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When you join the UMass Chan Medical School team, you join us in advancing together to improve the health and well-being of our diverse communities throughout Massachusetts and across the US and the world. Together, we lead in education, research, health care delivery, and public service. Your life’s work is more than a career. It’s an expression of your passion, intellect, skill, and drive. UMass Chan's commitment to excellence, innovation, competitive benefits, and work-life integration will allow you to build a professionally rewarding career as we work together to better or improve the health of people around the globe.
Under the direction of Associate Vice Chancellor of Grants and Contracts Administration, Manager, Research Contracts is responsible for reviewing, drafting, and negotiating research-related agreements on behalf of the institution. This position requires strong knowledge of contract negotiation practices and research administration. The manager will work closely with principal investigators, staff, sponsors, and collaborating institutions to ensure timely, compliant, and effective agreements that support the institutions research mission.
• Draft, review, interpret and negotiate research-related agreements and amendments, including, federal, state and private grants, contracts, research agreements, that fall under the purview of Grants and Contracts Administration.
• Act as a lead contributor providing guidance, oversight and information to the contracts team regarding negotiation, institution policies, federal and state regulations and sponsor guidelines.
• Oversee and guide the contract specialist(s) in their day-to-day operations.
• Lead the team to develop standardized processes and procedures to ensure quality, compliance, risk management and accuracy in contract activities.
• Collaborate as needed in review of proposals to determine the designation of collaborators
• Propose, define, and implement changes in contract and proposal processes to streamline reporting and tracking activities.
• Identify and mitigate legal, financial, compliance, and intellectual property risks.
• Serve as liaison between UMass Chan stakeholders and external sponsors (industry, government, non-profit, and foundations).
• Collaborate with offices of technology transfer, compliance, legal counsel, and finance as necessary.
• Ensure contract terms comply with institution policies, federal and state regulations, and funding agency requirements
• Maintain timely and accurate records of negotiations and executed agreements in the institutions contract management system.
• Communicate, provide guidance and training for faculty and administrators on research contract processes.
• Contribute to developing standard templates, negotiation playbooks, and process improvements.
• Other duties as assigned
• Bachelors degree in business administration, legal studies, public administration, or related field.
• 5 – 7 years of experience in contract negotiation, preferably research related.
• Working knowledge of research compliance issues (human subjects, export controls, HIPAA, FCOI, data security, etc.).
• Strong negotiation, communication, and writing skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Preferred Qualifications:
• JD, Masters degree, or Certified Research Administrator (CRA) credential.
• Experience negotiating research agreements in a university, academic medical center, or research institute setting. Agreements including subawards, data use, confidentiality and material transfer agreements.
• Familiarity with federal funding regulations (e.g., Uniform Guidance, FAR, DFARS).
• Knowledge of intellectual property and technology transfer considerations.
• Familiarity with Huron Research Suite Agreements Module.
Posting Disclaimer:
This job posting outlines the primary responsibilities and qualifications for the role but is not intended to be an exhaustive list.
Duties and expectations may evolve in response to the needs of the department and the broader institution.
In alignment with our commitment to pay transparency, the base salary range for this position is listed above (exclusive of benefits and retirement).
At UMass Chan Medical School, final base salary offers are determined based on a combination of factors, including your skills, education, and relevant experience.
We also consider internal equity to ensure fair and consistent compensation across our teams.
Please note that the range provided reflects the full base salary range for this position. Offers are typically made within the midrange to allow for future growth and development within the role.
In addition to base pay, UMass Chan offers a comprehensive Total Rewards package, which includes paid time off, medical, dental, and vision coverage, and participation in a 401(a)-retirement plan, with the option to contribute to a voluntary 403(b) plan.
UMass Chan welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws.
