Job Purpose:
The Manager, Research Contracts is responsible for overseeing the negotiation, review, and administration of research-related contracts to facilitate collaborations between the university, funding agencies, and industry partners. The role ensures legal compliance, mitigates risks, and supports researchers in securing and managing research funding.
Key Roles & Responsibilities:
Strategic Responsibilities
- Contribute to the development of the Department's strategy, as well as annual business plans.
- Contribute to the development of the Department's policies and procedures, in line with the overall business objectives of the University, ensuring they promote leading practices and excellence.
- Contribute to the development and management of the Department’s budgets and report back on a timely basis to ensure that divergences are addressed promptly.
Operational Responsibilities
- Draft, review, negotiate, and finalize research agreements, such as sponsored research agreements, collaboration agreements and other bespoke agreements as required.
- Ensure terms align with institutional policies, legal requirements, and funding agency regulations.
- Work closely with internal teams such as principal investigators, legal counsel, post award team, technology transfer offices, and finance departments.
- Coordinate with external parties, including funding agencies, industry partners, and collaborators for issues related to contract.
- Address IP ownership and usage rights in research agreements to safeguard institutional interests and coordinate with TMI office for matters requiring their attention.
- Develop and implement best practices and templates to streamline contract processes.
- Maintain a database of executed and under progress agreements for necessary follow up.
- Ensure to follow up on approvals from senior management on awards in process.
- Assist Research Directors with negotiation of award terms and conditions.
- Ensure compliance with non-financial, post-award policies.
- Provide key input on procedures, organizational plans, processes and policies as appropriate.
- Establish and maintain effective communication and cooperative relationships with internal and external stakeholders critical to the research enterprise.
- Prepare, review, and consult with faculty and other internal stakeholders to ensure that research project budgets comply with the policies of the Institute and sponsors.
- Ensure Research Services data is properly recorded and updated.
- Research and recommend solutions to problems related to contracts negotiation/management and termination of agreements and assist PIs in complying with all administrative responsibilities.
- Assist the Director of the Research Services in development and delivery of management reports.
- Ensure adherence to the University's information security policies and procedures, and report breaches or other security risks accordingly.
- Ensure coordination with other departments to facilitate the accomplishment of tasks and responsibilities, as and when needed.
- Demonstrate a strong commitment and practice to maintaining a safe and healthy work environment.
- Work closely with the KU Legal Team to route and negotiate contracts with KU sponsors.
- Ensure adherence to the University's information security policies and procedures, and report breaches or other security risks accordingly.
- Ensure coordination with other departments to facilitate the accomplishment of tasks and responsibilities, as and when needed.
- Demonstrate a strong commitment and practice to maintaining a safe and healthy work environment.
- Perform any other tasks assigned by Line Manager and Research Unit such as Directors, and Associate Provost for Research, and Provost.
Supervisory Responsibilities
- Provide coaching, guidance and mentoring as required to enhance the internal capabilities of the team and ensure the achievement of established objectives and plans.
- Recommend appropriate training courses as per the pre-determined training needs, evaluate their effectiveness, and monitor their results.
- Carry out performance appraisals for subordinates according to planned schedules and recommend necessary actions as per the applied practices.
- Conduct periodic meetings with subordinates to ensure that priorities are clear and workflow is running smoothly.
- Follow-up on employees' administrative affairs such as vacations, leaves and other administrative and related affairs.
Qualifications & Experience:
- A Bachelor’s Degree in a field to sciences or engineering background
- A minimum 12 years of experience.
