"Contracts Officer - Office of the Vice President for Research"

Job Details

Carnegie Mellon University is a private, global research university that stands among the world’s most renowned education institutions. With ground-breaking brain science, path-breaking performances, creative start-ups, big data, big ambitions, hands-on learning, and a whole lot of robots, CMU doesn’t imagine the future, we invent it. If you’re passionate about joining a community that challenges the curious to deliver work that matters, your journey starts here!

The Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR) at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) is seeking an experienced Contracts Officer to join the team. OVPR has responsibility for nurturing interdisciplinary research initiatives at one of the nations' leading research institutions. OVPR provides overall research administration and policy for all colleges and schools, as well as the university's more than 100 centers and institutes. Working closely with deans, department heads, faculty, students and staff, the office provides an innovative and supportive research environment that spans all disciplines and campuses and assures that research activities are planned and conducted in accordance with regulations and University policy.

Under the general direction of the Senior Contracts Officers and the Executive Director of Sponsored Programs, the Contracts Officer will prepare, review, and negotiate a broad range of agreements and related documents. The successful candidate will have extensive experience drafting, revising, and negotiating many of the following: sponsored research agreements, data use agreements, material transfer agreements, memoranda of understanding, collaboration and consortium agreements, teaming agreements, confidential disclosure agreements, SBIR and STTR agreements, educational project agreements, licenses, and membership agreements with industry partners, spin‑offs, small businesses, federal agencies, non‑profits, foundations, and other universities. The candidate should also be familiar with licensing considerations related to foreground and background intellectual property, as well as open‑source and third‑party software.

Core Responsibilities:

• 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.
• 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.
• Other duties as assigned.

Adaptability, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within Carnegie Mellon University. We are in search of a team member who can effectively interact with a varied population of internal and external partners at a high level of integrity. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the mission of the university through their work.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree required. Master’s Degree preferred.
• 3-5 years of research contracts compliance experience required.
• A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.

Requirements:

• Successful background check

Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits.

Benefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits, take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays, and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance.

Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and much more!

For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page.

At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it’s about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.

Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today!

Location
Pittsburgh, PA

Job Function
Legal

Position Type
Staff – Regular

Full Time/Part time
Full time

Pay Basis
Salary