Agency

Department

Our Commitment

Texas A&M University is committed to enriching the learning and working environment by promoting a culture that respects all perspectives, talents & lived experiences. Embracing varying opinions and perspectives strengthens our core values which are: Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity, and Selfless Service.

Who We Are

Sponsored Research Services (SRS) is a consortium of research administrators supporting Texas A&M University System members. We provide efficient and superior research administration services to members of The Texas A&M University System in Brazos County, Galveston and Qatar. SRS teams work with stakeholders to provide expertise and assistance with proposal submissions, in negotiation of external contracts, and in project administration throughout the life of the award. To learn more, visit https://vpr.tamu.edu/division-units/sponsored-research-services.

What We Want

The Contract Negotiator I negotiates contracts and assists with post-award contract administration. Writes and reviews agreements and negotiates with sponsors/subcontractors. This role reviews and negotiates terms and conditions of award documents to ensure compliance with the Texas A&M University System (TAMUS) policies, Federal and State laws and regulations, and sponsor guidelines.

What You Need to Know

Salary: $60,000/annually

A cover letter and resume are strongly recommended.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• No prior experience required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in university setting, business or legal operations, or research experience.
• Experience in sponsored research projects management or contract negotiation.
• Proficient in MS Word and Excel.
• Ability to cultivate and maintain professional relationships with people of many backgrounds.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

•  Excellent verbal and written communication, organizational, interpersonal, proofreading and time management skills.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Proofreading skills and knowledge of word processing, spreadsheets and database software.
• Ability to multi-task, work independently and work cooperatively with others.

Responsibilities

• Contract Negotiation - Review and negotiate terms and conditions of unfunded agreements with sponsors and collaborators to ensure compliance with applicable policies, federal and state laws, and sponsor guidelines. Draft, review, and negotiate agreements including those related to intellectual property rights, publication rights, export control, confidentiality, and records retention. Work with senior negotiators or supervisors on non-standard or complex terms and conditions.
• Write and review standard agreements, subcontracts, and consulting agreements, and negotiate terms with sponsors. Collaborate with Office of Technology Commercialization, Office of General Counsel, TAMUS Risk and Compliance, and other relevant offices to ensure agreements comply with all guidelines.
• Contract Compliance Review and Modifications - Ensure all agreements are in compliance with state and federal laws, Texas A&M University System policies, and sponsor guidelines. Work closely with senior negotiators and direct supervisors to review and resolve compliance issues. Collaborate with relevant departments to address and resolve any contractual issues that arise. Prepare correspondence and complete requests to sponsors for modifications to existing agreements as needed.
• Documentation - Maintain all negotiations-related documentation in a negotiations database. Ensure records are updated regularly and accurately reflect the current status of each negotiation. Process negotiations in a timely manner and keep all parties informed of the negotiation status.
• Additional Support - Assist with resolving award-related issues and facilitate meetings or interactions with faculty and sponsors as needed. Research and apply federal, state, and local laws and regulations, including knowledge of federal flow-through procedures and Federal Acquisition Regulations. Assist in evaluating contracts administration practices and procedures. Perform additional duties as assigned to support the objectives of the contract negotiation team.

Why Texas A&M University?  

We are a prestigious university with strong traditions, Core Values, and a community of caring and collaboration.  Amenities associated with a major university, such as sporting and cultural events, state-of-the-art recreation facilities, the Bush Library and Museum, and much more await you.  Experience all that a big city has to offer but with a reasonable cost-of-living and no long commutes.  

• Medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, life and AD&D, flexible spending accounts, and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M contributing to employee health and basic life premiums 

• 12-15 days of annual paid holidays  

• Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month 

• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas

• Health and Wellness: Free exercise programs and release time 

• Professional Development: All employees have access to free LinkedIn Learning training, webinars, and limited financial support to attend conferences, workshops, and more  

• Educational release time and tuition assistance for completing a degree while a Texas A&M employee 

• Living Well, a program at Texas A&M that has been built by employees, for employees

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.