Contract Specialist (Remote) - Joint Research Office for Contracts

Washington University in St. Louis•St. Louis, MO

10d•Remote

About The Position

This position serves as the liaison between University stakeholders and companies, major national and international foundations and non-profit entities, and government agencies. Contracting responsibilities are University-wide and include drafting and negotiating industry sponsored clinical trial agreements and other research agreements including industry research agreements, federal contracts and non-profit agreements and sub-agreements for sponsored research activities and clinical trials. The position thoughtfully expedites the negotiation of research contracts and upholding the institution’s business principles, policies and goals, while following any applicable government regulatory requirements. The position will oversee a large volume contract portfolio from negotiation to contract close out. It is expected that the person filling this position will be highly motivated and capable of recognizing potential problems and taking the initiative to address them, operating both independently and as an effective team member. Expertise and good judgment are required in planning and completing assignments, resolving conflicts, and coordinating work with others. A key ability of the person filling this position will be to complete multiple, simultaneous tasks, to work effectively under deadline pressure, and to successfully manage competing priorities with tact and efficiency.

Requirements

J.D. - Juris Doctor
Relevant Experience (5 Years)

Nice To Haves

Research Administration Or Contract Negotiation (2 Years)
Contract Negotiations
Detail-Oriented
Diplomacy
Drafting Agreements
Employee Relationships
Negotiation
Oral Communications
Policies & Procedures
Professional Etiquette
Research Administration
Self-Awareness
Sound Judgment
Stress Management
Task Organization
Working Independently
Workload Prioritization
Written Communication

Responsibilities

Manages the contract portfolio of departments and schools including review and negotiation of all contract supported activities. This includes drafting and negotiating different types of agreements such as clinical research agreements, laboratory agreements, data use agreements, confidentiality agreements, collaboration agreements, foundation agreements, federal contracts, sponsored research and service agreements and sub-awards, taking into consideration the investigator’s needs and proactively identifying any special considerations.
Advises faculty and staff on issues that could impact contractual relationships or negotiations.
Reviews contract and agency guidelines regarding intellectual property, publication, communication, financial and indemnification terms to safeguard the interests of the university and principal investigators; flags and addresses unusual circumstances internally; provides alternative language and compelling explanations for alternative terms desired by the university.
Uses judgment and an extensive amount of experience to adapt an advanced knowledge of skills, methods, practices, policies and procedures and a considerable degree of innovation, analysis and reasoning to independently plan and prioritize work that involves some extremely difficult problems and/or decisions.
Ensures a high level of service support is provided to principal investigators, departmental, school and central administrators; evaluates the risk associated with a variety of transactions and agreements; maintains the standard operating procedures for contract service delivery.
Maintains awareness of regulatory and policy changes impacting the office; maintains awareness of court decisions that impact contract negotiations; and interprets and disseminates contract related policies, regulations and guidelines to faculty and staff.
Maintains electronic records that are consistent and current; this includes review of documents to ensure appropriateness and completeness; ensures integrity of data captured in contract tracking system; provides strategic data to senior administration through reports as requested.
Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.
Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.
Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees.
WashU provides eligible employees with a defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines employee contributions 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, and more!
We offer 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child. Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs. Need adult care? We’ve got you covered.
WashU covers the cost of tuition for you and your family, including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years with us.

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