Intellectual Property and Contracts Administrator- AZ/IL- Office of Research and Sponsored Programs

About the role

Midwestern University (MWU) handles a wide variety of research-related agreements and manages a growing intellectual property (IP) portfolio. The IP & Contracts Administrator will provide paralegal and administrative support, with contract review and revision serving as a core and ongoing function of the role across both our Arizona and Illinois campuses.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Senior IP and Contracts Administrator with contract-related administrative tasks.
• Assist in the review, editing, and tracking of research-related contracts, grants, and technology transfer contracts with private industry, academic and non-profit institutions, and state, local, and federal entities while keeping MWU's best interests in mind.
• Support the negotiation of template Confidentiality Agreements, Data Use Agreements, Material Transfer Agreements, Assignment Agreements, grant agreements, subawards, and service contract agreements for capital research equipment; support the department in the review and negotiation of other types of agreements, as needed.
• Communicate with faculty needing a contract and other stakeholders in order to ensure: the agreement meets faculty needs, aligns with MWU policy, and the research and details of the arrangement are accurate.
• Identify contractual risks, challenging terms and provisions, MWU obligations, statutory and regulatory compliance requirements, and when to present concerns to ORSP supervisors.
• Explain contract language, terms, conditions, and requirements to faculty, as needed, so that the researchers understand their obligations, particularly special or unique responsibilities, MWU risks, and why MWU is accepting or not accepting certain provisions.
• Perform other related assignments, as requested by the Associate Director of Research & Sponsored Programs, the Assistant VP of Research, or the Senior IP and Contracts Administrator.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field is required.
• Paralegal degree and/or paralegal certification from an American Bar Association approved program is desired and/or must have at least 1–3 years of experience in a legal office or supporting contracts, legal, or research administration functions within a university or healthcare setting, including general contract negotiation and contract administration.
• Must be able to work in a constant state of alertness and safe manner and have regular, predictable in-person attendance.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Skills

• Proficiently collaborate with all members of the MWU community, including outside IP attorneys.
• Display professionalism, genuine service and a "can do" attitude with all internal and external clients.
• Exacting attention to detail, high quality work standards and the ability to prioritize.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Able to handle multiple priorities and meet multiple deadlines.
• Skill in the English language and grammar.
• Skill in both verbal and written communication.
• An understanding of the commercialization process.
• Demonstrated experience with or capability to process complex material, including contract terms, IP law, and data and privacy laws.
• Computer proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.) and Adobe Acrobat.