Research Contracts Program Manager

Company Description

The University of Notre Dame is more than a workplace; it is a vibrant, mission-driven community where every employee is valued and supported. Rooted in a tradition of excellence and inspired by our Catholic character, Notre Dame is committed to fostering an environment of care that nurtures the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. Here, you will find a deep sense of belonging, a culture that prioritizes well-being, and the opportunity to grow your career while being a force for good in the world. Whether contributing to world-class research, shaping the student experience, or supporting the University’s mission in other ways, you will be part of a dedicated team working to make a meaningful impact on campus and beyond. At Notre Dame, your work matters, and so do you! 

Job Description

The Research Contracts Program Manager (RCPM) is an opportunity for an experienced research contracts negotiator to manage a portfolio of complex sponsored research agreements for federal, industry, foundation, and nonprofit sponsors.

This position is specifically intended for professionals with direct experience negotiating sponsored research agreements on behalf of a university, research institution, academic medical center, government laboratory, or similar research organization. Candidates whose experience is limited to grants management, post-award administration, procurement, or general contract administration without responsibility for negotiating research agreements are unlikely to be successful in this role.

Working within Notre Dame Research Administration & Compliance (NDRAC), you'll partner with world-class faculty to negotiate agreements that enable groundbreaking research while protecting the University's legal, financial, and intellectual property interests.

Key Responsibilities

• Independently review, draft, negotiate, and execute a broad portfolio of research-related agreements that support the University's research enterprise, including but not limited to:

  • Material Transfer Agreements (MTAs)
  • Data Use Agreements (DUAs)
  • Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs/CDAs)
  • Domestic and International Independent Contractor Agreements
  • Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs)
  • Collaboration Agreements
  • Other research-related agreements as assigned
     
• Lead contract negotiations with academic institutions, industry sponsors, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and other external partners to facilitate research while protecting the University's legal, financial, regulatory, and intellectual property interests.
• Analyze proposed agreement terms to identify legal, operational, financial, and compliance risks, and negotiate practical solutions that align sponsor expectations with University policies and research objectives.
• Partner closely with principal investigators, research faculty, and research administrators to understand the scope, objectives, and unique requirements of research projects in order to develop, negotiate, and execute agreements that appropriately support the research.
• Draft customized research agreements and contract language for unique or non-standard research collaborations, addressing complex issues such as intellectual property, publication rights, confidentiality, data sharing, export control, liability, and regulatory compliance.
• Coordinate with stakeholders across Notre Dame Research Administration & Compliance (NDRAC), the Office of General Counsel, Technology Transfer, Export Compliance, Research Integrity, and other University offices to obtain required reviews and approvals and ensure timely agreement execution.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for faculty and external partners throughout the contract negotiation process, providing guidance on agreement terms, University policies, sponsor requirements, and research contracting best practices.
• Manage multiple concurrent negotiations and competing priorities while ensuring timely execution of agreements and maintaining a high level of customer service.
• Maintain complete, accurate, and up-to-date agreement records, correspondence, approvals, and documentation within the University's electronic research administration (eRA) systems and other institutional databases.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of research contracting operations by identifying process enhancements, developing standard language and templates, and sharing best practices with colleagues.

Qualifications

• Bachelor Degree, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of 3 years of direct experience negotiating sponsored research agreements for a university, research institution, academic medical center, federal laboratory, or similar organization.
• Demonstrated experience independently reviewing, negotiating, and executing research-related agreements such as:
  • Sponsored Research Agreements (SRAs)
  • Federal Contracts
  • Subawards/Subcontracts
  • Clinical Trial Agreements (if applicable)
  • Data Use Agreements
  • Material Transfer Agreements
  • Teaming Agreements
  • Non-Disclosure/Confidentiality Agreements supporting research
• Experience negotiating terms involving intellectual property, publication rights, indemnification, confidentiality, export controls, and compliance with sponsor regulations.
• Ability to independently lead negotiations with sponsors while balancing institutional risk and research objectives.

Successful candidates typically come from roles such as:

• Research Contracts Officer
• Research Contracts Manager
• Sponsored Research Contract Negotiator
• Contracts & Grants Officer (with negotiation responsibilities)
• Office of Sponsored Programs Contract Officer
• Research Agreements Manager
• Research Contracts Specialist

Experience should include direct negotiation of sponsored research agreements rather than solely pre-award proposal development, post-award administration, or grant management.

Additional Information

To be considered for this opportunity, please submit a cover letter describing your interest and relevant experience, along with your resume.

Salary up to $105,000, commensurate with experience

Applications due by July 27, 2026

The University of Notre Dame seeks to attract, develop, and retain the highest quality faculty, staff and administration. The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or age in employment. Moreover, Notre Dame prohibits discrimination against veterans or disabled qualified individuals, and complies with 41 CFR 60-741.5(a) and 41 CFR 60-300.5(a). We strongly encourage applications from candidates attracted to a university with a Catholic identity.