We are looking for a Contract Specialists who will, in partnership with the Office of Technology Management (OTM) and Sponsored Projects Administration (SPA), be responsible for the coordination, review, negotiation, and acceptance of all research agreements with industry that contain complex or atypical intellectual property (IP) or data/materials ownership issues, terms, and conditions. They will assist Sponsored Projects team members with interpreting and applying Intellectual property terms, rules, and regulations. You will help negotiate contracts that can include subjects such as what we do with intellectual property, how materials will be transferred, or how compliance will be enforced. You will be looking at and analyzing contracts to make sure that UTHealth can meet the requirements asked for and that we are all set for any language about approvals or conditions. You will need to be a problem solver who can think critically and communicate complex projects in simple terms. You will also need an understanding of budgets. Ideally, candidates will come with experience in either research or contracts, and it is suggested you have at least one or the other, if not both. 

 

This role is full-time, and it is classified as exempt. It is eligible for all UTHealth benefits, including employer-paid healthcare for individuals and one of the best pension plans in the Texas Medical Center. You will be working at our University Center Tower location at the intersection of Fannin and Pressler. This position will work a hybrid schedule of in office and remote.  

What we do here changes the world. UTHealth Houston is Texas’ resource for healthcare education, innovation, scientific discovery, and excellence in patient care. That’s where you come in.

Once you join us, you won't want to leave. It’s because we reward our team for the excellent service they provide. Our total rewards package includes the benefits you’d expect from a top healthcare organization (benefits, insurance, etc.), plus:  

100% paid medical premiums for our full-time employees   Generous time off (holidays, preventative leave days, both vacation and sick time – all of which equates to around 37-38 days per year)  The longer you stay, the more vacation you’ll accrue!  Longevity Pay (Monthly payments after two years of service)  Build your future with our awesome retirement/pension plan! 

We take care of our employees! As a world-renowned institution, our employees’ well-being is important to us. We offer work/life services such as... 

Free financial and legal counseling  Free mental health counseling services  Gym membership discounts and access to wellness programs  Other employee discounts include entertainment, car rentals, cell phones, etc.  Resources for child and elder care  Plus, many more! 

Position Summary:

In partnership with the Office of Technology Management (OTM) and Sponsored Projects Administration (SPA), responsible for the coordination, review, negotiation, and acceptance of all research agreements with industry that contain complex or atypical intellectual property (IP) or data/materials ownership issues,  terms, and conditions. Assists Sponsored Projects team members with interpreting and applying Intellectual property terms, rules and regulations.

 

Position Key Accountabilities:

1. Coordinates SPA and OTM internal discussions and attends meetings with the Principal Investigator (PI) to help determine the relationship between the PI, the commercial entity, and UTHealth. Further determines the intellectual property agreement terms needed and obtains approval of such language from Sr. IP Specialist.
2.    Negotiates and prepares industry contracts for investigator-initiated studies and other sponsored projects agreements with complex or atypical IP or data/materials ownership terms and conditions, ensuring compliance with Federal, State, UT System, and institutional requirements, as well as adherence to terms and conditions of existing agreements relating to the same IP and data/materials.
3.    Serves as subject matter expert for the Sponsored Projects Grants and Contract team in the review and evaluation of non-industry grants and contracts to ensure appropriate IP and data/materials ownership terms and conditions are included in each document and are congruent across all documents, assists in revising language as needed.
4.    Works with schools/departments, Legal Affairs, Technology Management, CPHS, Procurement, and UT System to resolve problems and negotiate issues related to IP and data/materials ownership.
5.    Coordinates project account setup with the post-award team.
6.    Participates in on-campus trainings and forums to disseminate information and guidance on IP and contractual regulations and policies to faculty and departmental administrators.
7.    Performs other duties as assigned.

Certification/Skills:

Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal. Effective time management and organization skills with the ability to be priority-oriented. Critical thinking/problem-solving abilities are crucial.

Minimum Education:

At least a Bachelor’s degree. Master’s degree is preferred.

Minimum Experience:

Two (2) years of experience at an academic research institution.

Physical Requirements:

Exerts up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds frequently and/or a negligible amount constantly to move objects.

Security Sensitive:

This job class may contain positions that are security sensitive and thereby subject to the provisions of Texas Education Code § 51.215

Residency Requirement:

Employees must permanently reside and work in the State of Texas.