Description

SLAC's mission is to explore how the universe works at the biggest, smallest and fastest scales and invent powerful tools used by scientists around the globe. Our research helps solve real-world problems and advances the interests of the nation. SLAC's Office of Technology Transfer and Strategic Partnerships bridges cutting-edge research with transformative technologies and solutions; this position plays a key role in the formation of impactful partnerships with industry, academia, and government sponsors.

Position overview: 

SLAC's Office of Technology Transfer and Strategic Partnerships (TT&SP) is seeking an outstanding candidate in the function of Strategic Partnership Proposals and Agreements. Reporting to the Senior Contract Manager, the Contract and Grant Officer (CGO) is responsible for formalizing R&D partnerships between SLAC and the private sector and academia, that advance important SLAC initiatives in emerging technology areas.

To excel in this role, experience in drafting and negotiating sponsored research contractual vehicles in an R&D setting is required. You will be expected to work collaboratively with both internal and external stakeholders leveraging technical and contractual expertise to execute partnership agreements in an expedient manner. As a subject matter expert, you will be working under limited supervision in the development and negotiation of agreements, while demonstrating attention to detail, appropriate relationship management and strong communication and negotiation skills.

This is a role for an individual who thrives in a dynamic environment, has a strong learning mindset, and is passionate about the impact of the mission of a national lab.

Note: Due to the nature of the job, applicants must be U.S. citizens or green card holders to be considered

Your responsibilities include:

• Draft, review, and negotiate sponsored research related agreements across a diverse portfolio including industry, academic institutions and non-profits.
• Manage the critical interface between internal stakeholders and external partners during the negotiation and agreement execution phase.
• Proactively identify and resolve contractual or policy hurdles throughout the agreement lifecycle in a timely manner and escalate when necessary.
• Track and ensure timely completion of all required internal approvals.
• Initiate and oversee contract amendments as needed through to execution.
• Develop and track performance metrics for the strategic partnerships proposals and agreements portfolio.
• Participate in the Department of Energy communities of practice; present policies and partnership agreements best practices to SLAC and Stanford communities. 
• Share knowledge, communicate openly, and anticipate needs to support collective goals. 
• Demonstrate commitment to self-improvement and actively seek opportunities to contribute at higher levels.  

Requirements

To be successful in this position you will bring: 

• Bachelor's degree in a STEM field, and five years of relevant experience, or combination of education and relevant experience.
• Advanced understanding and/or experience in sponsored research administration, and proven track record in negotiating research-related agreements with sponsors including industry, higher education, non-profit and/or government.
• Prior experience negotiating a wide variety of agreements including NDA, MTA, data use agreements.
• Detail oriented, able to work well independently and know when to escalate or seek assistance.
• Demonstrated understanding of intellectual property, publication rights, confidentiality, data rights and export control as pertaining to sponsored research.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills to review and analyze complex information and exhibit excellent judgement and common sense.
• Ability to collaborate and effectively communicate (oral and written) across a wide audience of faculty, researchers, staff, client groups, and all levels of management.
• Demonstrated ability to make good and independent decisions based on critical and analytical thinking, experience, and judgment.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize a variety of tasks and demands.
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite and the agility to learn applicable university and departmental systems.
• Due to the nature of the job, applicants must be U.S. citizens or green card holders to be considered.

In addition, preferred requirements include:

• Advanced degree in a STEM field combined with a J.D. or advanced business degree 
• A minimum of five years in research contract negotiation role within industry, academia or non-profits.
• Experience using business systems to manage workflow and compliance with sponsored research activities.
• Application of artificial intelligence platforms for contracting and associated workflows.

SLAC Employee Competencies:

• Dependability: Can be relied upon to deliver results with a sense of personal responsibility for expected outcomes.
• Initiative: Pursues work and interactions proactively with optimism, positive energy, and motivation to move things forward.
• Adaptability: Flexes as needed when change occurs, maintain an open outlook while adjusting and accommodating changes.
• Communication: Ensures effective information flow to various audiences and creates and delivers clear, appropriate written, spoken, presented messages.
• Relationships: Builds relationships to foster trust, collaboration, and a positive climate to achieve common goals.
• Effective Decisions: Uses job knowledge and solid judgment to make quality decisions in a timely manner.
• Self-Development: Pursues a variety of venues and opportunities to continue learning and developing.

Physical requirements and Working conditions:

• Consistent with its obligations under the law, SLAC will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of his or her job. 
• Given the nature of this position, the selected candidate is expected to be in the office 3-4 days of the week. 
• May have occasional extended hours during peak business cycles. 
  
  

Work standards:

• Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with internal and external stakeholders and clients. 
• Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for environment, safety and security; communicates related concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.  Meets the applicable roles and responsibilities as described in the ESH Manual, Chapter 1, General Policy and Responsibilities: http://www-group.slac.stanford.edu/esh/eshmanual/pdfs/ESHch01.pdf      
• Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University's Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu  
• As a national laboratory, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory is responsible for adhering to the Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which require employees to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, employees must successfully complete the applicable tier of federal background investigation post hire and receive a favorable federal adjudication.  The tier of federal background investigation will be determined by job duties and national security or public trust responsibilities associated with the job. All tiers of investigation include a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last 1 to 7 years (depending on the applicable tier of investigation). Illegal drug activities include marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.