The University of Virginia (UVA) Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) is seeking applicants for a Senior Contract Negotiator with experience analyzing, reviewing and negotiating agreements on behalf of an institution. This role will provide advanced contracting services and expert advice to UVA’s academic and research community in the School of Medicine. This position is eligible for on-site, remote or hybrid work.

The OSP Grants & Contracts group promotes excellence in research by providing comprehensive service in proposal submission, award negotiation, non-financial award management, and non-funded agreement negotiation. Contract Negotiators are responsible for research compliance and contract review, drafting, negotiation, execution and other aspects of contract administration, thus supporting academic departments, interdisciplinary research centers, and institutional strategic initiatives. 

Responsibilities

Review, draft and negotiate a wide range of research agreements (funded and non-funded), including Clinical Trial Agreements, Research Funding Agreements, incoming/outgoing Subcontracts, Collaboration Agreements, Consortium Agreements, Confidential Disclosure Agreements, Material Transfer Agreements, Data Use Agreements, amendments and other agreements within a School of Medicine-based portfolio.Partner with School of Medicine Departments, Principal Investigators, other OSP units, research compliance offices, research groups, and other units within UVA’s research community. Manage multi-contract and complex projects, including drafting/negotiating agreements for multi-site studies, multi-party consortia, collaborations or subcontracts.Resolve complex research-related issues in cooperation with senior management or key University constituencies.Serve as a liaison between the University, funding agencies and other sponsors.Assist Departments in preparation of complex proposals within parameters of sponsored and non-sponsored research guidelines.Serve as subject matter expert on research administration, ensuring compliance with state, federal and University rules, regulations, policies and practices (such as HIPAA, FERPA, FAR, Uniform Guidance, sponsor guidelines, etc.) and provide guidance to staff and faculty in understanding applicable policies and obligations.Identify and implement process improvements. Participate in and lead cross-Grounds projects. Train and advise on issues requiring specific technical expertise, including new regulations, policies, etc.Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge & Skills

Knowledge of contracting is imperativeDemonstrated professionalism and diplomatic skillsExcellent oral and written communication skillsExcellent analytical skillsStrong attention to detailExcellent time management and organizational skillsDemonstrated proficiency in Microsoft and web-based toolsKnowledge of governmental regulations (e.g. FAR, Uniform Guidance, FERPA, HIPAA, GDPR)Knowledge of financial analysis and/or accounting principles a plusExpertise in project management, including managing international collaborations and complex multi-party contracts or subawards a plus

Minimum Requirements

Education: Bachelor's degree
Experience: Five years of job-related experience

Physical Demands: This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. This role does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings and/or programs.

Preferred Qualifications

At least three years of job-related experience working directly within higher education.Juris Doctor (JD) degree or extensive experience negotiating complex agreements.Other credentials such as Certified Research Administrator (CRA), MBA, project management certification, and/or data protection certification are preferred but not required.

This is an exempt-level, benefited position. Learn more about UVA benefits.

This position is located in Charlottesville, VA, and provides an option to work in a hybrid environment following the University's flex-work guidelines. To learn more about UVA and in the Charlottesville area, visit UVA Life and Embark CVA. 

Anticipated salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Application review will begin after July 21, 2025.

This position will not consider candidates who require immigration sponsorship at this time or in the future.  

How to Apply

Please apply online, by searching for requisition number R0074476. Complete an application with the following documents:   

Resume

Cover Letter 

Upload all materials into the resume submission field. You can submit multiple documents into this one field or combine them into one PDF.   Applications without all required documents will not receive full consideration. 

 

Internal applicants: Apply through your Workday profile by searching “Find Jobs.” 

Reference checks will be completed by UVA’s third-party partner, SkillSurvey, during the final phase of the interview. Five references will be requested, with at least three responses required.  

For information regarding the position or the application process, please contact Lyndsay Thaxton at enn9zv@virginia.edu.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Click here to read more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.