Duke University Job Descriptions

Duke Job Postings

To see if there are current openings for any of the job descriptions listed on this web site, please search Duke Jobs.

RESEARCH AGREEMENTS ASSOCIATE , SR.

Job Title: RESEARCH AGREEMENTS ASSOCIATE , SR.
Job Code: 1270
FLSA: E
Job Level: 71
Revised Date: 07/01/2022
Job Family: JF 28

~ Printer-Friendly Version ~

Occupational Summary

Largely independently drafts, reviews, negotiates, and processes an assigned portfolio of agreements, and agreements received from internal clients and external parties, relating to the conduct of School of Medicine and Nursing research with sponsors, subcontractors, sites and others in a manner consistent with, and utilizing an in depth knowledge and understanding of, Duke University's Mission, Policies and Procedures, and approved standards including those underlying its non- profit tax status. Relies on good legal and business judgment, comprehensive knowledge of Dukes contracting and academic principles, and the oversight and experience of their supervisor when necessary. Uses systems and procedures that support the efficient development, negotiation, processing and tracking of these agreements.

Work Performed

Agreement Drafting, Negotiation, and Review

Largely independently drafts, negotiates, and reviews, research agreements and other related agreements with industry, foundation, non- profit and government sponsors, subcontractors, and others to be consistent with Duke policies and procedures, the specifics of each research project, and the interests of Duke faculty and Duke University, which such activities may include analyses and interpretation of federal regulations and foundation terms and conditions, complex intellectual property issues, and other general terms and conditions all to be completed within targeted timeframes. Where applicable, works with the sponsoring agency prior to award to ensure that terms and conditions are acceptable to Duke. Seeks the advice and oversight of their supervisor as needed.

Drafts and applies template agreements and subagreements consistent with Office policies and procedures and the nature of the work to be performed. Determines appropriate flow-downs of Dukes obligations to others including sponsors in the case of subagreements.

Consults with other offices within the Duke School of Medicine and the University for terms and conditions that require specialized input.

Promptly involves their supervisor when a contract resolution is not able to be reached in a timely manner.

Largely independently understands and applies alternative solutions to contractual issues that arise in the context of negotiations and attempts to reconcile the often-conflicting perspectives of academia and industry within established guidelines and in a manner that complements and supports Dukes overall academic mission.

Maintains good collaborator relationships while conveying Dukes position.

Depending on the unit where the position reports, may require: an understanding of federal policies, including NIH Grants Policy, and how they apply to agreements; understanding federal financial requirements and how they apply to agreements, including review of budgets and Uniform Guidance.

Coordinates the processing of agreements with other Duke central offices as needed to ensure that the project has all approvals and compliance requirements in place prior to execution.

Provides advice to applicable trial teams and Principal Investigators regarding contractual requirements, liabilities, and risks.

Provides support and document review for other offices as requested and approved by the head of this Office. This may include reviewing specific terms and conditions as an aid to other offices, drafting of study template site agreements; review of site negotiations and changes; and attendance and leadership of periodic project review teleconferences.

Processing and Administrative Responsibilities

Maintains up-to-date records of all agreement negotiations through timely and accurate entries in the electronic database system.

Participates in contract management meetings contributing to the continuous improvement of the Office , its policies, processes and operations.

Provides input to Office quality control procedures to effect the timely execution of all assigned agreements in accordance with organizational and departmental policies.

May prepare finalized agreements to go to accounting office for further process in timely manner.

Performs other related duties incidental to the work described herein.

Required Qualifications at this Level

Education/Training

Bachelor degree required.

Experience

Minimum of five years of relevant experience related to legal and contracting or research in an academic, pharmaceutical, or contract research setting. A J.D., or M.S., or Ph.D. in a scientific field is strongly preferred. An advanced degree (J.D., M.S., Ph.D.) may substitute for two (2) years of experience at the Offices discretion.

Skills

Technical or legal writing proficiency.

Manage multiple tasks under tight deadlines.

Detail-oriented with high degree of computer literacy and competency in the use of database, word processing and spreadsheet programs.

Demonstrated substantial ability to establish and maintain professional interpersonal relationships and to effectively execute both written and verbal communications.

In the event this position operates within the Government and Foundation Collaboration Unit, substantial federal grants and contracts training will be required on an ongoing basis as determined by the Office.

Depending on the requirements of the Office unit within which this position operates, the following may be preferred.

Knowledge of federal contracting and grant regulations and policies and requirements including financial research compliance.

Firm understanding of intellectual property rights as gained through implementation of research-related agreements, technology transfer- related agreements and patent analysis and protection activities; or Direct scientific involvement in laboratory research.

Attendance at internal and or external training courses and contracting management courses may be required.


The intent of this job description is to provide a representative and level of the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the total of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.


Duke University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.


Essential Physical Job Functions

Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.