Contract Specialist (Remote) - Joint Research Office for Contracts
Washington University in St. Louis
St. Louis, MO, USA
USD 75,200-128,800 / year
Posted on Aug 1, 2025
Scheduled Hours
40Position Summary
This position serves as the liaison between university stakeholders and companies, major national and international foundations and non-profit entities, and government agencies. Contracting responsibilities are University-wide and include drafting and negotiating industry sponsored clinical trial agreements and other research agreements including industry research agreements, federal contracts and non-profit agreements and sub-agreements for sponsored research activities and clinical trials. The position thoughtfully expedites the negotiation of research contracts and upholding the institution’s business principles, policies and goals, while following any applicable government regulatory requirements. The position will oversee a large volume contract portfolio from negotiation to contract close out. It is expected that the person filling this position will be highly motivated and capable of recognizing potential problems and taking the initiative to address them, operating both independently and as an effective team member. Expertise and good judgment are required in planning and completing assignments, resolving conflicts, and coordinating work with others. A key ability of the person filling this position will be to complete multiple, simultaneous tasks, to work effectively under deadline pressure, and to successfully manage competing priorities with tact and efficiency.Job Description
Primary Duties & Responsibilities:
- Manages the contract portfolio of departments and schools including review and negotiation of all contract supported activities. This includes drafting and negotiating different types of agreements such as clinical research agreements, laboratory agreements, data use agreements, confidentiality agreements, collaboration agreements, foundation agreements, federal contracts, sponsored research and service agreements and sub-awards, taking into consideration the investigator’s needs and proactively identifying any special considerations.
- Advises faculty and staff on issues that could impact contractual relationships or negotiations.
- Reviews contract and agency guidelines regarding intellectual property, publication, communication, financial and indemnification terms to safeguard the interests of the university and principal investigators; flags and addresses unusual circumstances internally; provides alternative language and compelling explanations for alternative terms desired by the university.
- Uses judgment and an extensive amount of experience to adapt an advanced knowledge of skills, methods, practices, policies and procedures and a considerable degree of innovation, analysis and reasoning to independently plan and prioritize work that involves some extremely difficult problems and/or decisions.
- Ensures a high level of service support is provided to principal investigators, departmental, school and central administrators; evaluates the risk associated with a variety of transactions and agreements; maintains the standard operating procedures for contract service delivery.
- Maintains awareness of regulatory and policy changes impacting the office; maintains awareness of court decisions that impact contract negotiations; and interprets and disseminates contract related policies, regulations and guidelines to faculty and staff.
- Maintains electronic records that are consistent and current; this includes review of documents to ensure appropriateness and completeness; ensures integrity of data captured in contract tracking system; provides strategic data to senior administration through reports as requested.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Working Conditions:
Job Location/Working Conditions
- Normal office environment
Physical Effort
- Typically sitting at a desk or table
Equipment
- Office equipment
Required Qualifications
Education:
J.D. - Juris Doctor
Certifications:
Work Experience:
Skills:
Driver's License:
More About This Job
WashU seeks highly motivated individuals who are able to perform duties in a manner consistent with our core mission and guiding principles.Preferred Qualifications
Education:
No additional education beyond what is stated in the Required Qualifications section.
Certifications:
Work Experience:
Skills:
Contract Negotiations, Detail-Oriented, Diplomacy, Drafting Agreements, Employee Relationships, Negotiation, Oral Communications, Policies & Procedures, Professional Etiquette, Research Administration, Self-Awareness, Sound Judgment, Stress Management, Task Organization, Working Independently, Workload Prioritization, Written CommunicationGrade
G14Salary Range
$75,200.00 - $128,800.00 / AnnuallyThe salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including one's qualifications and performance, equity with others in the department, market rates for positions within the same grade and department budget.Questions
For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ.
Accommodation
If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email CandidateQuestions@wustl.edu or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.
All qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.Pre-Employment Screening
All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.Benefits Statement
Personal
Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.
Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.
Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees.
WashU provides eligible employees with a defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%.
Wellness
Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program (EAP), financial resources, access to dietitians, and more!
Family
We offer 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child. Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs. Need adult care? We’ve got you covered.
WashU covers the cost of tuition for you and your family, including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years with us.
For policies, detailed benefits, and eligibility, please visit: https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/