Job Details
Senior Research Contract Officer
Senior Research Contract Officer
Requisition Number: 69119
Location: Boulder Colorado
Employment Type: University Staff
Schedule: Full Time
Posting Close Date: 04-Jan-2026
Date Posted:
Job Summary
The Offices of Contracts and Grant (OCG) with the University of Colorado, Boulder is accepting applications for a Senior Research Contract Officer! This position is responsible for protecting University interests relating to the business of University Research. Support of University Research is performed throughout the life of the contract and often starts prior to the contract being awarded. Below provides an example of contract life cycle support that may be provided by this role:
- Reviewing Requests for Proposals ("RFPs"), broad agency announcements ("BAAs"), and other announcements in support of proposal development, identifying issues related to the anticipated award prior to proposal submittal
- Reviewing and analyzing proposals to ensure compliance with Federal and non-Federal rules and regulations, as well as compliance with University policies and procedures
- Ensuring that University commitments are in accordance with legal, regulatory, and University requirements, and that standard methodologies are approved and properly documented
- Reviewing and negotiating funded and non-funded contracts, agreements, and sub-agreements with outside sources (e.g. Federal agencies, industry, other universities, and foundations, collectively, "Sponsors")
- Recognizing and addressing Federal and University compliance issues
- Determining that a contract is ready for signature
- Providing input and guidance on contract interpretation and administration throughout the contract term
This position is charged with serving as an Authorized Organizational Representative facilitating the negotiation and execution of contract documents to support sponsored project proposals and awards, with a focus on Research Agreement. The Senior Research Contract Officer will represent the University and work directly with Sponsors: Federal and non-Federal Sponsors, State agencies, businesses, foundations, and other universities. This position is also responsible for a specific set of University clients including a variety of institutes, schools, and academic departments. They will work directly with PIs, DRAs, and students to ensure that contracts reflect the Sponsor and University requirements, and that they are processed and completed in a timely manner. Additionally, this position will collaborate with other campus departments and Sponsors to address issues and solve problems during proposal review and evaluation when requested, and during the contract negotiation and execution process, as well as throughout the contractual term.
CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Who We Are
The mission of the Office of Contracts and Grants ("OCG") is to, throughout the lifecycle of an award, partner with the University of Colorado Boulder ("University") faculty including Principal Investigators ("PIs"), staff including Department Research Administrators ("DRAs"), and students to obtain and manage external support for sponsored activities through our specialized regulatory and organizational expertise. OCG is committed to protecting the University's interests by reviewing and approving the submission of sponsored project proposals; negotiating contract and grant awards; supervising the implementation and administration of sponsored projects; initiating and implementing policies and procedures; providing training to PIs and DRAs; and serving as the University's liaison with Sponsors and regulatory agencies.
OCG commits to inclusive excellence by advancing equity and diversity in all that we do. We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, and particularly encourage applications from candidates whose knowledge, skills, and abilities demonstrate the ability to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community.
What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be
The following list of duties and responsibilities serves only to illustrate the nature and scope of this position's primary activities and functions. These are performed on behalf of the University, while protecting the legal and business interests of the University and under the supervision of the Assistant Director of Contracts.
- Understand OCG's business processes, from proposal development through submission, award, contract negotiation, execution, management, and closeout
- Form and maintain strong working relationships with peers, supervisor, other OCG Teams, and other University partners including PIs, DRAs, Export Control Office, Information Technology Security Office, Project Management Office, Research Financial Services, Technology Transfer Office, and University Legal Counsel, as well as Sponsors, to support review and negotiation of contract terms and conditions, along with general contract administration
- Develop and maintain proficiency with applicable electronic systems and related processes and requirements
- Continuously build and maintain knowledge base of OCG business processes by attending training sessions, conferring with supervisor and peers, and reviewing written guidance documents
- Prepare, redline, negotiate, and manage research-related contracts (with and without funds) between University and Sponsors, including industry partners, Federal agencies, other Universities, foundations, and other nonprofits with legal entities and offices located domestically and abroad
- Manage all aspects of the University's contracting process from contract terms and requirements review at proposal development and submission, as needed, through contract receipt, review, negotiation, and execution, lifecycle administration and management, and contract closeout
- Prepare initial and modification drafts of contract agreements ensuring full compliance with Federal and State legal and regulatory requirements, University policies and procedures, unique requirements based on the Sponsor, and the scope of work being performed
- Review and negotiate changes to each University or Sponsor drafted contract and its financial and in-kind commitments, ensuring that they are acceptable to the University, the PI, and the Sponsor
