Contracts Officer, Industry Partnerships

SLAC’s mission is to explore how the universe works at the biggest, smallest and fastest scales and invent powerful tools used by scientists around the globe. Our research helps solve real-world problems and advances the interests of the nation. SLAC’s Office of Technology Transfer and Strategic Partnerships bridges cutting-edge research with transformative technologies and solutions; this position plays a key role in the formation of impactful partnerships with industry sponsors.

Position overview: 

SLAC’s Office of Technology Transfer and Strategic Partnerships (TT&SP) is seeking an outstanding candidate in the function of Strategic Partnership Agreements and Proposals. Reporting to the Senior Contract Manager, the Contracts Officer, Industry Partnerships is responsible for formalizing R&D partnerships under minimal supervision between SLAC and the private sector, that advance important SLAC initiatives in emerging technology areas. 

To excel in this role, experience in drafting, negotiating and finalizing sponsored or other research related agreements with varying degrees of complexity in an R&D setting is required. You will be expected to work collaboratively with both internal and external stakeholders leveraging technical and contractual expertise to execute partnership agreements in an expedient manner. As a subject matter expert, you will be working under limited supervision in the development and negotiation of agreements with industry and non-profit entities, while demonstrating attention to detail, appropriate relationship management and strong communication and negotiation skills.

This is a role for an individual who thrives in a dynamic environment, has a strong learning and self-improvement mindset, and is passionate about the impact of the mission of a national lab.

Note: Due to the nature of the job, applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents to be considered.

Your responsibilities include:

• Draft, review, negotiate and finalize complex sponsored research related agreements that comply with SLAC’s management and operating contract with DOE across a diverse portfolio including industry and non-profits.
• Advise and assist internal and external stakeholders with interpretation of contractual terms related to Intellectual property and publication rights, data rights, confidentiality, indemnification and export control.
• Manage the critical interface between internal stakeholders and external partners during the negotiation and agreement execution.
• Resolve contractual problems that develop during the agreement lifecycle in a timely manner by consulting with internal and external stakeholders. 
• Independently manage, evaluate and track and ensure timely completion of all required internal approvals.
• Initiate and oversee contract amendments as needed through to execution.
• Develop and track performance metrics for the strategic partnerships proposals and agreements portfolio.
• Participate in the Department of Energy communities of practice; present policies and partnership agreements best practices to SLAC and Stanford communities. 
• Share knowledge, communicate openly, and anticipate needs to support collective goals. 

To be successful in this position you will bring: 

• Bachelor's degree and seven years of relevant experience, or combination of education and relevant experience.
• Advanced understanding and/or experience in sponsored research administration, and proven track record in negotiating complex research-related agreements with industry and non-profit entities.
• Advanced ability to draft, negotiate and finalize a wide variety of research related agreements including NDA, MTA, data use agreements with varying complexities.
• Detail oriented, able to work well independently and know when to escalate or seek assistance.
• Thorough understanding of intellectual property, publication rights, confidentiality, data rights and export control as pertaining to industry sponsored research.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills to review and analyze complex information and exhibit excellent judgement and common sense.
• Ability to collaborate and effectively communicate (oral and written) across a wide audience of faculty, researchers, staff, client groups, and all levels of management.
• Demonstrated ability to make good and independent decisions based on critical and analytical thinking, experience, and judgment.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize a variety of tasks and demands.
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite and the agility to learn applicable university and departmental systems.
• It is expected for this position to be in the office 3-4 days of the week.

The expected pay range for this position is $150,000 - $170,000 per annum

In addition, preferred requirements include:

• Degree in a STEM field combined with a J.D. or advanced business degree. 
• A minimum of seven years in research contract negotiation role within industry, academia or non-profits.
• Experience using business systems to manage workflow and compliance with sponsored research activities.
• Application of artificial intelligence platforms for contracting and associated workflows.

Core Duties:

• Conduct formal negotiations, finalize and administer complex industry sponsored project agreements.

• Negotiate intellectual property and publication rights, including confidentiality, indemnification and invoicing terms.

• Negotiate Material Transfer Agreements, draft language that complies with University, Federal and other regulatory policies, requirements and conditions.

• Negotiate other research-related agreements that involve intellectual property, publication, confidentiality and related issues.

• Identify contractual and policy issues such as compliance, conflicts of interest and accounting, raise issues to appropriate university officials, and provide follow through until resolved.

• Advise and assist client groups by interpreting and explaining contract terms and conditions to faculty and staff.

• Resolve contractual problems that develop during course of project by consulting with investigators, staff and sponsors.

• Facilitate interactions with other university research administration offices.

• Review and revise standard agreements to reflect changes in University policies, Federal regulations and laws

• Participate in developing ideas for more effective client service; support Industrial Contracts Manager to coordinate the development and delivery of training to other team members, faculty and client groups.

Minimum Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree and seven years of relevant experience or a combination of education and relevant experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• 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 able to work well 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.

• 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.