Contract Negotiator I

Job Title

Contract Negotiator I

Agency

Texas A&M Engineering

Department

Tees Contracts

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Bryan, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

Why work for Texas A&M Engineering?

Engineering has been part of Texas A&M University since its opening in 1876 as the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas. Today, the College of Engineering is the largest college on the College Station campus with more than 25,000 engineering students enrolled in 15 departments. Its mission is to serve Texas, the nation and the global community by providing engineering graduates who are well-founded in engineering fundamentals, instilled with the highest standards of professional and ethical behavior, and prepared to meet the complex technical challenges of society.

As the research arm of Engineering, the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station (TEES) is a state agency within the Texas A&M University System with a mission to improve lives through basic and applied engineering research, workforce development and technology transition. Our collaborations with industry, academia and government provide cutting-edge solutions to global technical challenges.

We are deeply committed to recruiting and retaining a talented workforce that embraces our core values of Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity, and Service, by offering competitive salaries, an array of benefits, an extensive support network, and above all, an enriching and highly collaborative working community that is deeply passionate about our vision for higher education, research, and public service.

Job Description

The Contract Negotiator I will draft, review, edit, and negotiate terms of various agreements including industry and federal sponsored project agreements. Negotiates rights to technical data and intellectual property, publication rights, institutional contributions, payment terms etc. Ensures that agreements are in compliance with the following: state and federal laws, policies and guidelines, Texas A&M University System (TAMUS), and Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station’s (TEES’) Agency requirements, and sponsor guidelines as applicable. Works collaboratively with the offices of Technology Commercialization, General Counsel, System Real Estate, Ethics and Compliance, TEES Administration, and other offices as appropriate.

Responsibilities:

• Communicates with Principal Investigators and sponsors to acquire relevant facts for accurate contract revision.
• Identifies areas of risk for the System and Agency in addition to providing potential solutions including but not limited to identification of export control issues.
• Analyzes contractual language and drafts alternative language without supervision. Drafts contracts without the use of forms.
• Provides guidance to research administration and/or management on resolving issues that prevent completion of agreements. Demonstration of conceptual understanding of complex contract issues, management of contract workflow and completion of complex negotiations.
• Assist with coordination of researchers and departmental personnel throughout negotiations utilizing both effective written and verbal communication.
• Assist with resolving award-related issues as they arise. Facilitate individual and collaborative meetings/interaction with faculty and sponsors as needed.
• Ability to research and apply federal, state, and local laws and regulations including knowledge of federal flow through procedures and the Federal Acquisition Regulations.
• Assist in the evaluation of contracts administration practices and procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.
  
  

What we need:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  
  

What is helpful:

• Degree in Law, Business, or related field.
• Professional job-related work experience specifically related to business administration, contracting and/or research administration.
• Experience with technical writing and the ability to draft contracts.
• Business experience in the A&M System or other university setting.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Working knowledge of federal grant and contract regulations and current research administration issues.
• Excellent critical thinking and analytical capabilities with attention to detail and accuracy
• Excellent verbal and written communications, organizational, interpersonal, proofreading, and time management skills
• Ability to apply problem-solving skills to complex problems, prioritize, and manage multiple projects and meet deadlines
• Ability to work independently and with minimal supervision
• Ability to utilize software systems and other electronic tools to execute projects
• Excellent time management and customer service skills
• Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others
  
  

Preferred Licenses and Certifications:

• Certified Research Administrator
  
  

About TEES Contracts

The Contracts team is a dedicated team of professionals charged with facilitating cutting-edge research by leveraging contracting expertise, industry insights, and close coordination with other Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station (TEES) and Texas A&M University System to execute agreements that further TEES’ overall mission while mitigating risks. TEES Contracts is responsible for the negotiation and execution of industry sponsored research contracts and collaborative and exchange agreements. From initiation to execution, the TEES Contracts team works diligently and efficiently to deliver results that support innovation and create a positive contracting experience for all involved.

Texas A&M Engineering provides an outstanding benefits package including but not limited to:

• Competitive medical insurance benefits through Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas and Prescription coverage by Express Scripts.
• Options for Vision, Dental, Life, and Long-Term Disability insurance.
• A defined benefit retirement plan with the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) with 8.25% employer contribution.
• Additional Voluntary Retirement Programs: Tax Deferred Account 403(b) and a Deferred Compensation Program 457(b).
• Flexible spending account options for medical and childcare expenses
• Generous paid time off with holidays, vacation and sick leave.
• Robust free training access through LinkedIn Learning plus professional development opportunities.
• Tuition assistance and Educational release time to further your academic pursuits.
• Access to Engineer Your Wellness programs that provide opportunities for employees to engage in health and fitness.
• Wellness release time offered to employees to promote work/life balance.
  
  

Helpful Applicant Information

Required Materials for Application:

• Resume/CV
• Three work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor/former supervisor.
• Letter of interest (dependent upon position)
  
  

Applications received by Texas A&M Engineering must have all required job application data entered.

Failure to provide all job application data could result in an invalid submission and a rejected application.

Compensation Philosophy:

• Recruit and retain high-performing workforce through competitive compensation and career development including career pathing, coaching and skills development.
• Offer total rewards, flexible benefits, professional development, performance recognition and work-life balance.
• Ensure resources are readily available and utilized to attract and retain the highest quality researchers, faculty, and staff.
  
  

Employment Eligibility Verification

• If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present original and unexpired documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in delay of start date.
  
  

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.