SRCS Contract Specialist III
About the role
The Sponsored Research Contracting Services (SRCS) department plays a critical role in supporting research, innovation, and scientific advancement at SDSU. The SRCS team reviews, negotiates, and accepts sponsored research agreements from federal agencies, state organizations, foundations, nonprofit entities, universities, and industry partners. The team also develops and negotiates outgoing subawards that support collaborative research initiatives across the globe. This role is ideal for a professional who combines strong analytical skills with sound judgment, negotiation expertise, and a passion for supporting higher education research.
Responsibilities
- Serve as the primary contracting liaison between project directors, principal investigators, and external funding sponsors.
- Negotiate sponsored research agreements, grants, contracts, and other related funding instruments.
- Analyze and negotiate contract terms to ensure compliance with university policies, sponsor requirements, and applicable federal, state, and international regulations.
- Develop creative solutions to complex contractual and compliance challenges while effectively managing institutional risk.
- Collaborate with subject matter experts, draft, and negotiate provisions related to intellectual property, publication rights, indemnification, export controls, and other research-related terms.
- Support award transitions and process improvements that enhance service delivery and operational effectiveness.
- Contribute to the development of agreements that enable transformative research, scholarship, and creative activities.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree, or combination of education and progressively responsible experience in a university, research or non-profit organization or related field.
- Contract review and contract negotiation experience are required.
- At least four years of related and progressively responsible or expansive work experience in contract review and negotiation.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with Ellucian Banner, InfoEd, Etrieve or other related electronic systems.
- Experience working with SDSU Research Foundation and SDSU policies and procedures.
- Familiarity with pre-award and post-award research administration.
Benefits
We offer comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, life and disability insurance plans, a generous employer contributed 403b retirement plan, vacation and sick leave accruals, 14 paid holidays and 1 annual personal holiday, hybrid in-office/telework arrangements, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), access to campus amenities, discounted Aztec Recreation Center gym membership and SDSU events, and wellness workshops.
Pay
The salary range for this position is $6,333.34 to $7,430.38 per month depending upon qualifications and is non-negotiable.
Schedule
This position is open until filled with an initial application review to take place on July 27, 2026.
What You Will Receive
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans.
- Life and disability insurance plans.
- A generous employer contributed 403b retirement plan.
- Vacation and sick leave accruals.
- 14 paid holidays and 1 annual personal holiday.
- Hybrid in-office/telework arrangements.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
- Access to campus amenities, including Love Library, Aztec Lanes bowling alley, SDSU transit center, and a variety of coffee shops and eateries.
- Discounted Aztec Recreation Center gym membership and SDSU events.
- Wellness workshops.
How to Apply and Tips for Making It Through Our Hiring Process
You must apply through the SDSURF Career Page. Make sure your application is complete. Including a resume and cover letter is recommended. Respond to supplemental questions thoroughly.
Additional Applicant Information
The salary range for this position is $6,333.34 to $7,430.38 per month depending upon qualifications and is non-negotiable.
Hybrid Work Philosophy
We believe that a balanced approach to work—combining the flexibility of remote work with the collaborative energy of in-person engagement—creates the most effective and fulfilling environment for our organization. Remote work empowers individuals with autonomy, focus, and work-life balance, while in-office days foster connection, creativity, and shared purpose. Having at least two days in the office is essential to maintain strong interpersonal relationships, encourage spontaneous collaboration, and reinforce our shared culture. These in-person interactions help build trust, align teams, and spark innovation in ways that are difficult to replicate remotely. By embracing a hybrid model of two days in the office and three days remote, we enable both personal productivity and collective innovation, ensuring our culture remains strong, inclusive, and adaptable.