Reporting to the University Director of Procurement Contracts & Compliance, the Research Contract Specialist follows University policies and procedures to plan, organize and carry out all assigned responsibilities related to contracting in support of the procurement of goods and services for the UConn main campus in Storrs, Regional Campuses, UConn Health in Farmington, satellites and other public institutes of higher education. This position serves as a liaison for contract administration between the Procurement Services Contracting & Compliance, State of Connecticut Office of the Attorney General, University suppliers, and the University research community.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The responsibilities of this position include specialized functions such as understanding proposal submissions and awarded budgetary allocations; contract preparation, review, negotiation, and management relating to lab supplies, research equipment and primarily research consulting agreements funded by grants and other sponsored programs that are managed by the University's Office of the Vice President for Research.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. Bachelor's degree, preferably in Business or an appropriate discipline, and four years professional contract law/paralegal experience in a comparable environment or equivalent combination of education and experience, which totals at least 7 years' experience in contract law/paralegal, preferably in a comparable environment.
2. Knowledge of contract law and applicable federal and state procurement statutes and policies.
3. Ability to negotiate procurement contracts.
4. Ability to assess the needs of the research community, communicate those needs to vendors and evaluate contracts to determine technical compliance, and analyze research trends.
5. Problem solving skills in order to independently develop contractual solutions to business and legal challenges.Critical thinking skills to analyze complex contractual provisions, legal and business concepts.Excellent verbal and written communication skills to convey complex business and legal matters.
6. Thorough knowledge of federal regulations regarding procurement, including, but not limited, to Uniform Guidance, as well as applicable State of Connecticut procurement statutes.
7. In-depth knowledge of grant administration (Pre- and Post-Award concepts, proposal submission process, sponsoring agencies in a higher education setting, contract administration requirements) with respect to contracting for goods and services, and research consulting agreements.
8. Computer proficiency in MS Office including spreadsheets, computerized databases and word processing.
9. Ability to work under tight deadlines and manage multiple projects.
10. Ability to work independently with minimum supervision
11. Dependable transportation and ability to travel to all University campuses.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. Background in research administration and/or sponsored program research contracting with federal and non-federal fund sources.
2. Membership and active participation in a professional contracting association such as National Contract Management Association (NCMA).
3. Ability to develop and execute complex contracting strategies with the goal to include cost reductions and increased efficiencies pertaining to administration and operations efforts.
4. Experience with research contracts and contract administration.
5. Experience with contracting including State of Connecticut, federal and local laws and regulations as well as an understanding of Uniform Guidance regulations.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a full-time, 12 month position located at the Storrs campus. The University offers a competitive salary, outstanding benefits, including employee and dependent tuition child waivers at UConn, and a highly desirable work environment. Salary will be commensurate with successful candidate's background and experience.

TO APPLY

Please submit a letter of application, resume, and contact information for three (3) professional references, including one from your current place of employment, via UConn Jobs at www.jobs.uconn.edu , Staff Positions. Please reference Job ID 2019068. For a complete job description and additional details, please visit: http://procurement.uconn.edu . Screening will begin immediately.

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check. (Search # 2019068)

This job posting is open until filled.

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp .

The University of Connecticut is committed to building and supporting a multicultural and diverse community of students, faculty and staff. The diversity of students, faculty and staff continues to increase, as does the number of honors students, valedictorians and salutatorians who consistently make UConn their top choice. More than 100 research centers and institutes serve the University's teaching, research, diversity, and outreach missions, leading to UConn's ranking as one of the nation's top research universities. UConn's faculty and staff are the critical link to fostering and expanding our vibrant, multicultural and diverse University community. As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer, UConn encourages applications from women, veterans, people with disabilities and members of traditionally underrepresented populations


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