Reporting to the Manager of Research Services, the Research Contract Advisor will support the university research community with contract management, including drafting, review, and negotiation.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide university staff, faculty, and researchers with guidance and advice regarding contracts, contract process, and risks and positive obligations.
• Review contracts from a legal perspective and offer advice on the legal consequences of the university entering into the contract.
• Draft, review, and negotiate research contracts in collaboration with university stakeholders.
• Review contracts for compliance with the university’s policies, collective agreements and procedures, and ensure that all appropriate contract processes and approvals have been followed prior to contract execution.
• Work with staff, faculty, and researchers to negotiate necessary amendments to contracts with third parties in a timely and efficient manner while maintaining positive working relationships with internal and external parties.
• Coordinate the review and approval of contracts by appropriate university officials and signing authorities.
• Work closely with Comptroller’s Office, the Office of Research Services, and the Office of Commercialization, Industry, and Innovation to support the efficient review and processing of contracts.
• As part of ongoing outreach, develop and present educational materials, tools and resources that build awareness and understanding of contract requirements and approval processes for the university research community.
• Provide guidance and maintain knowledge based on negotiable terms for collaboration teams that include Research Services, Office of Commercialization, Industry, and Innovation, and researchers.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must have a law degree from a recognized university. Experience in contract law, intellectual property and negotiation is considered an asset
• Ability to work at the speed of business within a complex environment with diverse stake holders
• Knowledge of the theories, principles and practices of contract law, indemnity, insurance, liability, waivers and contract management
• Ability to interpret legislation and policy
• Problem-solving, analytical, facilitation skills
• Excellent attention to detail
• Ability to establish priorities, multi-task and work under pressure
• Strong communication skills (verbal, listening, written)
• Strong interpersonal and client service skills
• Strong negotiation skills
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Ability to work in a team environment, as well as independently with minimal supervision
• Experience interacting with various levels of a large organization is an asset
• Understanding and experience with adhering to structured, solution driven workflow processes is an asset
• Computer knowledge and competencies including but not limited to Microsoft suite and Google suite