Senior Consultant - Research Contract Negotiations

Job Description

The Research Contract Negotiator 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 negotiator will work closely with faculty, principal investigators, staff, sponsors, and collaborating institutions to ensure timely, compliant, and effective agreements that support the institution’s research mission. 

Job Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate research-related agreements, including, but not necessarily limited to federal grants and contracts, non-profit supported research agreements, clinical trial agreements, subawards, data use agreements, confidentiality agreements, material transfer agreements, and corporate sponsored research agreements.
• Ensure contract terms comply with institution policies, federal and state regulations, and funding agency requirements.
• Identify and mitigate legal, financial, compliance, and intellectual property risks.
• Collaborate with faculty, researchers, and departmental administrators to understand project needs and explain contractual requirements.
• Adhere to established service levels, including updating the system of record.  

Required Skills

• 3–5 years of experience in research contract negotiation.
• 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, Master’s degree, or Certified Research Administrator (CRA) credential.
• Experience negotiating research agreements in a university, academic medical center, or research institute setting.
• Familiarity with federal funding regulations (e.g., Uniform Guidance, FAR, DFARS).
• Knowledge of intellectual property and technology transfer considerations. 

Additional Information

Attain Partners values your mental, emotional, and physical health and wellbeing. Our comprehensive benefits package starts on your first day of employment and includes benefits such as:

• Competitive health, dental, and vision coverage, HSA and FSA accounts, life and disability insurance, fertility and family planning benefits, and employee assistance and discount programs
• 11 paid federal holidays and flexible unlimited time off (UTO)
• Generous 401(k) matching with immediate vesting
• Flexible career paths – our career tracks provide advancement, mobility, and flexibility as you continue to grow with us
• A healthy environment where we value unique experiences, and care about everything that makes you, you.