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans
- Life and disability insurance plans
- Generous employer contributed 403b retirement plan. We match 200% on the first 5% of contributions, up to 10% maximum employer matching contribution. All contributions are 100% vested.
- Vacation and sick leave accruals
- 14 paid holidays and 1 annual personal holiday
- Hybrid in-office/telework arrangements
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Access to campus amenities, including Love Library, Aztec Lanes bowling alley, SDSU transit center, and a variety of coffee shops and eateries.
- Discounted Aztec Recreation Center gym membership and SDSU events
- Wellness workshops
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
