DESCRIPTION

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW:

In support of UC San Diego’s mission and vision, the Office of Contracts and Grants/ Administration (OCGA) provides customer-focused expertise and professional services, contributing to the advancement of research and other extramurally sponsored activities within the UC San Diego research community.

OCGA works closely with UC San Diego researchers, their support teams, and other sponsored projects offices to review and formally submit over $5B in proposals each year, resulting in total award obligations exceeding $1B each of the last 10 years, which account for approximately one-third of the campus’ annual operating budget. Over the past 10 years, UC San Diego ranks among the top 7 institutions in the NSF HERD survey (research expenditures).

~OCGA supports a remote and/or hybrid work option with flex scheduling opportunities.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

Under formal delegation of authority to execute contracts with industry partners, the Industry Contracts Officer on the Industry Contracts Team, using advanced research contract administration and negotiation skills, will independently draft, negotiate and issue customized, highly complex, high risk funded/unfunded research contracts in the fields of clinical trials, clinical research, life sciences, physical sciences including engineering, and social sciences.

The Industry Contracts Officer is expected to be expertly skilled in independently identifying, negotiating and managing complex intellectual property and licensing matters, data sharing, liability obligations and interpretation of other contract terms such that University's rights are protected. This may include consultation with General Counsel, and guidance from University policies and procedures. Response time for these transactions is often critical and requires expert time management, risk analysis, negotiation and facilitation skills. Provides expert guidance, consultation and advice on complex industry contracts to University faculty, campus administrators and Department/ORU business administrators. Independently negotiates agreements with industry partners ensuring University's best interests are maintained. Collaborate with the Office of Innovation & Commercialization (OIC) on matters pertaining to technology resulting from research conducted at University.

The Industry Contracts Officer provides consultation to faculty, campus administrators and industry sponsor representatives in such areas as University research procedures, policies, and contract language. The role will also include mentoring more junior staff within OCGA, training and educating campus about research agreements with industry, as well as policies, practices, guidance etc., related to such agreements. This position requires advanced analytical skills and detailed knowledge of contracting standards for academic institutions and University policies.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training.

• Advanced knowledge and understanding of specific contracting assignments. Demonstrated advanced skills and ability to negotiate effectively to successfully represent University's positions regarding protection of intellectual property and other complex, high-risk key research elements (e.g. publication, data rights, export control, indemnification, use/transfer of biological materials, etc.) in various funded/unfunded research contracts with commercial entities, including clinical trial contracts, material/data transfer agreements, multi-party contracts with commercial entities.

• Must have experience in maintaining a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail while working with frequent interruptions

• Advanced organizational, presentation and negotiation skills. Experience in and ability to effectively manage high volume of various research agreement types with highly complex issues requiring quick turnaround times. Demonstrated ability to make independent decision/recommendations based on a complex set of laws and UC policies which establish effective and efficient precedents. Ability to follow multiple tasks through to completion, prioritize and meet deadlines.

• Demonstrated in-depth knowledge of research methodology, ability to understand scientific/technical area of focus (e.g. pharmaceutical, clinical, translational, medical, engineering, etc.) and technical/legal issues affecting protection, use, and exploitation of University research results, including intellectual property. Ability to comprehend and utilize legal, scientific and medical terminology and concepts.

• Advanced knowledge and ability to interpret and apply commercial, institutional and departmental policies. Demonstrated analytical skills and experience to recognize problems, develop original resolutions and implement appropriate solutions to unusual, highly complex and sensitive issues in funded/unfunded research agreements with commercial entities.

• Experience with variety of research agreement types including clinical trials, sponsored research contracts, incoming subcontracts, cooperative agreements, material/data transfer, equipment/software loan and licensing agreements with commercial entities.

• Advanced written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills; advanced ability to deal with broad and diverse constituencies using advanced customer service orientation and skills. Demonstrated ability to diplomatically, clearly, and accurately express substance and nuance in both oral and written communication.

• Ability to maintain independent judgement; a customer service focus across broad and diverse subject areas. Strong customer service skills and ability to coordinate and work with others to accomplish assigned tasks. Must work collaboratively with individuals and groups from a variety of backgrounds and organizational levels to form consensus in appropriate situations

• College degree with a major in contract law, sponsored research administration, intellectual property, operations research, or relevant field, and significant years of experience in sponsored research administration, preferably at a higher education or research institution; or an equivalent combination of education and experience

• Advanced listening, political acumen skills and problem recognition. Ability to mediate differences among large numbers of organizational groups with differing/conflicting goals and motives. Can maintain diplomacy and confidentiality, honoring the UC San Diego Principles of Community at all times.

• Proficiency in the Microsoft suite, Adobe, as well as electronic portals and signing mechanisms. Skill and practical experience utilizing enterprise systems such as research administrator or financial systems, workload tracking dashboards etc.

Preferred Qualifications.

• Advanced knowledge of contracting principles and practices, methods and procedures.

• Understanding of University's relevant rules, guidelines, policies and practices.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on Background Check results.

• Occasional evenings and weekends may be required.