Contract Manager

• Locations 4202 East Fowler Avenue, Tampa, FL, 33620, US

The Contracts Manager is a highly collaborative position responsible for negotiation and administrative processing of complex legal agreements including: industry sponsored/collaborative research agreements, academic collaborations, clinical trial agreements, material transfer agreements, interinstitutional agreements, and outside activity consulting agreements. Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage and set priorities while accomplishing tasks in an environment with ever‑changing priorities and frequent interruptions is essential.

The position requires maintaining an active caseload of several dozen agreements under negotiation at any one time. Organizational skills are key. The Contracts Manager will interact directly and frequently with many stakeholders including USF investigators, internal and external contracting analysts, research and department administrators and General Counsel’s office.

The USF Technology Transfer Office (TTO) is responsible for the identification, evaluation, development, protection and utilization of intellectual property rights that result from USF research activities and from the activities of USF researchers in affiliated hospitals and other off‑site facilities. Clients of department include USF faculty and staff researchers and innovators, venture and technology companies desiring to license USF technologies and VC and other investors interested in investing in USF technology innovation.

The responsibilities for this position include, but are not limited to:

Reviews, evaluates and negotiates all types of research‑related agreements as well as non‑exclusive license agreements and interinstitutional agreements. With appropriate training and/or mentorship, demonstrates the ability to analyze, interpret, and comprehend legal agreements of moderate complexity and risk, recognizes the impact of potential problems and formulates subsequent resolutions with an emphasis on publication restrictions, patents, copyrights, rights in data, etc.

Manages the University's risk exposure from contracts while maintaining good working relationships with external research partners and faculty members. Assesses when to consult with the Director, General counsel, senior administration, or others as required. Keep database and other records up to date to ensure that there is a full record of agreement negotiations.

Develops SOP's, identifies process gaps, and engages in proactive problem‑solving aimed at supporting efficient execution of a heavy workload with excellent customer service. Ensures that contracts comply with all internal and external policy and legal requirements, including university policies, Bayh–Dole and other federal requirements, export control, conflict of interest rules, and sponsor guidelines.

Educates, or supports activities that educate faculty, research administration and other personnel within the USF community about Technology Transfer activities and processes. Serve as a point of contact for investigators, department administrators, and industry partners on contract terms and processes, providing guidance and training when needed.

Help develop and refine standard agreement templates and negotiation playbooks to streamline transactions.

Assists with generation of departmental metrics and reports as requested. Interfaces with other academic and industry partners and collaborators to support the USF mission.

Performs other duties as assigned.

This position requires a Bachelor's degree in a STEM related field and four years of experience in contract negotiation or technology transfer, business development, technology analysis, commercialization, or research administration. In addition to a Bachelor's degree in a related field, a Master's degree in a STEM field or an MBA may be substituted for two years of the required experience. A Ph.D. or J.D. may substitute for the experience.

Work experience may not be substituted for the Bachelor's degree requirement for this position.

Degree Equivalency Clause:
Four years of direct experience for a bachelor’s…