Organization's Summary Statement:
The Applied Research Laboratory for Intelligence & Security (ARLIS) at the University of Maryland is a University-Affiliated Research Center (UARC) dedicated to advancing research, innovation, and technology transition to improve decision making for U.S. national security. ARLIS combines deep scientific expertise with operational insight to address challenges in intelligence analysis, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence / machine learning, quantum science, and human-machine teaming. Researchers, scientists, engineers, and analysts at ARLIS collaborate with government agencies, industry partners, and academic institutions to deliver actionable insights and transformative solutions through research and development. Employees at ARLIS work on projects of critical importance, contribute directly to the nation’s security, and are supported by a culture that values integrity, collaboration, and professional growth.
The Senior Contracts Manager and Buyer serves as the lead procurement professional for the Applied Research Laboratory for Intelligence and Security (ARLIS), and is responsible for leading all procurement activity for the laboratory, from acquisition planning and solicitation through award, administration, and closeout. It supports a portfolio that includes Department of Defense-sponsored, classified, and other sponsor-sensitive research programs and requires the ability to operate effectively in complex, highly regulated, and security-conscious research environments. The position reports to the ARLIS Director of Operations, maintains a dotted-line reporting relationship to the University of Maryland Chief Procurement Officer, exercises delegated procurement signature authority on behalf of the University, and serves as the primary liaison between ARLIS and Procurement & Business Services.
Incumbent is responsible for planning, soliciting, negotiating, awarding, administering, and closing out a broad range of procurements and provides acquisition strategy and procurement guidance to Principal Investigators and laboratory leadership, administers contracts and purchase orders, and ensures procurement activities are executed efficiently and in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, sponsor requirements, and University policies. The position also develops and maintains procurement procedures, internal controls, and audit-ready documentation; manages procurement activity within University systems; supports audits and reporting requirements; and collaborates with stakeholders across ARLIS, Procurement & Business Services, Research Administration, Export Control, Security, and the Office of General Counsel to support complex acquisition requirements.
The position ensures that all procurement actions comply with applicable federal regulations, including the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), and Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200), as well as State of Maryland procurement law, University System of Maryland Procurement Policies and Procedures, and University of Maryland procurement policies, while delivering responsive, mission-aligned acquisition support to research programs.
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
License/Certifications: N/A
Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
Experience: Four (4) years of experience managing federally funded sponsored research projects or research administration.
Other: Additional work experience as defined above may be substituted on a year for year basis for up to four (4) years of the required education.
Other: Must be able to obtain a U.S. security clearance. If selected, you must meet the requirements for access to classified information and will be subject to a government security clearance investigation that includes criminal and credit history checks, as well as verification of U.S. citizenship, birth, education, employment, and military history.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES:
Knowledge of project management methodologies and best practices as applied to sponsored research projects.
Knowledge of OMB Uniform Guidance, Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), and institutional policy requirements.
Skill in developing and managing project schedules, budgets, and resource plans.
Skill in analyzing financial data and project performance metrics using Microsoft Excel and reporting tools.
Ability to identify, assess, and mitigate project risks and compliance issues.
Ability to communicate effectively with PIs, sponsors, and leadership, including preparation of project reports and briefings.
Ability to manage multiple complex projects with limited supervision in a fast-paced, regulated environment.
Best Consideration Date: 10/16/26
Not Applicable to This Position
Yes
For more information on Financial Disclosure, please visit Maryland's State Ethics Commission website.
VPR-Applied Research Lab for Intelligence & Security
Staff Regular
$132,920 - $159,504
For more information on Regular Exempt benefits, select this link.
Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify anyone from employment. Before any adverse decision, the finalist will have an opportunity to provide information to the University regarding disclosable background check information. The University reserves the right to rescind the offer of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when the background check is completed.
The successful candidate must complete employment eligibility verification (on Form I-9) by presenting documents that establish identity and work authorization within the timeframe required by federal immigration law, and where applicable, to demonstrate renewed employment authorization. Failure to complete employment eligibility verification or reverification within the timeframe set forth by law may result in suspension or termination of employment.
The University of Maryland, College Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment. Please read the University’s Equal Employment Opportunity Statement of Policy.
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