Manager, Research Contracts

Overview

Under the direction of Associate Vice Chancellor of Grants and Contracts Administration, Manager, Research Contracts is responsible for reviewing, drafting, and negotiating research-related agreements on behalf of the institution. This position requires strong knowledge of contract negotiation practices and research administration. The manager will work closely with principal investigators, staff, sponsors, and collaborating institutions to ensure timely, compliant, and effective agreements that support the institution’s research mission.

• Draft, review, interpret and negotiate research-related agreements and amendments, including federal, state and private grants, contracts, research agreements, that fall under the purview of Grants and Contracts Administration.
• Act as a lead contributor providing guidance, oversight and information to the contracts team regarding negotiation, institution policies, federal and state regulations and sponsor guidelines.
• Oversee and guide the contract specialist(s) in their day-to-day operations.
• Lead the team to develop standardized processes and procedures to ensure quality, compliance, risk management and accuracy in contract activities.
• Collaborate as needed in review of proposals to determine the designation of collaborators.
• Propose, define, and implement changes in contract and proposal processes to streamline reporting and tracking activities.
• Identify and mitigate legal, financial, compliance, and intellectual property risks.
• Serve as liaison between UMass Chan stakeholders and external sponsors (industry, government, non-profit, and foundations).
• Collaborate with offices of technology transfer, compliance, legal counsel, and finance as necessary.
• Ensure contract terms comply with institution policies, federal and state regulations, and funding agency requirements.
• Maintain timely and accurate records of negotiations and executed agreements in the institution’s contract management system.
• Communicate, provide guidance and training for faculty and administrators on research contract processes.
• Contribute to developing standard templates, negotiation playbooks, and process improvements.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, legal studies, public administration, or related field.
• 5 – 7 years of experience in contract negotiation, preferably research related.
• Working knowledge of research compliance issues (human subjects, export controls, HIPAA, FCOI, data security, etc.).
• Strong negotiation, communication, and writing skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• JD, Master’s degree, or Certified Research Administrator (CRA) credential.
• Experience negotiating research agreements in a university, academic medical center, or research institute setting. Agreements including subawards, data use, confidentiality and material transfer agreements.
• Familiarity with federal funding regulations (e.g., Uniform Guidance, FAR, DFARS).
• Knowledge of intellectual property and technology transfer considerations.
• Familiarity with Huron Research Suite Agreements Module.