Principal Contracts Officer

About the role

The Principal Contracts Officer position within the Strategic Partnerships Office (SPO) at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) is responsible for creating and enabling contractual vehicles for research collaborations between LBNL’s scientists and engineers and external sponsors.

Responsibilities

• Function as the SPO main point-of-contact for a designated scientific research area as part of a multifunctional team.
• Advise and consult on contractual issues with Principal Investigators and Finance Officers, negotiate required changes with external sponsoring agencies and collaborators, and devise contractual solutions.
• Prepare and enter documentation to track proposals and establish awards in the Lab’s grants administration system.
• Analyze contract terms and conditions to successfully negotiate research funding agreements with public and private sector sponsors.
• Independently execute and authorize financial accounts after receiving all necessary approvals from the Department of Energy and Berkeley Lab.
• Obtain Department of Energy approval on exceptions of terms and conditions as required.
• Respond to general questions about policies, procedures, and status of work.
• Provide backup support to other Contracts Officers when needed.
• Represent the Strategic Partnerships Office on internal or external committees as needed.
• Responsible for the timely review, negotiation, and execution of complex, high volume sponsored research grants and awards, including duties related to SPPs, CRADAs, ACT and User Facility Agreements.
• Apply advanced knowledge, principles, and theories to develop innovative solutions that satisfy the Sponsor while maintaining compliance with UC and DOE policy and regulations pertaining to research agreements.
• Comprehend and interpret complex language, compliance, and policy issues within the parameters of DOE and UCOP policy and regulation.
• Mentorship of junior staff and newly hired Contracts Officers.
• Assists in the development of and successfully delivers training to Laboratory staff on SPO policies and procedures.
• Involves in developing, modifying, and executing Lab policies that affect immediate operations and have a lab-wide effect.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of 6 years related work experience in a multidivisional organization.
• Substantial experience in the preparation, negotiation, and administration of complex sponsored research contracts, including developing innovative contracting solutions to engage new research sponsors.
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills, with demonstrated ability to coordinate effectively with sponsors, researchers, and administrative staff in a university-based environment.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively with a variety of stakeholders in a team environment.
• Demonstrated ability to work with the multiple demands of Laboratory staff, DOE and sponsors under constant internal and external deadline pressures.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize and conduct business using complex documents and database, word-processing and spreadsheet programs.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to anticipate, plan for, and resolve unexpected issues in a fast-paced, high-profile environment.

Desired skills/knowledge

• Experience working for a large research institution.
• Advanced degree in business or law.
• Knowledge of University of California policies related to research administration.
• Knowledge of enterprise resource planning software.
• Familiarity with DOE Orders pertaining to Strategic Partnership Projects and CRADAs, and FAR and DEAR clauses.