Research Compliance Specialist

University of Washington•Seattle, WA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

CoMotion has an outstanding opportunity for a Research Compliance Specialist to join their team. Reporting to the Associate Director, Patents, the Research Compliance Specialist plays a critical role in managing innovation intake and ensuring compliance with federal and non-federal intellectual property reporting requirements. This position serves as the primary coordinator for federally funded invention reporting under the Bayh-Dole Act, manages the intake and assignment of innovation disclosures and consultation requests, and serves as a key resource for researchers, administrators, and intellectual property professionals across the University. The Research Compliance Specialist works closely with inventors, research administrators, the Office of Sponsored Programs, licensing and patent staff, external counsel, and federal agency representatives to ensure timely reporting, accurate records, and continuous process improvement. This position is based in Seattle and may be eligible for a hybrid work schedule.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Arts & Sciences, or a related field.
Two years of experience providing complex administrative support.
Experience reviewing, analyzing, and managing intake of agreements related to intellectual property.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Strong customer service and relationship management skills.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining exceptional attention to detail.
Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
Ability to prioritize competing projects and meet urgent deadlines.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
Demonstrated ability to handle confidential information and sensitive matters with diplomacy and discretion.

Nice To Haves

Paralegal experience.
Experience working with sponsored research grants or research administration processes.
Knowledge of intellectual property management, technology transfer, or patent administration.
Experience working with database management systems and reporting tools.
Familiarity with the Bayh-Dole Act, federal research compliance requirements, or intellectual property reporting systems such as iEdison.

Responsibilities

Independently manage federal intellectual property reporting and compliance activities for University innovations arising from federally funded research, including disclosures, elections of title, patent reporting, utilization reports, and grant closeout requirements (50%).
Serve as the primary point of contact for federal reporting inquiries from investigators, research administrators, sponsored programs staff, and federal agencies; resolve reporting questions and compliance issues (15%).
Manage intake of innovation submissions and consultation requests, review records for completeness and funding requirements, and assign matters to appropriate CoMotion staff (20%).
Maintain accurate intellectual property, inventorship, and funding records within CoMotion databases and reporting systems; monitor data quality and reporting obligations (5%).
Collaborate with patent portfolio managers, licensing professionals, inventors, external counsel, and research administrators to ensure compliance and accuracy of intellectual property records (5%).
Develop and implement process improvements, training materials, standard operating procedures, and special projects that improve operational efficiency and compliance outcomes (5%).