Senior Grants and Contracts Specialist, SPAR Research

UT Southwestern Medical Center • Dallas, TX

89d

About The Position

The Department of Surgery Research (SPAR) Clinical Research Unit is looking for a highly motivated and experienced Sr. Grants & Contracts Specialist to support pre and post-award functions for a complex research portfolio, spanning seven departments: Surgery, Neurological Surgery, Orthopedic Surgery, Plastic Surgery, Emergency Medicine, and Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. This role functions as a strategic liaison across multiple departments with varied administrative structures, serving as a trusted resource for investigators, departmental leadership, and cross-functional teams. The position also facilitates coordination with UT Southwestern's Sponsored Programs Administration and a diverse array of external sponsors. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to a high-impact research enterprise within a nationally recognized academic medical center, supporting innovative investigators and working alongside a skilled grants administration team.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in business administration, public administration, or related field.
• 4 years of experience in business or public administration with emphasis on customer service in financial or contracting position.
• Applicants without the stated degree, but with significant additional professional applicable experience may be considered in lieu of education requirement.

Nice To Haves

• Certified Research Administrator (CRA) Upon Hire

Responsibilities

• Gathers and provides information regarding funding opportunities and application procedures to applicants by reading newsletters and announcements, search directories, funding files, and other relevant resources.
• Provides guidance to researchers for proposal development and submission by interpreting and ensuring adherence to sponsor and university announcements and guidelines.
• Provides grants management support to researchers by negotiating and processing awards, interpreting award conditions, obtaining approvals for award modifications, and completing required reports.
• Negotiates contracts with various agencies (state and federal government, private organizations), pharmaceutical companies, and biotechnological companies to achieve agreements satisfactory to all parties.
• May draft entire contracts of various types following state laws and Board of Regents' guidelines.
• Provides working supervision to Grants and Contracts Specialist and administrative positions.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• PPO medical plan, available day one at no cost for full-time employee-only coverage
• 100% coverage for preventive healthcare-no copay
• Paid Time Off, available day one
• Retirement Programs through the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS)
• Paid Parental Leave Benefit
• Wellness programs
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees