OverviewThe salary range for this position is $6,333.34 to $7,430.38 per month depending upon qualifications and is non-negotiable.
This position is open until filled with an initial application review to take place on July 27, 2026.
WHAT OUR DEPARTMENT DOES
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. Our work helps researchers navigate complex contracting requirements while safeguarding institutional interests and ensuring compliance with applicable regulations and policies.
Responsibilities
YOUR ROLE IN CREATING THE UNIVERSITY’S PRESENT AND FUTURE
Are you a strategic negotiator who enjoys solving complex problems and building collaborative relationships? As a Contract Specialist III, you will serve as a trusted advisor and lead negotiator for sponsored research agreements that support groundbreaking research and innovation. You will partner with faculty, administrators, sponsors, and institutional stakeholders to transform funding opportunities into fully executed agreements that enable research to move forward. 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.
THE WORK YOU WILL DO AND MANAGE
In this high impact role, you will:
- 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.
Qualifications
Experience and Education
- 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
WHAT YOU WILL RECEIVE
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans
- Life and disability insurance plans
- Generous employer contributed 403b retirement plan. We match 200% on the first 5% of contributions, up to 10% maximum employer matching contribution. All contributions are 100% vested.
- 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.
WHAT OUR HIRING PROCESS IS LIKE
We work as fast as we can to make hiring decisions. However, it may take several weeks for all the parties involved to review your application. We keep in touch each step of the way and inform you of the status of your application.
ADDITIONAL APPLICANT INFORMATION:
- The salary range for this position is $6,333.34 to $7,430.38 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.
- Candidate must reside in California and live within a commutable distance from SDSU at time of hire.
- Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on background check results (including a criminal record check).