- Work with University partners and Sponsors, incorporating and reviewing requested contract changes
- Identify and understand terms and conditions options and carve-out approaches to resolve negotiation challenges while limiting University and PI's risk
- While performing review and negotiation, ensure that the final contract is clear, comprehensive, and that it includes provisions protecting the interests of the University
- Serve as a main point of contact and campus expert for a wide range of business and contracting topics being requested from University partners and Sponsors as they relate to Research Activities
- Provide general contract administration support to both University partners and Sponsors on topics that may include explanation of contract interpretation, coordination, and communication to address funding issues, contract requirement issues and/or disputes, and contract modifications
- Following OCG processes, uniformly enter, maintain, and track the contract documents, requirements, communication, and financials in infoEd, the University's electronic research administration system
- Advise PIs and DRAs on policies and procedures for obtaining approval from offices outside of OCG when contract requirements deviate from acceptable contract language
- Work with peers, supervisor, other OCG Teams, and other University partners to develop and continually refine standard contract language, ensuring consistency of contractual terms and conditions across contracts while maintaining the protection of University and PI interests
- Contribute experiences and knowledge at team meetings by developing and presenting on agenda items and engaging with fellow peers to increase team and personal knowledge base
- Develop and edit process documentation as it relates to the work of the Research Contracts Team. Provide support to team members in meeting this objective as needed
- Involvement and participation in University internal, external, and research administration trainings and/or contract-related professional associations
- Support as a Subject Matter Expert in areas of business need
- Manage increased complexity and risk of agreement types, terms and conditions, and negotiations beyond that of more junior team members
- Increased quantity of workload assignments beyond that of more junior team members
- Demonstrate leadership proficiency, providing coverage for Contract Team management as needed
- Distill and provide regulatory updates to OCG and the campus community
- Represent OCG in a wide variety of situations as needed
- Assist in training of more junior team members, members of the University community, and in other research administration and/or contract-related professional associations
- Support special projects and other duties as assigned
- The Senior Research Contract Officer may possess signature authority for certain agreements as delegated by the Assistant Director of Contracts.
- The following list of agreement actions and types serves only to illustrate the anticipated signature authority of the Principal Research Contract Officer.
Various agreement types including:
- Collaboration Agreements
- Confidentiality/Non-Disclosure Agreements ("CDA" or "NDA")
- Cooperative Research and Developments Agreements ("CRADA")
- Data Transfer Use Agreements ("DTUA" or "DUA")
- Framework Agreements
- Intergovernmental Personnel Agreements ("IPA")
- Letter of Agreement ("LOA")
- Material Transfer Agreements ("MTA")
- Memorandum of Agreement or Understanding ("MOA" or "MOU")
- Software License Use, Sponsored Research, and Teaming Agreements
- Umbrella Agreements and all related Task Orders
- Uniform Biological Material Transfer Agreements ("UBMTA")
Various agreement actions including:
- Pre-Award At-Risk SpeedType Setup
- Initial Agreements
- Budget Revision Modifications
- Funding Modifications
- No Cost Extension Modifications
- Administrative Modifications
What You Should Know
- The work modality for this position is hybrid or full-time remote.
What We Can Offer
- The annual salary range for this position is $70,900 - $85,000.
Benefits
At the University of Colorado Boulder, we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County's largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.
Be Statements
Be challenged. Be visionary. Be Boulder.
What We Require
- A bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience may substitute.
- Approximately 3 years of prior translatable work experience (including any combination of contract formation, negotiation, administration and/or management, familiarity and work with research, research compliance, other highly regulated industries, and/or Federal or other government policies).
What You Will Need
- Proven ability to think critically and ask appropriate questions
- Exceptional attention to detail and ability to work independently without supervision
- Basic understanding of research and/or service agreement administration or translatable business experience
- Excellent organization skills to successfully manage multiple ongoing tasks
- Ability to work collaboratively with University partners and Sponsors across multiple subject areas in a constantly evolving environment
- Demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines
- Outstanding written and verbal communication skills
- Demonstrated excellent customer service skills demonstrating flexibility and adaptability
- Willingness to learn, problem solve, and research solutions when completing a wide variety of tasks
- Solution-based outlook and inquisitive personality, with the ability to solve sophisticated problems.
Special Instructions
To apply, please submit the following materials:1. A current resume.
2. A cover letter that specifically tells us how your background and experience align with the requirements, qualifications, and responsibilities of the position.
We may request references at a later time.
Please apply by January 4, 2026, for consideration.
Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, please apply through CU Boulder Jobs.
In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.
To apply, visit https://jobs.colorado.edu/jobs/JobDetail/Senior-Research-Contract-Officer/69119
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