Description

Position Overview

Contract Negotiations is a department within the KU Office of Research at the University of Kansas. It is responsible for negotiating award terms and conditions of sponsored agreements prior to acceptance by the university; identifying research compliance issues; preparing and negotiating sub recipient agreements; and negotiating other research related agreements such as Material Transfer Agreements, Non-Disclosure Agreements, and others. It manages approximately 1000 agreements annually and plays a significant role in the administration of over $190 million in externally funded sponsored project expenditures. This is a key position in the daily research administrative operations at KU Lawrence.

Due to complex state employment laws, the University of Kansas may be unable to hire fully remote workers for this position outside of Kansas. Specifically, we cannot currently offer employment to candidates residing in the following states: California, Delaware, Idaho & Minnesota. We appreciate your understanding and invite interested individuals from eligible states to apply.

Job Description

35% - As an advisor for the Pre-Award unit, this position determines the appropriateness of terms and conditions that require review, negotiation, formal acceptance, or interpretation prior to submittal of a proposal. Negotiates preliminary contract drafts, and drafts letters in response to RFPs when certain terms are unacceptable or will require future negotiation if an award is offered.

30% - Reviews, negotiates, and accepts contracts supporting sponsored activity at the university, including the drafting of acceptable terms that are beyond the standard parameters normally established by university policies. These negotiations are commonly with attorneys or chief administrators of governmental, for-profit, non-profit, or state agencies/institutions and frequently involve highly sensitive and unique issues. The language offered, the decisions made, and any additional agreements are made independently by the individual in this position. In high-risk situations or in cases where a decision clearly violates university policies the issue is escalated to higher management for additional approvals. This position has delegated signing authority for all agreements supporting sponsored projects as needed for the KU Center for Research, Inc. and the University of Kansas. Reviews and negotiates incoming agreements and writes and negotiates outgoing subawards and subcontracts under all sponsored projects regardless of funding source (federal, state, for-profit, or not-for- profit).

10% - Acts as resource for Pre-Award and Post-Award staff related to negotiation or acceptance of terms and conditions in grants and contracts. Helps resolve issues related to the interpretation of internal and external policies and procedures. Assists in the development, writing, and implementation of policies.

10% - Serves as primary resource contact for faculty, staff, sponsoring agencies, and others needing grant administration guidance or decisions on appropriateness of specific actions both pre- and post-award. Trains departmental staff and researchers in grants administration, university research policies, and sponsor guidelines.

5% - Represents the Associate Director or department in meetings.

5% - Reviews compliance with university and sponsor requirements to confirm compliance with issues such as human subjects, animal care, restricted research and biohazards; assures university and federal standards for management of sponsored project funds; and gathers compliance information and prepares certifications for submission to sponsors as needed.

5% - Communicates with investigators and sponsors to resolve complex grant administration problems/issues.

Required Qualifications

1. Bachelor's degree and 4 years or more of sponsored project or other relevant experience; a J.D. and 2 years of relevant experience may be substituted for the Bachelor's degree and 4 years' sponsored project or other relevant experience.
2. At least 1 year experience reading and comprehending contracts with attention to detail.
3. Excellent writing skills reflecting conciseness and accuracy as demonstrated by application materials.
4. At least 1 year experience working in a university or similar environment demonstrating knowledge with university policies and procedures or similar systems, as evidenced in application materials.
5. Work history that demonstrates the ability to work independently and cooperatively as part of a team.
6. Work history that demonstrates the ability to organize, prioritize, and efficiently handle multiple projects and assignments.
7. At least 1 year experience with basic computer applications including word processing, spreadsheet and database system use.

Additional Candidate Instruction

In addition to the online application, the following documents are required to be considered for this position:

1. A cover letter addressing how required and preferred qualifications are met.
2. Resume or curriculum vitae.
3. Contact information for three (3) professional references.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Application review begins Monday, 5/11/2026, and will continue until a qualified pool of applicants is identified.

Disclaimer

The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university's programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and procedures and is the Title IX Coordinator for all KU and KUMC campuses: Associate Vice Chancellor for the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX, civilrights@ku.edu, Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY. Reports can be submitted by contacting the Title IX Coordinator as provided herein or using the Title IX online report form and complaints can be submitted with the Title IX Coordinator or using the Title IX online complaint form.