Contract Officer, Office of Sponsored Programs

Overview

Carnegie Mellon University is dedicated to building and disseminating knowledge through research. The Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) contributes directly to this mission by providing comprehensive support to faculty and staff in the administration of externally sponsored research. The Contract Team, within the OSP office, assists faculty and researchers in completing contracts with sponsors (both corporations and the government). In addition, also handles discussions of such issues as intellectual property, confidentiality, publications, and any other contractual concerns.

OSP is seeking a Contract Officer to join the team. Under the general direction of the Senior Contracts Officers and the Associate VP of Sponsored Programs, you will prepare, review and negotiate a wide variety of agreements and other documents in this role. You will be responsible for drafting, revising and negotiating a number of the following types of agreements: sponsored research agreements, data use agreements, material transfer agreements, memoranda of understanding, collaboration agreements, consortium agreements, teaming agreements, confidential disclosure agreements, SBIR, STTR, educational project agreements, licenses, membership agreements with industry, spin-offs, small businesses, federal agencies, non-profits, foundations, and/or other universities. You should have familiarity with licensing issues associated with foreground and background intellectual property and open source and third party software.

Core responsibilities include:

• Thorough understanding of federal regulations related to contracts and grants involving research with universities.
• Overseeing with Regulatory Compliance on matters related to animal and human subjects, Conflict of Interest, and Export Control.
• Obtaining input from Risk Management, Environmental Health and Safety, Sponsored Project Accounting on appropriate contractual language and compliance.
• Working with Department level contacts, including faculty, to review proposals including Statement of Work and Budget.
• Maintaining and managing status of contract negotiations in OSP’s electronic agreement management system.
• Providing input and developing policies for reviewing and negating research related agreements.
• Engaging CTTEC in discussions related to background intellectual property and intellectual property license options.
• Responding to request from Corporate and Foundation Relations to assist in discussions related to the management of intellectual property, confidentiality, publications, and other university policies related to sponsored research.
• Interpreting and clarifying policies, procedures and regulations to ensure consistent administration and compliance.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required
• At least 3 year's of relevant experience requires

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree/JD/MBA

• 3-5 year's of experience

• Certified Research Administrator (CRA) preferred

Flexibility, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within Carnegie Mellon. Inclusion, collaboration and cultural sensitivity are valued competencies at CMU. Therefore, we are in search of a team member who is able to effectively work well with a dynamic population of partners at a high level of integrity. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the university through their work.

You should demonstrate:

• Strong communications skills
• Initiative, flexibility, and the ability to thrive in a dynamic environment
• Excellent organizational, time management and analytical skills
• Confidentiality and tact in all areas of responsibility

Are you passionate about this opportunity? Please apply.