Research Related Agreements; RRA Officer

Research Related Agreements (RRA) Officer

We'll be on winter break December 22, 2025, through January 2, 2026. Please feel free to apply during this time. We'll begin reviewing applications January 5, 2026. Thank you for your interest in Stanford.

Job Summary

• DATE POSTED 3 days ago
• Schedule Full-time
• Job Code 4573
• Employee Status Regular
• Grade I
• Requisition

Stanford University is one of Silicon Valley's largest employers - and one of the most unique. Our mission is to educate future leaders and promote interdisciplinary, world-class research and teaching. This passion makes Stanford an intensely creative, rewarding, and challenging place to work. At Stanford University, not only are you part of an exceptional team that values innovation and education, but you also become part of a culture that brings out the best in you.

Stanford is committed to fostering a workplace culture that promotes diversity, collaboration and professional growth. Our culture offers career development programs, competitive pay that reflects market trends and benefits that increase financial stability and promote healthy, fulfilling lives.

Research—the creation of new knowledge—is key to Stanford’s educational mission. Stanford research has led to breakthrough remedies, devices, tools, and concepts, and hundreds of initiatives solely for the betterment of humanity. Among the inventions and discoveries that have resulted from Stanford research are MRI technology, DNA cloning, the Pill, heart transplantation, and digital music.

Stanford is investing unprecedented resources in the Office of Research Administration (ORA) due to a growth in the research enterprise that continues to surpass 12% yearly. This position is one of many new staff positions that have been created to enhance our ability to provide high-quality, personalized services and expertise to support our faculty and campus community. ORA submits over 5,000 new proposals, reviews and negotiates over 7,000 agreements, and manages more than 7,500 active sponsored projects annually with a total research budget approaching $2.2 billion.

This position is eligible for hybrid or domestic (US) remote work.

A remote worker arrangement may be considered for candidates with the appropriate background and experience, depending on the business needs of each unit. Remote workers’ schedules are based in the Pacific Time zone.

JOB PURPOSE

Our team is growing! Stanford’s Office of Research Administration (ORA) is expanding our team of Contract Officers focused on specialized research-related agreements. The Contract Officer will primarily focus on the review, negotiation, and oversight of non-standard research-related contracts related to the University’s core mission of education and research but falls outside of traditional sponsored projects and gifts. The Contract Officers within ORA have delegated signing authority on behalf of the University to review and negotiate a full array of agreements and enable Stanford research by negotiating mutually beneficial agreements with external collaborators that preserve academic freedom and scientific integrity.

ORA is looking for Contract Officers who approach learning and problem solving with enthusiasm, who are organized and focused to manage a significant workload, who adapt easily to changing situations and view new opportunities as creative challenges.

CORE DUTIES*

Achieve and maintain delegated signature authority on behalf of Stanford University.

Conduct comprehensive analysis and negotiation of complex non-sponsored, research-related agreements.

Identify and coordinate escalation of contractual and policy issues to appropriate university stakeholders (e.g., Risk Management, Office of General Counsel) as needed, and provide follow through until issues are resolved.

Review and revise standard agreements to reflect changes in university policies, applicable regulations and laws.

Deliver excellent client services to Stanford faculty and research administration community, including interpretation and explanation of contractual requirements and problem solving throughout the life of the project.

Partner with others to serve as a resource to educate…