Industry Research Agreements Administrator, Senior

Accountabilities:

As a senior subject matter expert, you will manage complex industry-funded research agreements while ensuring compliance with institutional policies, applicable laws, and sponsor requirements. You will collaborate with researchers and stakeholders to negotiate practical terms, resolve contractual issues, and support efficient research administration.

• Independently manage, analyze, draft, negotiate, and execute complex sponsored research agreements, including clinical trial agreements, collaboration agreements, investigator-initiated agreements, sponsored research agreements, master agreements, and business associate agreements.

• Negotiate and develop contractual language that meets institutional and sponsor requirements while mitigating legal and business risks, protecting intellectual property, and preserving the integrity of research plans.

• Collaborate with legal, risk management, research security, compliance, entrepreneurship, principal investigators, departmental teams, sponsors, and other relevant stakeholders to resolve contractual issues.

• Review payment schedules, budgets, reporting requirements, termination provisions, and deliverable timelines to ensure agreements are complete, feasible, and aligned with applicable policies.

• Interpret institutional policies, public laws, regulations, and sponsor guidelines, translating complex requirements into clear and enforceable contract terms.

• Verify internal approvals, compliance requirements, and documentation for subcontracting institutions before agreements are finalized.

• Deliver excellent customer service and communicate clearly and reliably with internal and external sponsors, researchers, faculty, and administrative teams.

• Provide subject matter expertise, training, and mentorship to Contract Administrators, Contract Coordinators, departmental staff, study teams, and other stakeholders.

• Develop and update policies, guidance, contractual strategies, standard clauses, templates, and master agreements to promote consistent practices and contractual compliance.

• Contribute to training sessions, departmental initiatives, and research administration forums, including workshops and information-sharing meetings.

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant institutional policies, procedures, and electronic systems, including InfoEd, Cognos, eCRIS, OGA, IRB, IACUC, IBC, and Conflict of Interest in Research systems.

• Identify opportunities to improve processes, increase efficiency, and reduce costs while supporting quality research administration.

• Participate in professional development activities and undertake additional responsibilities as assigned.

Requirements:

The ideal candidate combines substantial contract negotiation experience with strong analytical judgment, regulatory knowledge, and the ability to build effective relationships across a complex research environment. You should be comfortable working independently, managing competing priorities, and guiding others through intricate contractual requirements.

• Bachelor's degree and at least five years of experience in federal and/or industry contract negotiation, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Ability to obtain the required institutional signature authority for the assigned contract portfolio within six months of hire.

• Demonstrated ability to independently manage complex agreements, exercise sound professional judgment, identify risks, and escalate issues appropriately.

• Strong analytical skills, including the ability to interpret and synthesize complex regulatory requirements, policies, guidelines, and contractual provisions.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain contractual language and regulatory obligations clearly to researchers, administrators, and external funding partners.

• Experience training, mentoring, or advising colleagues on contract interpretation, negotiation, and related procedures.

• Strong negotiation and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work with multiple parties toward mutually acceptable outcomes.

• Thorough understanding of budgeting principles and procedures, including the ability to evaluate financial terms and payment schedules.

• Ability to understand medical and scientific terminology, concepts, and research methodologies.

• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities and competing deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Adaptability when working with new or changing electronic systems, evolving processes, or situations where procedures are not yet established.

• A collaborative, professional approach to working with faculty, staff, research teams, funding agencies, and external sponsors.

• A proactive mindset, strong work ethic, and commitment to continuous learning and process improvement.

Benefits:

• Fully remote work within the United States.

• Work hours coordinated with the manager, within the normal Pacific Time daytime range of 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

• Possible travel to national meetings.

• Healthcare coverage fully paid for eligible full-time employees, with 88% coverage for dependents.

• $50,000 in employer-provided term life insurance at no cost to the employee.

• Choice of two pension plans offering competitive retirement benefits.

• Up to 200 hours of vacation annually, depending on length of service.

• Up to 96 hours of sick leave per year.

• Nine paid holidays annually.

• Significant TriMet and C-Tran public transportation discounts.

• Employee Assistance Program.

• Childcare service discounts.

• Tuition reimbursement.

• Employee discounts with local and national businesses.

• Opportunities for professional development, knowledge sharing, and career growth within a research-focused healthcare and academic environment.

• Commitment to an inclusive workplace that welcomes people from diverse backgrounds. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request.