How to Apply
A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position, and must outline your skills and experience that directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of this position.
Job Summary
A remote work option is available.
Being part of something greater, of serving a larger mission of discovery and care - that's the heart of what drives people to work at Michigan. In some way, great or small, every person here helps to advance this world-class institution. It's adding a purpose to your profession. Work at Michigan and become a victor for the greater good.
The Office of Research and Sponsored Projects (ORSP) safeguards and advances U-M's research enterprise by providing its partners with efficient pre-award and non-financial post-award services for the compliant administration of externally sponsored grants, contracts, and ancillary agreements. ORSP aspires to be recognized across the globe as the leading provider of innovative, and high-value guidance on the conduct of sponsored research and other funded activities.
This position reviews, negotiates, and accepts unfunded contracts and related agreements for the University of Michigan. This position holds the responsibility and authority to agree to contractual terms and conditions on behalf of the University as a representative in the Office of Research and Sponsored Projects.
Under the leadership of the Assistant Director, Unfunded Agreements, this position is responsible for the following:
Contract and Agreements Negotiation and Acceptance
Draft various contracts and other legal documents related to sponsored projects, using standard templates when possible.
Negotiate terms and conditions for material transfer and data use agreements, confidentiality agreements, and other agreements as assigned. In this capacity, the Contracts Officer assumes responsibility for differentiating between negotiable positions and absolute requirements.
Accept contracts exercising appropriate delegated signatory authority.
Conduct comprehensive analyses of provisions regarding intellectual property ownership and licensing, publication and confidentiality, liability, indemnification, warranty, export control, and choice of law, among others.
Conduct negotiations to ensure an appropriate balance between the needs of the parties with those of the PI and the University. Clearly and concisely, convey University positions and the rationale for these positions while working to maintain good relations between the parties.
Identify issues during research negotiations in which U-M's position and/or goals diverge from the external entity, work with colleagues, as appropriate, to favorably resolve those issues, and assist with alerting more senior management when resolution is not able to be reached in a timely manner or when there are issues that are broad-based or potentially applicable to or problematic in other situations.
Solicit input from principal investigators and other central administrative offices, such as Research Information Security, Export Controls, IRB, IACUC, Innovation Partnerships, General Counsel, and Risk Management as appropriate.
Advise principal investigators and their staff of unusual or problematic terms, coordinate plans of action, and keep informed of the negotiation process.
Ensure that negotiated terms adhere to University, agency, and federally mandated requirements.
Agency and Industry Liaison
Maintain ongoing liaison with external counterparts to enhance ongoing research relationships.
Work efficiently and transparently with departmental stakeholders and external parties to move agreements towards execution in a compliant and timely manner.
Training, Professional Development, and Other Duties
Support ORSP management team and other central and University units as requested on training programs and sponsored research materials on relevant topics such as working with sponsors and industry.
Attend and assist in education and training meetings, specialized training seminars, and staff professional development and participate actively in staff meetings and departmental working groups.
Utilize tools and information from national and regional research administration organizations, to continuously enhance job knowledge and skills.
Represent ORSP and the University as part of working groups as requested.
Required Qualifications*
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution or equivalent combination of education and experience.
U.S. Citizenship or Lawful Permanent Resident Status: ORSP deals with export-controlled information, the handling of which is regulated by the U.S. Federal Government and access to which is restricted to U.S. Citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents.
Experience negotiating contracts and agreements.
Transactional legal experience drafting and redlining contracts and agreements.
Desired Qualifications*
Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited institution or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Working knowledge of sponsor software systems (e.g. eRA Commons, Research.gov, Proposal Central, etc.).
Familiarity with U-M policies and procedures related to research administration (including, but not limited to, accounting, purchasing, personnel, and regulatory compliance).
Experience providing excellent customer service.
Certification in Research Administration (CRA)
Modes of Work
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.
Additional Information
The Office of Research and Sponsored Projects seeks to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as a reflection of our commitment to serve the diverse people of Michigan and to maintain the excellence of the University. We welcome applications from anyone who would bring additional dimensions to the University's research mission, including women, members of minority groups, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities. The Office of Research and Sponsored Projects, like the University of Michigan as a whole, is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination and equal opportunity for all persons and will not discriminate against any individual because of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, height, weight, or veteran status.
Background Screening
The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Application Deadline
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.
U-M EEO/AA Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.