Contracts Specialist II

Special Instructions to Applicants: 

All interested applicants should attach a resume and cover letter in the Supporting Documents section of the application, preferably in a PDF format to avoid any formatting issues.

Please note that we are currently recruiting for this role at two different levels. The final position and salary will be offered commensurate with the successful candidate's experience and qualifications. We encourage you to apply to the specific posting that best aligns with your current professional background.

Boasting a 300-acre tree-lined campus in Houston, Texas, Rice University is ranked among the nation’s top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has a 6-to-1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio, and a residential college system, which supports students intellectually, emotionally and culturally through social events, intramural sports, student plays, lectures series, courses and student government. Developing close-knit, diverse college communities is a strong campus tradition, which is why Rice is highly ranked for best quality of life and best value among private universities. 

Rice is also a wonderful place to work. Rice faculty, staff and students share values that are essential to our success as a healthy community. Those values guide our decisions and behaviors and shape Rice’s culture. They come through in the way we treat each other and the welcome we extend to our visitors. These values can be recalled simply by our name — RICE — Responsibility, Integrity, Community and Excellence.

Position Summary:

The Office of Technology Transfer (OTT) at Rice University supports the commercialization of university research by managing intellectual property, pursuing patents, and facilitating partnerships with industry. OTT helps turn innovations into real-world products while advancing Rice’s research impact.

The Industrial Contracts Specialist II, under the supervision of the Assistant Director for Contracts, will serve in the Office of Technology Transfer by independently drafting, negotiating and finalizing research-related agreements involving sensitive intellectual property, publication, or funding-related terms; these include, but are not limited to, material transfer, non-disclosure agreements, data use agreements, industry sponsored research agreements, and industry-funded subcontracts. This role supports the commercialization of Rice University research by ensuring agreements comply with university and federal policies, facilitating collaboration with faculty, staff, and external partners, and helping advance the university’s research impact through effective contract administration.

Ideal Candidate Statement: 

The ideal candidate is an organized, detail-oriented professional with experience in research administration or intellectual property management in a university setting. They have a strong understanding of contractual issues related to sponsored research and intellectual property and can balance multiple priorities while achieving consensus in negotiations. The candidate communicates clearly and effectively with stakeholders across the university, including faculty, staff, students, and colleagues in the Office of Technology Transfer, and demonstrates sound judgment, strong analytical skills, and a commitment to advancing the university’s research mission.

Workplace Requirements: 

This position is offered as a hybrid role, combining both in-office and remote work to provide flexibility and support collaboration. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

*Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime. 

Hiring Salary: $72,600 - $92,500

Minimum Requirements: 

• Bachelor’s degree
  • In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year-for-year basis may be substituted
• 2+ years experience in research, research administration, or intellectual property management 
  • In lieu of the experience requirement, additional related education, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year-for-year basis may be substituted

Skills: 

• Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize a variety of tasks and demands
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite, and ability to learn applicable university and departmental systems
• Advanced ability to independently draft, negotiate, and conclude industry research agreements
• Understanding of intellectual property and licensing issues as they pertain to industry sponsored research
• Understanding of university research environment and policies
• Understanding of industry practices and regulatory requirements
• Advanced communication skills to clearly and effectively communicate information to Rice faculty, staff, and students; external university and industry negotiating partners; and all levels of management
• Advanced analytical and problem solving skills to review and analyze complex information
• Experience with contracts and grants administration
• Demonstrated ability to negotiate effectively with external university and industry partners in a timely manner
• Strong service orientation, demonstrated ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, action-oriented, customer-focused service environment
• Extremely detail oriented and ability to work independently, but also able to seek out assistance when needed
• Excellent interpersonal skills, good judgment, and the ability to conduct negotiations in a timely manner 
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite and the ability to learn applicable university and departmental systems

Preferences:

• Experience working in a university setting or negotiating research-related agreements with universities
• Advanced degree in STEM field from accredited university or J.D. from ABA-accredited law school
• Registered Technology Transfer Professional (RTTP), Certified Licensing Professional (CLP), or Certified Research Administrator (CRA) certifications

Essential Functions:

• Negotiates and finalizes research-related agreements, including industry sponsored research, material transfer, non-disclosure, data use, and other agreements as assigned
• Negotiates key terms of sponsored research agreements, including intellectual property and publication rights, confidentiality, indemnification and invoicing terms
• Negotiates research‐related agreements as assigned by Assistant Director for Contracts that involve intellectual property, publication, confidentiality and related issues
• Identifies contractual and policy issues such as research integrity policies, conflicts of interest, export control, and accounting, raises issues to appropriate university officials, and provides follow through until resolved
• Interprets and explains contract terms and conditions to students, faculty and staff
• Resolves complex contractual problems that develop during the course of negotiations by consulting with the Office of Technology Transfer team, investigators, staff, and industry sponsors 
• Collects and documents necessary internal approvals before contract execution, e.g., intellectual property assignments, required internal NDAs and acknowledgement letters
• Maintains complete records of agreement drafts, correspondence, and internal approvals 
• Facilitates interactions with other university research administration offices 
• Assists management and other Industrial Contracts Specialists in revising standard agreements to reflect changes in university policies, federal regulations and laws
• Develops ideas for more effective client service; assists Office of Technology Transfer staff to coordinate the development and delivery of training to other team members, faculty and client groups 
• Performs all other duties as assigned

Rice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits 
Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice University 

Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and welcoming the fullness of diversity into our candidate pools. Rice considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. Rice also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. If an applicant requires a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please get in touch with Rice University’s Human Resources Office via email at facstaffada@rice.edu for support.

If you have any additional questions, please email us at jobs@rice.edu . Thank you for your interest in employment with Rice University.