"Industrial Contract Associate"

School/Unit Description

The Industrial Contracts Office (ICO) is part of Stanford University's Office of Technology Licensing (OTL), which evaluates, markets, and licenses technology owned by the University. ICO negotiates and signs sponsored research and other research-related agreements with industry and handles all University material transfer agreements, working closely with OTL on intellectual property terms for research agreements. ICO also works closely with the Office of Sponsored Research and many other University research administration offices. ICO's mission is to foster and maintain mutually beneficial relationships with industry sponsors and provide high-quality and timely service to our constituents -- Stanford faculty and staff -- while maintaining a balance between Stanford and industry interests.

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Position Summary

The Industrial Contracts Associate will provide essential support to Stanford faculty by drafting and negotiating material transfer and other research-related agreements. The Industrial Contracts Associate will maintain a caseload that includes a variety of types of agreements with different types of sponsors (industry, non-profit, government and other). The ICO team is looking for a skilled negotiator who can independently review and negotiate agreements, communicate regularly with faculty and staff, and maintain a positive, professional attitude in a fast-paced environment.

The Office of Technology Licensing (OTL) is seeking an individual to handle a variety of specific job duties associated with research-related agreements and data privacy management. This role involves negotiating research-related agreements that involve the use or transfer of human data or large research data sets. The candidate will develop and implement data privacy policies, procedures, and guidelines in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, such as GDPR, CCPA, and HIPAA. In coordination with the Privacy Office, they will conduct data privacy assessments to identify privacy risks, vulnerabilities, and compliance gaps for assigned research project agreements.

Collaborating with cross-functional teams, the candidate will ensure that data privacy considerations are integrated into the design and implementation of new systems, technologies, and projects. They will serve as a point of contact for data privacy inquiries for OTL. Additionally, the candidate will develop and deliver privacy training and awareness programs for employees to promote a culture of privacy compliance and data protection awareness.

The role also involves monitoring changes in privacy laws, regulations, and industry standards, providing guidance and recommendations for adapting organizational practices and policies to ensure compliance. The candidate will work closely with legal counsel, the University Privacy Office, and regulatory authorities to address privacy-related inquiries and compliance requirements. In coordination with other relevant Stanford units, they will regularly review and update data privacy documentation, including privacy notices, data processing agreements, and internal policies, to reflect changes in privacy practices and legal requirements.

This is a 100% FTE, benefits-eligible, remote-eligible position. For consideration, please submit resume. All final candidates must complete a background check.

Core Duties

• Conduct formal negotiations, finalize, and administer industry sponsored project agreements, commensurate with experience.
• Negotiate intellectual property and publication rights, as well as confidentiality, indemnification, and invoicing terms.
• Negotiate complex Material Transfer Agreements, draft language that complies with University, Federal and other regulatory policies, requirements, and conditions.
• Negotiate other research-related agreements that involve intellectual property, publication, and confidentiality issues.
• Identify contractual and policy issues such as compliance, conflicts of interest and accounting, provide follow through until resolved.
• Advise and assist client groups by interpreting and explaining contract terms and conditions of material transfers and industry sponsored project agreements.
• Assist in resolving contractual problems that arise during course of project by consulting with investigators, staff, and sponsors.
• Review and revise standard agreements to reflect changes in University policies, Federal regulations, and laws.
• Other duties may also be assigned.

Minimum Requirements

Education & Experience

Bachelor's degree and five years of relevant experience or a combination of education and relevant experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to draft, negotiate and conclude industry research agreements.
• Demonstrated understanding of intellectual property and licensing issues as they pertain to industry sponsored research.
• Demonstrated understanding of university research environment and policies.
• Advanced communication skills to clearly and effectively communicate information to internal and external audiences, client groups and all levels of management.
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills to review and analyze complex information.
• Strong service orientation, demonstrated ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, action-oriented, customer-focused service environment.
• Extremely detail oriented and able to work well independently, but also able to seek out assistance when needed.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, good judgment and the ability to conduct negotiations in a timely manner.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize a variety of tasks and demands.
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite and ability to learn applicable university and departmental systems.