Industrial Contracts Specialist II

Special Instructions to Applicants: In PDF form, applicants should attach a resume and cover letter in the Supporting Documents section of the application.

About Rice

Boasting a 300-acre tree-lined campus in Houston, Texas, Rice University is ranked among the nation’s top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has a 6-to-1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio and a residential college system, which supports students intellectually, emotionally, and culturally through social events, intramural sports, student plays, lecture series, courses, and student government. Developing close-knit, diverse college communities is a strong campus tradition, which is why Rice is highly ranked for best quality of life and best value among private universities.

Rice is also a wonderful place to work. Rice faculty, staff, and students share values that are essential to our success as a healthy community. Those values guide our decisions and behaviors and shape Rice’s culture. They come through in how we treat each other and the welcome we extend to our visitors. These values can be recalled simply by our name — RICE — Responsibility, Integrity, Community, and Excellence.

Position Summary

The Industrial Contracts Specialist II, under the supervision of the Assistant Director for Contracts, will serve in the Office of Technology Transfer by independently drafting, negotiating and finalizing research-related agreements involving sensitive intellectual property, publication, or funding-related terms; these include, but are not limited to, material transfer, non-disclosure agreements, data use agreements, industry sponsored research agreements, and industry-funded subcontracts.

The ideal candidate has:

• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• An understanding of contractual issues that pertain to intellectual property and sponsored research in a university setting
• The ability to balance multiple competing needs and priorities in a negotiation to achieve consensus
• The ability to clearly and effectively communicate information to stakeholders within the university (e.g., faculty, staff, students, and colleagues in the Office of Technology Transfer).

Workplace Requirements

The possibility of a remote or hybrid work environment may be considered depending on location. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position, and the proposed salary range is $73,500 - $85,000 annually, depending on qualifications and experience. *Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime. 

Minimum Requirements 

• Bachelor’s Degree
  • In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year for year basis may be substituted
• 2+ years of experience 
  • In lieu of the experience requirement, additional related education, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year for year basis may be substituted 

Skills: 

• 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
• Advanced ability to draft, negotiate, and conclude industry research agreements
• Thorough understanding of intellectual property and licensing issues as they pertain to industry sponsored research
• Thorough understanding of university research environment and policies
• Advanced communication skills to clearly and effectively communicate information to internal and external audiences, client groups, and all levels of management
• Advanced analytical and problem solving skills to review and analyze complex information
• Significant experience with contracts and grants administration; demonstrated ability to negotiate effectively with industry
• Strong service orientation, demonstrated ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, action-oriented, customer-focused service environment
• Extremely detail oriented and ability to work independently, but also able to seek out assistance when needed
• Excellent interpersonal skills, good judgment, and the ability to conduct negotiations in a timely manner 

Preferences

• Experience working in a university setting and/or negotiating research-related agreements with universities

Essential Functions

• Conducts formal negotiations, finalizes and administers highly complex industry sponsored project agreements
• Negotiates intellectual property and publication rights, including confidentiality, indemnification and invoicing terms
• Negotiates Material Transfer Agreements, drafts language that complies with University, Federal and other regulatory policies, requirements and conditions
• Negotiates other research‐related agreements that involve intellectual property, publication, confidentiality and related issues
• Identifies contractual and policy issues such as compliance, conflicts of interest and accounting, raises issues to appropriate university officials, and provides follow through until resolved
• Advises and provides guidance to client groups by interpreting and explaining contract terms and conditions to faculty and staff
• Resolves complex contractual problems that develop during course of project by consulting with investigators, staff and sponsors 
• Facilitates interactions with other university research administration offices 
• Reviews and revises standard agreements to reflect changes in university policies, federal regulations and laws
• Develops ideas for more effective client service; partners with Industrial Contracts Manager to coordinate the development and delivery of training to other team members, faculty and client groups 
• Mentors junior staff 
• Performs all other duties as assigned

Rice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits 

Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice University

Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and welcoming the fullness of diversity into our candidate pools. Rice considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. Rice also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. If an applicant requires a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please contact Rice University’s Disability Resource Center at 713-348-5841 or adarice@rice.edu for support.

If you have any additional questions, please email us at jobs@rice.edu. Thank you for your interest in employment with Rice University.