The University of Virginia (UVA) Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) is seeking applicants for a Senior Contract Negotiator with experience analyzing, reviewing and negotiating agreements on behalf of the institution. This role provides advanced contracting services and expert advice to UVA’s academic and research community.

This position is eligible for on-site, remote or hybrid work.

The OSP Grants & Contracts group promotes excellence in research by providing comprehensive service in award negotiation, non-financial award management, and non-funded agreement negotiation. In FY21 UVA submitted over $2B in external funding proposals and received approx. $440 M in new awards. The Senior Contract Negotiators are responsible for research compliance in contract review, drafting, negotiation, execution and other aspects of contract administration, thus supporting academic departments, interdisciplinary research centers, and institutional strategic initiatives.

Responsibilities:

• Review, draft and negotiate a wide range of research agreements, including Research Funding Agreements, incoming/outgoing Subcontracts, Confidential Disclosure Agreements, Material Transfer Agreements, Data Use Agreements, amendments (funded and non-funded) and other agreements within a School-, Institute- or pan-University-based portfolio.

• Partner with Schools, Principal Investigators, other OSP units, research compliance offices, research groups, and other departments within UVA’s research community.

• Resolve complex research-related issues in cooperation with senior management or key University constituencies.

• Serve as a liaison between the University, funding agencies and other sponsors.

• Assist Schools in preparation of complex proposals within parameters of sponsored and non-sponsored research guidelines.

• Serve as subject matter expert on research administration, ensuring compliance with state, Federal and University rules, regulations, policies and practices (such as FAR, Uniform Guidance, sponsor guidelines, etc.) and provide guidance to staff and faculty in understanding applicable policies and obligations.

• Identify and i mplement process improvements. Participate in and lead cross-Grounds projects. Train and advise on i ssues requiring specific technical expertise, including new regulations, policies, etc.

Knowledge / Skills:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

• Excellent analytical skills and s trong attention to detail.

• Excellent time management and organizational skills.

• Demonstrated proficiency i n Microsoft and web based tools

• Experience with a broad range FAR and Non-FAR based federal contract strategies (e.g. FAR based contracts, OTAs, CRADAs, EPAs, SBIR/STTRs) a plus.

• Knowledge of other governmental regulations (e.g., Uniform Guidance, FERPA, HIPAA, GDPR) a plus.

• Expertise i n project management, including managing international collaborations and complex multi-party contracts or subawards a plus.

Required Education / Expertise:

• Bachelor’s degree and at least five years of job- related experience, or combination of education and relevant experience in increasingly-responsible roles are required.

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree or extensive experience negotiating complex agreements is strongly preferred.

• Other credentials such as Certified Research Administrator (CRA), MBA, Top Secret Clearance, or project management certification, are preferred but not required.

To Apply:

Please apply through Workday, and search for ”R0048035.” Internal applicants must apply through their UVA Workday profile. Complete an application online with the following documents:

• Resume

• Cover letter

Upload all materials into the resume submission field, multiple documents can be submitted into this one field. Alternatively, merge all documents into one PDF for submission. Applications that do not contain all required documents will not receive full consideration.

The selected applicant will be required to complete a background check prior to their first day of employment per University policy.

References will be completed via UVA’s standardized process SkillSurvey. A total of five references will be requested via SkillSurvey during the final phase of the interview process. A minimum of three is required.

For information regarding the position or the application process, please contact Jessica Speth, js9rk@virginia.edu.

COVID Vaccination Requirement and Guidelines

Please visit the UVA COVID-19 Job Requirements and Guidelines webpage prior to applying for current information regarding vaccination requirements and guidelines for employment at UVA.

The University of Virginia, i ncluding the UVA Health System which represents the UVA Medical Center, Schools of Medicine and Nursing, UVA Physician’s Group and the Claude Moore Health Sciences Library, are fundamentally committed to the diversity of our faculty and staff. We believe diversity is excellence expressing itself through every person's perspectives and lived experiences. We are equal opportunity and affirmative action employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, veteran status, and family medical or genetic information.