Research Contracts Officer - Limited Term

Research Contracts Officer - Limited Term

Tracking Code: req1729

Faculty/Department: Office of VP, Research and Innovation

Number of Positions: 1

Appointment Type: Limited Term

Hours of Work: hours per week

Salary Range: Level 10 - Starting Salary, Step 1 $100,642

Posting Date: August 28, 2025

Closing Date: September 5, 2025 (7:00 pm EST)

Job Summary: The Office of Research Services (ORS) is a central unit within Ontario Tech University that is committed to flexibility, open-mindedness, and a team approach in order to accomplish the goal of supporting an innovative, interconnected, technologically-enabled, efficient and effective research enterprise at the University.

ORS currently administers more than $26M annually in research funding from external sources and works with the University community and external stakeholders to advance research opportunities and to maximize research funding.

Reporting to Legal Counsel, Research, this position provides a broad range of support to facilitate research through all stages of contract management, adherence to policies and risk thresholds and facilitating compliance through education and process development. This position will work collaboratively with the ORS team, researchers in various faculties and external partners.

Responsibilities/Accountabilities:

• Drafting and reviewing a variety of agreements for University’s research activities to ensure conformance with current University policies and risk thresholds and commonly accepted research standards
• Providing functional advice on agreement terms focusing on potential liability exposure and intellectual property rights in order to ensure the protection of the University and its personnel
• Negotiating with various private and/or public bodies within the framework of established procedures, engaging in ongoing communication with all stakeholders and problem solving conflicts that arise during contract negotiations
• Meeting with internal stakeholders to address contractual issues and provide information on rights and responsibilities
• In the spirit of collaboration, establishing excellent relationships with internal departments within the University and providing expert assistance regarding research agreement lifecycle management
• Updating and maintaining the contract management systems, for the initiation and monitoring of all research agreements
• Performing closeout processes of fully executed agreements, as needed
• Assisting with other office activities as required

Education:

• Completion of a 4 year Bachelor’s degree
• Masters level degree preferred; Certificate in law, health administration or business an asset
• A combination of education and experience may be considered for this role

• Verification of Academic credentials may be required

Required Skills:

• Solid understanding of research in an academic environment
• Intermediate knowledge of intellectual property law and contract law
• Excellent organizational and time management skills in order to prioritize the volume of agreements and adapt to changing business needs
• Strong communications (written and verbal) skills and the ability to exercise tact and diplomacy with partners and University administration and other personnel
• Ability to develop and deliver educational materials, workshops and seminars
• High level of accuracy and analytical skills
• Ability to display a high degree of discretion in dealing with confidential information
• Ability to work in a team environment where constructive feedback to/from colleagues is encouraged
• Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint)
• Experience in solving legal questions using research and problem-solving skills
• Ability to be pro-active and take the lead role in negotiations with external parties

Required Experience:

• Minimum 5-7 years' related experience, in a research administration or related environment
• Experience reviewing and editing legal agreements, preferably in a research environment

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should submit in electronic format a covering letter and their resume. Applications will be accepted until September 5, 2025 or until a suitable candidate is found. We appreciate all applications received; however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

This position falls within the bargaining unit represented by the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) and will be subject to the terms and conditions of the collective agreement between the university and the OPSEU. To the extent that policies are not included in the collective agreement, employment will also be governed by the university’s policies which may also be found on our website https://ontariotechu.ca and which may be amended from time-to-time.

Ontario Tech University is actively committed to equity, diversity, inclusion, indigenization and decolonization (EDIID), and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates, while especially encouraging applications from First Nations, Metis, Inuit peoples, Indigenous peoples of North America, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, and those who identify as women and/or 2SLGBTQ+. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens, permanent residents, Indigenous Peoples in Canada, and those eligible to work in Canada, will be given priority.

Ontario Tech University respects people's different needs and therefore will take all reasonable steps to ensure accommodation for applicants where appropriate. The University is also committed to ensuring that confidentiality is maintained throughout all aspects of the recruitment cycle.

If you require accommodation, please contact Julie Day, Health and Disability Management Specialist. For more information about the universities policies for accommodating employees with disabilities please review the university’s Accessibility Policy

The university acknowledges the lands and people of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation which is covered under the Williams Treaties. We are situated on the Traditional Territory of the Mississaugas, a branch of the greater Anishinaabeg Nation which includes Algonquin, Ojibway, Odawa and Pottawatomi.

Job Location: Oshawa, Ontario, Canada

Expected Start Date: 9/15/2025

Expected End Date: 12/15/2026