Stanford University is one of Silicon Valley’s largest employers – and one of the most unique. Our mission is to educate future leaders and promote interdisciplinary, world-class research and teaching. This passion makes Stanford an intensely creative, rewarding, and challenging place to work. At Stanford University, not only are you part of an exceptional team that values innovation and education, but you also become part of a culture that brings out the best in you. Stanford is committed to fostering a workplace culture that promotes diversity, collaboration and professional growth. Our culture offers career development programs, competitive pay that reflects market trends and benefits that increase financial stability and promote healthy, fulfilling lives.
Research-the creation of new knowledge-is key to Stanford’s educational mission. Stanford research has led to breakthrough remedies, devices, tools, and concepts, and hundreds of initiatives solely for the betterment of humanity. Among the inventions and discoveries that have resulted from Stanford research are MRI technology, DNA cloning, the Pill, heart transplantation, and digital music.
The Office of Research Administration (ORA) manages the administrative processes related to a broad spectrum of research related agreements as well as the entire lifecycle of sponsored research from proposal submission and award negotiation through financial reporting and award closeout. ORA submits over 5,000 new proposals annually and manages more than 7,700 active sponsored projects with a total budget exceeding $1.69 billion.
JOB PURPOSE
Stanford’s Office of Research Administration (ORA) is growing! We are looking for a Contract Officer to join our Research-Related Agreements team. The Contract Officer will primarily focus on the review, negotiation, and oversight of non-standard research-related contracts related to the University’s core mission of education and research but falls outside of traditional sponsored projects and gifts. The Contract Officers within ORA have delegated signing authority on behalf of the University to review and negotiate a full array of agreements and enable Stanford research, public service, and community outreach by negotiating mutually beneficial agreements with external collaborators that preserve academic freedom and scientific integrity. ORA is looking for a Contract Officer who approaches learning and problem solving with enthusiasm, is organized, focused and able to manage a significant workload, adapts easily to changing situations, and views new opportunities as creative challenges.
CORE DUTIES*
- Achieve and maintain delegated signature authority on behalf of Stanford University.
- Conduct comprehensive analysis and negotiation of complex non-sponsored, research-related agreements including, but not limited to, master agreements, data use agreements, and collaboration agreements.
- Ensure contract terms are consistent with University policy.
- Conduct research into the legal basis for certain contract terms, as needed (e.g., reviewing and analyzing a regulation).
- Coordinate escalation of issues in contract terms to appropriate university stakeholders (e.g., Risk Management, Office of General Counsel), as needed.
- Negotiate intellectual property and publication rights, as well as confidentiality, and indemnification terms.
- Identify contractual and policy issues such as compliance requirements and conflicts of interest and provide follow through until issues are resolved.
- Advise and assist department administrators, principal investigators, and staff; interpret and explain agreement provisions and terms.
- Resolve problems arising in the course of the project; consult with department administrators, principal investigators, staff, and sponsors.
- Partner with others to serve as a resource to educate units regarding institutional processes.
- Review and revise standard agreements to reflect changes in University policies, applicable regulations and laws.
A remote worker arrangement may be considered for candidates with the appropriate background and experience. Remote workers’ schedules are based in the Pacific Time zone.
* Other duties may also be assigned
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Education & Experience:
Bachelor’s degree and four years of relevant experience, or combination of education and relevant experience.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Advanced knowledge of contracting and related processes.
- Demonstrated understanding of university research environment and policies.
- Experience with university research administration or related experience preferred.
- Working knowledge of and experience applying regulatory requirements regarding research data and privacy, including HIPAA and GDPR as applied to research.
- Demonstrated understanding of liability, intellectual property and licensing issues as they pertain to academic research.
- Demonstrated ability to:
- Draft, negotiate and execute complex research agreements including data use agreements.
- Communicate knowledge and ideas both verbally and in writing with clarity and effectiveness to internal and external audiences, client groups and all levels of management.
- Make good independent decisions based on critical and analytical thinking, experience and judgement.
- Deliver high quality service and work products that can be relied upon by clients and colleagues to meet business requirements.
- Drive change and continuous improvement through individual contributions.
- Collaborate and work effectively in a distributed team environment.
- Attention to detail is essential.
- Work well with colleagues and clients.
- Demonstrated curiosity and comfort with uncertainty and ambiguity.
- Strong service orientation, demonstrated ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, action-oriented, customer-focused service environment.
- 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.
Certifications and Licenses:
None
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS*:
- Frequently perform desk based computer tasks, seated work and use light/ fine grasping.
- Occasionally use a telephone, stand, walk, twist, bend, stoop, squat, write by hand, sort, and file paperwork or parts.
- Rarely lift, carry, push, and pull objects that weigh up to 10 pounds.
* Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
- May have occasional extended or weekend work hours during peak business cycles.
WORK STANDARDS:
- Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
- Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
- Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University’s Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu.
The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.
Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
This role is open to candidates anywhere in the United States. Stanford University has five Regional Pay Structures. The compensation for this position will be based on the location of the successful candidate.
The expected pay range for this position is $78,000 to $118,000 per annum. Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location, and external market pay for comparable jobs.