The University of Virginia (UVA) Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) is seeking applicants for a Senior Contract Negotiator with experience analyzing, reviewing and negotiating agreements on behalf of the institution. This role will provide advanced contracting services and expert advice to UVA’s academic and research community in the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS), and federal contracting skills are essential. This position is eligible for on-site, remote or hybrid work.
The OSP Grants & Contracts group promotes excellence in research by providing comprehensive service in proposal submission, award negotiation, non-financial award management, and non-funded agreement negotiation. In FY21 UVA submitted over $2B in external funding proposals and received approx. $440 M in new awards. The Senior Contract Negotiators are responsible for research compliance in contract review, drafting, negotiation, execution and other aspects of contract administration, thus supporting academic departments, interdisciplinary research centers, and institutional strategic initiatives.
Responsibilities
Review, draft and negotiate a wide range of research agreements, including Research Funding Agreements, incoming/outgoing Subcontracts, Confidential Disclosure Agreements, Material Transfer Agreements, Data Use Agreements, amendments (funded and non-funded) and other agreements within a School-, Institute- or pan-University-based portfolio.
Partner with Schools, Principal Investigators, other OSP units, research compliance offices, research groups, and other departments within UVA’s research community.
Resolve complex research-related issues in cooperation with senior management or key University constituencies.
Serve as a liaison between the University, funding agencies and other sponsors. Assist Schools in preparation of complex proposals within parameters of sponsored and non-sponsored research guidelines.
Serve as subject matter expert on research administration, ensuring compliance with state, Federal and University rules, regulations, policies and practices (such as FAR, Uniform Guidance, sponsor guidelines, etc.)and provide guidance to staff and faculty in understanding applicable policies and obligations.
Identify and implement process improvements. Participate in and lead cross-Grounds projects. Train and advise on issues requiring specific technical expertise, including new regulations, policies, etc.
Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Requirements Education: Bachelor's degree
Experience: Five years of job related experience. Four additional years of experience may be accepted in lieu of degree.
Licensure: Certified Research Administrator (CRA) certification is preferred.
Preferred Requirements: Five years of job-related experience, or combination of education and relevant experience in increasingly-responsible roles
Juris Doctor (JD) degree or extensive experience negotiating complex agreements
Other credentials such as Top Secret Clearance, Certified Research Administrator (CRA), MBA, or project management certification
Knowledge / Skills:
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Excellent analytical skills.
Strong attention to detail.
Excellent time management and organizational skills.
Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft and web based tools
Experience with a broad range FAR and Non-FAR based federal contract strategies (e.g. FAR based contracts, OTAs, CRADAs, EPAs, SBIR/STTRs).
Knowledge of other governmental regulations (e.g., Uniform Guidance, FERPA, HIPAA, GDPR) a plus.
Knowledge of financial analysis and/or accounting principles a plus.
Expertise in project management, including managing international collaborations and complex multi-party contracts or subawards a plus.
Application Instructions: Please apply through Workday and complete an application online.
Include the following documents:
A CV/resume
A cover letter
All documents can be loaded into the resume submission field, multiple documents can be submitted into this one field. Internal applicants must apply through their UVA Workday profile. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
For questions about and assistance with the application process, please contact Margaret Weeks, Academic Recruiter. Before a formal offer of employment is extended, the selected candidate will undergo a background check per university policy.
Physical Demands: This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs.
COVID Vaccination Requirement and Guidelines Please visit the UVA COVID-19 Job Requirements and Guidelines webpage prior to applying for current information regarding vaccination requirements and guidelines for employment at UVA. The University of Virginia, including the UVA Health System which represents the UVA Medical Center, Schools of Medicine and Nursing, UVA Physician’s Group and the Claude Moore Health Sciences Library, are fundamentally committed to the diversity of our faculty and staff. We believe diversity is excellence expressing itself through every person's perspectives and lived experiences. We are equal opportunity and affirmative action employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, veteran status, and family medical or genetic information.