Mandate

The Research Agreements Specialist (RAS) plays a critical role in facilitating the timely and efficient review and negotiation of legal agreements necessary to enable research at the University of Victoria. The RAS ensures that research agreements (funded and non-funded) are accurately drafted, reviewed, negotiated, approved, and signed in accordance with UVic policies and procedures. Sitting within the Contracts Unit of the Innovation and Partnerships Office under the portfolio of the Office of the Vice President Research and Innovation (OVPRI) and reporting to the Manager, Research Agreements, the RAS is responsible for the review and negotiation of external research funding agreements and agreements related to the successful implementation of University research activities and the use of intellectual property created at or by the University.

Objectives

Ensure the accurate drafting, preparation, interpretation, review, and negotiation of contracts related to or necessary for research. Administer and implement the University’s policies and guidelines relating to research and intellectual property. Operate as the University’s subject matter expert on research-related agreements. Provide expert guidance and support to faculty members, institutional signers, and internal stakeholders on best practices related to research agreements. Liaise and communicate with contracting agencies and funding partners to obtain the terms and conditions required to meet University policy, guidelines, and procedures.

This position requires a level of training, education, and experience equivalent to a paralegal certificate, a Juris Doctor, or an undergraduate in law, business, or a related field plus a minimum of 3 years experience in contracts review and drafting. An equivalent combination of training, education and/or experience may be considered.

Knowledges, Skills, And Abilities Include

Demonstrated experience in contract drafting, editing, and negotiation. Knowledge of the legal framework of a contract, including familiarity with legal terms and concepts applicable to research contracting. Experience with tracking contract workflow, including drafting, reviews, approvals, and revisions. Experience with international agreements and parties. Ability to assess types of intellectual property rights and risks associated with ownership and use arrangements. Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, prioritizing and making decisions within shifting deadlines. Proactive judgement and initiative to manage day-to-day workloads, including prioritization to effectively manage shifting priorities while meeting frequent non-negotiable and conflicting deadlines. Ability to convey information concisely with clarity, accuracy, and nuance in both verbal and written communication. Demonstrated ability to build and maintain productive working relationships with internal stakeholders and external negotiators. Excellent analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills with the ability to develop solutions and implement effective strategies. Exceptional organizational skills with rigorous attention to detail. Experience in maintaining confidential and sensitive information. Ability to work efficiently and effectively both independently and as a member of a team. Cultural awareness when communicating with internal and external individuals. Strong leadership, facilitation, and client service skills. Proficiency with computer applications (MS Office Suite, Adobe Creative Suite, and UVic systems such as RAIS,etc.) Superior database management skills.

Assets

Experience with higher education and/or a complex organization (public or private). Knowledge of university policies covering critical areas for contracts such as Intellectual Property, Liability, Insurance, etc. Familiarity with Docusign or other document management software. Experience working in research administration. Successful completion of negotiation courses and/or certificates.