Contracts Negotiation Specialist (Part-time)

at  Virginia Commonwealth University

Welcome to Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) … a world UNLIKE any other!
At VCU, we are UNCOMMON and UNLIKE any other university. A premier, urban, public research university nationally recognized as one of the best employers for diversity, VCU is a great place to work. It’s a place of opportunity where your success is supported and your career can thrive. VCU offers employees a generous leave package, career paths for advancement, competitive pay, and an opportunity to do mission-driven work.
VCU’s Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation and its Division of Sponsored Programs invites all interested candidates to apply for our (HOURLY) Contracts Assistant position!
Our impact is measured one student and patient at a time. VCU’s unequaled combination of excellence, diversity, research and creativity makes success possible for every one of our 300,000+ “RAMily” members. And that makes us one of the most innovative universities in the country. A premier, urban, public research university nationally recognized as one of the best employers for diversity, VCU is a great place to work. It’s a place of opportunity, where your success is supported and your career can thrive.
Primary Purpose and General Responsibilities:
This position provides support to the Division of Sponsored Programs- Industry and Clinical Trials.

Responsibilities T he successful candidate for this position will be expected to:

• Encourage and support VCU’s research activities by serving as a liaison on matters related to industry-funded and non-funded contractual agreements related to clinical trials.
• Draft, review, and negotiate terms and conditions in non-disclosure and confidentiality agreements with pharmaceutical companies, bio-tech companies, start-up companies, and contract research organizations, ensuring compliance with federal, state laws/regulations and VCU policies and procedures.
• Prepare final documents for signature by a VCU Authorized Signatory Official to include: confidentiality agreements, contract modifications, administrative actions, master agreement task orders, no-cost extensions, prior-approval extensions, subject injury language in patient consent forms and central IRB memorandum submission.
• Independently manage workload and priorities.
• Ensure work is completed and submitted accurately and promptly.
• Track and document all tasks and agreement negotiation activities in the internal tracking system (RAMSPOT), ensuring that tasks are recorded, monitored, and completed according to current office procedures.
• Assist team members with transactional processes and conduct follow-ups with internal and external entities.
• Independently identify unusual or complex situations or contracting issues and coordinate with Supervisor to resolve any issues.

Minimum Hiring Requirements:

• Possess strong organization, analytical, and problem-solving skills with attention to detail
• Be able to work independently and with accountability
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Strong team and collaborative skills
• Ability to prioritize and perform multiple tasks in a dynamic and fast-paced environment
• Provide excellent customer service to a diverse population
• Ability to creatively resolve problems related to sponsored programs administration in negotiating and managing contracting for clinical trials research.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and video conferencing software such as Zoom with the ability to learn specialized applications.
• The candidate should have demonstrated experience working in and fostering a diverse faculty, staff, and student environment or commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.

Preferred Hiring Requirements:
Experience working in a university setting with preference for those with experience in research administration or a central sponsored programs office.
Experience reviewing, redlining, and negotiating legal terms and conditions in clinical trial Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure Agreements.
Bachelor’s degree in a related field with progressive work experience in research administration preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Familiarity/experience working with database applications such as VCU’s Research Administration Management System - Sponsored Programs Online Tracking (RAMS-SPOT) or comparable sponsored program electronic database.
Each agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse work force. Equal Opportunity Employer

• Encourage and support VCU’s research activities by serving as a liaison on matters related to industry-funded and non-funded contractual agreements related to clinical trials.
• Draft, review, and negotiate terms and conditions in non-disclosure and confidentiality agreements with pharmaceutical companies, bio-tech companies, start-up companies, and contract research organizations, ensuring compliance with federal, state laws/regulations and VCU policies and procedures.
• Prepare final documents for signature by a VCU Authorized Signatory Official to include: confidentiality agreements, contract modifications, administrative actions, master agreement task orders, no-cost extensions, prior-approval extensions, subject injury language in patient consent forms and central IRB memorandum submission.
• Independently manage workload and priorities.
• Ensure work is completed and submitted accurately and promptly.
• Track and document all tasks and agreement negotiation activities in the internal tracking system (RAMSPOT), ensuring that tasks are recorded, monitored, and completed according to current office procedures.
• Assist team members with transactional processes and conduct follow-ups with internal and external entities.
• Independently identify unusual or complex situations or contracting issues and coordinate with Supervisor to resolve any issues