Job Details

Contract Officer

Stanford University is one of Silicon Valley's largest employers - and one of the most unique. Our mission is to educate future leaders and promote interdisciplinary, world-class research and teaching. This passion makes Stanford an intensely creative, rewarding, and challenging place to work. At Stanford University, not only are you part of an exceptional team that values innovation and education, but you also become part of a culture that brings out the best in you. Stanford is committed to fostering a workplace culture that promotes diversity, collaboration and professional growth. Our culture offers career development programs, competitive pay that reflects market trends and benefits that increase financial stability and promote healthy, fulfilling lives.

Researchthe creation of new knowledgeis key to Stanford's educational mission. Stanford research has led to breakthrough remedies, devices, tools, and concepts, and hundreds of initiatives solely for the betterment of humanity. Among the inventions and discoveries that have resulted from Stanford research are MRI technology, DNA cloning, the Pill, heart transplantation, and digital music.

Stanford is investing unprecedented resources in the Office of Research Administration (ORA) due to a growth in the research enterprise that continues to surpass 12% yearly. This position is one of many new staff positions that have been created to enhance our ability to provide high-quality, personalized services and expertise to support our faculty and campus community. ORA submits over 5,000 new proposals, reviews and negotiates over 7,000 agreements, and manages more than 7,500 active sponsored projects annually with a total research budget approaching $2.2 billion.

This position is eligible for hybrid or domestic (US) remote work. A remote worker arrangement may be considered for candidates with the appropriate background and experience, depending on the business needs of each unit. Remote workers' schedules are based in the Pacific Time zone.

Job Purpose

Our team is growing! Stanford's Office of Research Administration (ORA) is expanding our team of Contract Officers focused on specialized research-related agreements. The Contract Officer will primarily focus on the review, negotiation, and oversight of non-standard research-related contracts related to the University's core mission of education and research but falls outside of traditional sponsored projects and gifts. The Contract Officers within ORA have delegated signing authority on behalf of the University to review and negotiate a full array of agreements and enable Stanford research by negotiating mutually beneficial agreements with external collaborators that preserve academic freedom and scientific integrity. ORA is looking for Contract Officers who approach learning and problem solving with enthusiasm, who are organized and focused to manage a significant workload, who adapt easily to changing situations and view new opportunities as creative challenges.

Core Duties

• Achieve and maintain delegated signature authority on behalf of Stanford University.
• Conduct comprehensive analysis and negotiation of complex non-sponsored, research-related agreements.
• Identify and coordinate escalation of contractual and policy issues to appropriate university stakeholders (e.g., Risk Management, Office of General Counsel) as needed, and provide follow through until issues are resolved.
• Review and revise standard agreements to reflect changes in university policies, applicable regulations and laws.
• Deliver excellent client services to Stanford faculty and research administration community, including interpretation and explanation of contractual requirements and problem solving throughout the life of the project.
• Partner with others to serve as a resource to educate units regarding institutional processes.

* Other duties may also be assigned.

Minimum Requirements

Education & Experience:

Bachelor's degree and five years of relevant experience, or combination of education and relevant experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Advanced knowledge of contracting and related processes.
• Demonstrated understanding of university research environment and policies.
• Experience with university research administration or related experience preferred.
• Working knowledge of and experience applying regulatory requirements regarding research data and privacy, including HIPAA and GDPR as applied to research.
• Demonstrated understanding of intellectual property and licensing issues as they pertain to academic research.
• Demonstrated ability to:
• Draft, negotiate and execute complex research agreements including data use agreements.
• Communicate knowledge and ideas both verbally and in writing with clarity and effectiveness to internal and external audiences, client groups and all levels of management.
• Make good independent decisions based on critical and analytical thinking, experience and judgement.
• Deliver high quality service and work products that can be relied upon by clients and colleagues to meet business requirements.
• Drive change and continuous improvement through individual contributions.
• Collaborate and work effectively in a distributed team environment.
• Work well with colleagues and clients.
• Demonstrated curiosity and comfort with uncertainty and ambiguity.
• Strong service orientation, demonstrated ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, action-oriented, customer-focused service environment.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize a variety of tasks and demands.
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite and ability to learn applicable university and departmental systems.

Certifications and Licenses:

None

Physical Requirements*:

• Frequently sitting, grasping lightly, use fine manipulation and a computer (keyboard, mouse, monitor).
• Occasionally use a telephone, rarely stand/walk, twist, bend, stoop, squat, write by hand, sort, and file paperwork or parts.
• Rarely lift, carry, push, and pull objects that weigh up to 10 pounds.

* Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job.

Working Conditions:

May have occasional extended or weekend work hours during peak business cycles.

Work Standards:

• Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
• Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
• Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University's Administrative Guide.