Contract Administrator - (26005627)
The University of Iowa, Division of Sponsored Programs (DSP) Sponsored Research Specialist/Contract Administrator will review, draft, and negotiate a broad range of research-related agreements, including sponsored funding agreements with federal and non-federal sponsors, outgoing subawards and subcontracts, and non-monetary agreements such as confidentiality agreements, data use and transfer agreements, and material transfer agreements.
The position will review and analyze agreement terms and conditions, identify legal, regulatory, financial, and operational considerations, and work collaboratively with University stakeholders and external sponsors and collaborators to resolve contractual issues and facilitate the University's research and scholarly activities.
The position provides administrative and compliance support by interpreting and applying University and State policies, sponsor requirements, and applicable federal rules and regulations. The Sponsored Research Specialist/Contract Administrator advises faculty, staff, and administrators on sponsored research and contract matters; coordinates with other University offices when specialized review or approval is required; and represents the University in negotiations and other interactions with external sponsors and collaborators.
This position is well suited for an individual with experience or interest in contract negotiation, legal or regulatory analysis, research administration, or other complex transactional work.
Success in this role requires the ability to manage a high volume of complex, deadline-driven work while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail. The position requires sound judgment and critical thinking, strong organizational and communication skills, and the ability to independently assess and resolve issues while recognizing when additional consultation or specialized review is needed. The individual must work effectively both independently and collaboratively, build productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders, and provide responsive, service-oriented support in a changing environment.
Work Modality: On-site, hybrid or remote.
To learn more about the department visit https://dsp.research.uiowa.edu/
For a full job description, please send an e-mail to the contact listed below.
Pay Grade: 4A
A bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
Required Qualifications:· Considerable, typically 1–3 years, experience in pre-award research administration, contract administration or negotiation, legal or regulatory analysis, sponsored programs, or other closely related work.· Experience reviewing, drafting, or negotiating contracts.· Experience reviewing and interpreting contractual terms, policies, regulations, sponsor or customer requirements, or other complex requirements and applying them to specific agreements or transactions.· Experience managing multiple agreements, transactions, proposals, projects, or other deadline-driven matters concurrently.· Experience working with internal stakeholders and external parties to resolve issues, obtain required information or approvals, and facilitate completion of agreements or other transactions.Desirable Qualifications:· Juris Doctor (JD) or other advanced degree relevant to contract negotiation, research administration, compliance, or sponsored programs.· Certified Research Administrator (CRA) or other relevant professional certification.· Experience drafting and negotiating one or more of the following:o Federal FAR-based contracts or subcontracts.o Research-related contracts with non-federal sponsors including industry, state or local governments, other private or non-profit organizations.o Subawards under federal grants or non-federal funding.o Sponsored research agreements.o Fee for service agreements.o Corporate funded clinical trial agreements.o Confidentiality/Non-disclosure agreements.o Data transfer and use agreements.o Material transfer agreements.· Experience in government, industry, healthcare, higher education, or nonprofit contracting.· Experience interpreting and applying federal regulations, sponsor requirements, or institutional policies applicable to sponsored research, contracts or subawards.· Experience identifying and resolving contractual, compliance, financial, legal, regulatory, or operational issues associated with agreements or other complex transactions.Position and Application Details and Instructions:
In order to be considered for an interview, applicants must upload the following required documents and mark them as a “Relevant File” to the submission:· Cover Letter· ResumeJob openings are posted for a minimum of 14 calendar days and may be removed from posting and filled any time after the original posting period has ended.
Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification. Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process.
For additional questions, please contact: VPR Talent (vpr-talent@uiowa.edu)
This position is eligible for hybrid or remote work and will require a work arrangement form to be completed upon the start of your employment. Per policy, work arrangements will be reviewed annually, and must comply with the remote work program and related policies and employee travel policy when working at a remote location.
This position is not eligible for University sponsorship for employment authorization.
Joining the University of Iowa means becoming a vital part of the Hawkeye community, where your work directly impacts education, research, and student success.
Enjoy exceptional health coverage, university-paid life insurance, robust retirement plans, and generous leave policies. Benefit from 24/7 support services, well-being resources, and access to UI Health Care specialists. Grow professionally with advanced training, leadership development, and tuition assistance.
Iowa City offers a great quality of life with world-class performances at Hancher Auditorium, Big Ten athletics, top-ranked public schools, and outdoor recreation.
Join us in making a difference at a leading Big Ten university and premier public research institution.
: Iowa City
: Research
: Research/Hygienics Lab
: Regular
Full-time
: Oct 13, 2026, 8:01:12 PM
WE CARE Core Values
Welcoming: We strive for an environment where every voice is heard, emphasize, regular communication, and seek transparency wherever possible.
Excellence: We strive to achieve excellence in all that we do.
Collaboration: We believe teamwork is the best way to work.
Accountability: We behave ethically, act openly and with integrity in all that we do, taking responsibility for our actions.
Respect: We honor diversity and recognize the worth and dignity of every person.
Equity: We dedicate ourselves to equity and fairness.
Mission
Changing Medicine. Changing Lives.®
University of Iowa Health Care is changing medicine through:
• Pioneering discovery
• Innovative interprofessional education
• Delivery of superb clinical care
• An extraordinary patient experience in a multi-disciplinary, collaborative, team-based environment
University of Iowa Health Care is changing lives by:
• Preventing and curing disease
• Improving health and well-being
Vision
World Class People: Building on our greatest strength.
World Class Medicine: Creating a new standard of excellence in integrated patient care, research, and education.
For Iowa and the World: Making a difference in quality of life and health for generations.
Recognitions/ Awards
In its 2020 rankings of “Best Employer for Diversity," Forbes ranked UI Health Care No. 47 overall among large employers nationwide and No. 10 in its Healthcare & Social category.
