ABOUT US

The Contract Research Team (CRT) ensures that Western enters into only prudent sponsored research agreements and contracts with external sponsoring partners. The CRT is responsible for coordinating procedures and disseminating information to faculty and staff regarding Western’s research policies and procedures, intellectual property, publication, confidential information and reporting terms. The CRT ensures that sponsored research agreements and contracts with external partners meet Western’s research policies and best business practices.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• Bachelor Degree; Bachelor or Master’s degree in Arts & Humanities, Science or Engineering is preferred

Experience:

• 5 year’s experience in research administration or contract negotiations

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and confidence dealing with all levels of the organization
• Advanced ability to effectively communicate (orally and in writing), lead business discussions and train others
• Demonstrated oral and written communication skills with an emphasis on proposal development and presentation to internal contacts up to senior management
• Demonstrated commitment to ongoing learning and professional development
• Ability to understand customer needs and expectations and provide excellent customer service directly and indirectly to satisfy expectations
• Strong customer service skills to handle enquiries and resolve issues in a professional and timely manner
• Positive, outgoing attitude with genuine customer service orientation
• Strong client focus and a desire to achieve results is essential
• A strong record of teamwork with the motivation and ability to work independently with little supervision
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and achieve results
• Self-driven, independent thinker who is highly motivated and possesses an intrinsic passion for quality

The Senior Contracts Officer manages a portfolio of multi-partner and industrial research agreements and contracts, and will negotiate agreements and support the development of multi- million dollar budgets. The role will review or draft grant agreements/contracts, negotiating terms to ensure Western enters into only prudent agreements and contracts, that are appropriately aligned with Western policies and procedures, with specific reference to the grant and contract agreements from an external funding agency. The Senior Contracts Officer will provide expertise and guidance to colleagues, and to senior academic and administrative leaders regarding best practices and processes that will support the development of complex research contracts. The role contributes to the development of the research environment, and in this manner, supports research activity by individual academic faculty and enables the achievement of their stated research plans.