Job DescriptionThe Research Contracts Program Manager (RCPM) is an exciting opportunity for an experienced research contracts professional to manage a diverse portfolio of complex research agreements across federal, industry, foundation, and nonprofit sponsors. Working within Notre Dame Research Administration & Compliance (NDRAC), you'll partner with world-class faculty to advance innovative research while protecting the University's interests and supporting its research mission. We are hiring across multiple experience levels and encourage applications from professionals with a broad range of research contracting experience. Successful candidates are collaborative, service-oriented professionals who enjoy solving complex problems, building relationships, and helping researchers.
As a Research Contracts Program Manager, you will:
- Draft, review, negotiate, and execute a wide variety of sponsored research agreements, including federal contracts and grants, industry-sponsored research agreements, subawards, non-financial research agreements, and other research-related contracts.
- Establish and manage subawards, amendments, and modifications throughout the award lifecycle.
- Partner with faculty, sponsors, and campus stakeholders to facilitate research while managing contractual and compliance risks.
- Contribute to a collaborative team committed to providing outstanding service to the research community.
- Identify contractual risks and develop practical, collaborative solutions.
- Contribute to continuous improvement of research administration processes and services.
- Maintain information and documentation in our electronic research administration systems
Qualifications- Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- 3+ years Experience in research administration, contract administration, sponsored programs, legal contract negotiation, or a related field.
- Demonstrated experience reviewing, negotiating, and managing sponsored research agreements.
- Strong communication, negotiation, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to build collaborative relationships with faculty, sponsors, and campus partners while managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Knowledge of sponsored research regulations, sponsor requirements, and research administration principles.
Preferred Qualifications (for senior level candidates)
- Bachelor's degree and 5-6 years experience in research contracting.
- Significant experience managing a diverse portfolio of sponsored research agreements across federal, industry, foundation, and nonprofit sponsors.
- Demonstrated success independently negotiating highly complex or high-risk research agreements and developing creative solutions to contractual challenges.
- Advanced knowledge of research contracting principles, including intellectual property, publication rights, confidentiality, export control, Uniform Guidance, and other applicable federal regulations.
- Demonstrated ability to independently manage high-risk or highly complex negotiations and provide strategic guidance on contractual issues.
- Experience mentoring colleagues, leading projects or initiatives, and contributing to process or policy improvements
Additional InformationTo be considered for this opportunity, please submit a cover letter describing your interest and relevant experience, along with your resume.
Salary up to $105,000, commensurate with experience
Applications due by July 15, 2026
