Posting Details

Job TitleAssistant Director, ContractsDepartmentTechnology TransferFull Time/Part TimeFull-TimeRequisition NumberS21066Open Date08/26/2020Close DateSalary Information

$108,300 to $148,900 annually

Work Schedule

Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Benefits EligibleYesEligible for OvertimeNoPosition Summary

The Office of Technology Transfer (OTT) at William Marsh Rice University is responsible for overseeing research-related contracts with industry and not-for-profit research organizations.
The assistant director, contracts, under the supervision of the director of technology transfer, will supervise contract negotiations, compliance with Rice policies, contract agreements by reviewing and finalizing.

The ideal highly desirable candidate will have experience supervising and leading a team in negotiating industry contracts and intellectual property policies and practices adopted by universities and other research organizations. S/he will have ten years of experience drafting and negotiating industrial sponsored research agreements in an academic environment.

Education RequiredBachelor's DegreeMajor/Discipline

Natural sciences or engineering

Substitution for Education RequirementExperience may not be substituted for the education requirement.Education Preferred

Ph.D. in natural sciences or engineering

Experience Required5 yearsType of Experience

Related experience in technology transfer, which includes two years of supervisory experience

Substitution for Experience RequirementEducation may not be substituted for the experience requirement.Experience Preferred

- Ten years of experience drafting and negotiating industrial sponsored research agreements in an academic environment
- Experience supervising and leading a team in negotiating industry contracts and intellectual property policies and practices adopted by universities and other research organizations

License/Certification Required

None

License/Certification Preferred

None

Skills Required

- Demonstrated record of complex and successful contract negotiations
- Knowledge of, and ability to interpret, governing laws and agency specific regulations regarding subcontracting, procurement, reporting, equipment management, export controls, patent policy, and the use of animals and human subjects in research
- Ability to understand grant and contract documents, including the implications of contractual terms on publishing rights, university risk and liability, and intellectual property
- Thorough knowledge and understanding of government regulations and patent law as they impact university contract management
- Ability to take initiative, prioritize workload, and work independently.
- Excellent interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to be an effective liaison with a wide variety of people, including faculty, industry representatives and legal counsel, as well as administrative staff, accountants and colleagues
- Ability to effectively mentor, coach, and develop junior staff
- Demonstrated ability to negotiate effectively to find optimal resolution
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills
- Exceptional analytical and organizational skills and attention to detail required

Skills PreferredInternal / External Contacts

Internal: Contact with the Office of General Council, Research and Cost Accounting, and the Office of Sponsored Research

External: Contact with a wide variety of organizations, including other universities and domestic and international industry sponsors

Physical Demands

Must be able to work in front of a computer for extended periods of time (up to eight hours per day).

Working Conditions

Some travel may be required (domestic), extended hours and/or weekends as needed.

Essential Personnel

Position is not considered essential during campus emergency.

Rice University Standard of Civility

Serves as a representative of the University, displaying courtesy, tact, consideration and discretion in all interactions with other members of the Rice community and with the public.

Security Sensitive

As defined under the Texas Education Code and Rice Policy No. 425, this position is security sensitive and employment in this position is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Please attach all required documents in PDF format.

Quick Link for Postinghttp://jobs.rice.edu/postings/24386Essential Functions

- Assists the director in the management and oversight of university contracts
- Supervises contract negotiations; ensures timeliness in the negotiation process; ensures compliance with Rice policy, including but not limited to, policy issues related to intellectual property practice and procedures; invoicing; indemnification; liability; insurance; export control; conflict-of-interest, and publication rights
- Maintains positive industry relationships while upholding the mission and goals of Rice
- Communicates the requirements of federal statutes and guidelines effectively to stakeholders, including but not limited to, Rice faculty, industry sponsors and other research collaborators;
- Manages complex and sensitive contract-based research arrangements in consultation with a wide variety of university administrative offices, including but not limited to the Office of General Counsel, Research and Cost Accounting, and the Office of Sponsored Research
- Builds and manages a cohesive team that must function well within the Office of Technology Transfer as well as with internal and external partners
(i.e., mentoring and training staff; identifying professional developmental needs and providing opportunities to support professional growth and development; acting as a resource for contract-related matters; setting staff goals and objectives; managing staff workload and delegating assignments; delivering performance feedback as needed)
- Informs the director about changes in law, practice or policy that affects industry relationships; will analyze the impact on campus of changes in regulations, policies and procedures regarding external industry funding and collaborations; will keep abreast of recent developments in U.S. and foreign intellectual property laws and other laws affecting industry-university research activities
- Participates in technology transfer strategic planning and develop and maintain strategic industry relationships in alignment with the university’s mission/vision
- Assist with the administrative operations directed to intellectual property management, including the protection, valuation, and licensing of intellectual property
- Performs all other duties as assigned

Additional Functions or Information Job Duties

Applicant DocumentsRequired Documents

1. Cover Letter
2. Resume
3. Writing Sample

Optional Documents

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * Do you have a bachelor's degree or higher in natural sciences or engineering?
   • Yes
   • No
2. * How many years of related experience in technology transfer do you have?
   • None
   • 1 year
   • 2 years
   • 3 years
   • 4 years
   • 5 -7 years
   • 8-9 years
   • 10 and more years
3. * How many years of supervisory experience do you have?
   • None
   • 1 year
   • 2 years
   • 3 years
   • 4 years
   • 5 and more years
4. * Have you ever drafted and negotiated industrial sponsored research agreements in an academic environment? If yes, please describe your work.

   (Open Ended Question)

5. * Please provide the salary or range that you would require or consider for this position.

   (Open Ended Question)