Contracts Officer

Posting Number: S11772P
Working Title: Contracts Officer
Department: VPR-Innovation Gateway
About the University of Georgia: Since our founding in 1785, the University of Georgia has operated as Georgia's oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education (). The proof is in our more than 235 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University's main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,000 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University's enrollment exceeds 40,000 students including over 30,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 18 schools and colleges, as well as a medical partnership with Augusta University housed on the UGA Health Sciences Campus in Athens.
Posting Type: External
Retirement Plan: TRS or ORP
Employment Type: Employee
Benefits Eligibility: Benefits Eligible
Full/Part time: Full Time
Additional Schedule Information: Monday – Friday; 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Advertised Salary: Commensurate with Experience
Posting Date: 03/06/2024
Open until filled: Yes
Proposed Starting Date: 03/06/2024
Location of Vacancy: Athens Area
EEO Policy Statement: The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, genetic information, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or protected veteran status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR ().
Classification Title: External Affairs Professional
FLSA: Exempt
FTE: 1.00
Minimum Qualifications: Requires at least a baccalaureate degree in the field. Please contact your Human Resources office for an evaluation of education/experience in lieu of the required minimum qualifications.
Preferred Qualifications: Master's or higher level advanced degree (e.g. JD, MS or PhD) or the equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and abilities have been acquired. Experience negotiating contracts in an academic research environment preferred. Three+ years of progressively responsible experience in a complex academic research, regulatory, or industry environment. Proven interpersonal and communication skills (both oral and written). Ability to solve complex problems and make independent judgments as evidenced by previous work experience. Position Summary: This incumbent serves as primary liaison between UGA researchers and external collaborators by reviewing, negotiating, and drafting material transfer, non-disclosure and other intellectual property (IP) agreements. This position is within Innovation Gateway, UGA's commercialization program in the Office of Research, which encompasses the University's intellectual property licensing and startup support functions to ensure that research discoveries reach their full potential for public benefit. The successful candidate will bring significant contracting experience (preferably in an academic research setting), excellent organizational skills, a demonstrated capacity for creative problem solving, an exceptional customer-service approach, and the ability thrive in a collaborative environment. This individual will oversee and negotiate a wide variety of IP agreements ensuring that all terms and conditions comply with the UGA IP policy, applicable laws and regulations. The position involves a motivated, detail-oriented self-starter who enjoys working as part of a team and can establish excellent working relationships with university faculty/staff, industry partners and academic collaborators.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies: Organizational and multitasking skills to manage a fast-paced workflow, prioritize tasks, and work independently under deadlines. Drafting and interpreting IP, legal and business language in various contracts. Work collaboratively and effectively with a wide variety of people, including faculty, industry representatives and legal counsel as well as administrative staff, with minimal supervision. Understanding of relevant intellectual property and contracting issues, including confidentiality of information, rights to publish, academic freedom and liability, insurance and indemnity, in an academic research environment. Evidence of strong oral and written communication skills. Articulate and explain university principles to industry and other partners. Judgment and creativity. Customer service-oriented self-starter able to juggle multiple negotiations simultaneously. Physical Demands: Sitting, standing, walking, bending, stooping, lifting, carrying up to 20 lbs., pushing, pulling. Is driving a responsibility of this position?: No
Is this a Position of Trust?: No
Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources?: No
Does this position require a P-Card? : No
Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? : No
Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care?: No
Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications): No
Credit and P-Card policy: Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.
Duties/Responsibilities: Negotiate, draft, and review material transfer, non-disclosure, data-use and other intellectual property agreements. Identify, interpret and explain various contractual issues and relevant consequences of those issues. Ensure timely resolution of issues that develop in the course of agreement negotiations. Interact with faculty members regarding impact of above agreements on intellectual property, publication rights, etc. Act as a liaison between faculty members and other universities or companies to expedite timely completion of agreements. Percentage of time: 65
Duties/Responsibilities: Coordinate with Sponsored Projects Administration (SPA) Pre-Award to review intellectual property terms of sponsored research agreements. Coordinate with UGARF Legal, Human Subjects, and other stakeholders to review, negotiate and execute data-use agreements. Work collaboratively with SPA team members, especially Industry Contracting, and other Office of Research units such as Biosafety, and Export Control to provide effective, efficient service to the UGA research community. Percentage of time: 15
Duties/Responsibilities: Establish strong rapport with faculty and other research staff, and work closely with team members to provide effective, efficient service to faculty while maximizing IP opportunities for the university and the state. Develop and conduct outreach to research faculty related to MTAs/CDAs, data-use agreements, etc. Percentage of time: 10
Duties/Responsibilities: Ensure robust SOPs are in place to manage and track agreement flow, catalog executed agreements and maintain accurate records. Maintain up-to-date working knowledge of relevant intellectual property law, contracting practices, and business and technology trends. Perform other related duties as assigned or requested Percentage of time: 10
Contact Details: For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.
Recruitment Contact Name: Erin Eaton
Recruitment Contact Email: