Contract Liaison Lead, Research Office (College of Medicine - Phoenix)

Posting Number req26997

Department COM Phx Campus Administration

Department Website Link College of Medicine-Phoenix

Location Greater Phoenix Area

Address 475 N. 5th St., Phoenix, AZ 85004 USA

Position Highlights

The Contract Liaison Lead serves as the College of Medicine–Phoenix lead for research contract administration and is responsible for managing the review, coordination, tracking, and preliminary negotiation of a broad range of research-related agreements. This position acts as a key liaison between faculty, staff, sponsors, and the Office of Research and Partnerships to facilitate timely execution of contracts and ensure compliance with institutional policies and sponsor requirements.

Responsibilities include:

• Reviewing and coordinating Confidential Disclosure Agreements (CDAs), Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs), Material Transfer Agreements (MTAs), Sponsored Research Agreements, Clinical Trial Agreements, and other research-related contracts and proposals.
• Providing consultation on contract management processes, developing and delivering training on research administration topics, and promoting best practices in sponsored project administration.

The successful candidate will possess strong contract management and research administration expertise, exceptional organizational and analytical skills, and the ability to effectively manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Success in this role requires excellent interpersonal and collaborative abilities, a customer-service mindset, and the capacity to work effectively with diverse stakeholders while meeting critical and often competing deadlines. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Outstanding U of A benefits include:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance plans
• Life insurance and disability programs
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members
• Retirement plans
• Access to U of A recreation and cultural activities
• And more!

The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here.

Duties & Responsibilities

Contract Review and Negotiation

• Facilitate incoming contracts/agreements and ensure they are processed in a timely manner.
• Review, process, and assist with negotiating terms and conditions with sponsors and the Office of Research and Partnerships.
• Maintain current working knowledge of federal regulations, academic contracting practices, and sponsor policies.
• Ensure agreements comply with university policies, sponsor requirements, and applicable regulations.
• Identify and mitigate contractual risks related to intellectual property, publication rights, confidentiality, data sharing, and research compliance.
• Demonstrate expertise in negotiating federal, academic, or business contracts in a research, academic medical or technical environment.
• Demonstrate the ability to think quickly and effectively during negotiations to achieve creative resolutions to contract issues.

Process Improvement and Program Development

• Evaluate contract administration workflows and recommend improvements.
• Develop standardized procedures and templates.
• Promote operational efficiencies and consistent contract management practices.
• Support strategic initiatives that strengthen the research administration infrastructure.
• Support adherence to institutional research administration standards and best practices.

Stakeholder Coordination and Liaison

• Serve as the primary point of contact between: Faculty investigators, Research staff, Sponsors and industry partners, University research administration offices.
• Facilitate communication among stakeholders to ensure efficient contract execution.
• Provide guidance regarding institutional requirements and sponsor expectations.

Customer Service and Relationship Management

• Provide responsive and professional support to faculty, researchers, and administrative staff.
• Build collaborative relationships with internal and external partners.
• Manage competing priorities while maintaining high service standards and meeting deadlines.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Advanced knowledge of sponsored research regulations and compliance.
• Skills in financial management and analytical expertise.
• Leadership abilities in workflow/workload supervision and operational management.
• Problem-solving skills in strategic planning and risk mitigation.
• Communication abilities and relationship management skills.
• Skills in process improvement and internal control development.
• Abilities in risk assessment and regulatory interpretation knowledge.

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience required.
• Minimum of 8 years of relevant work experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• An advanced degree such as a Juris Doctor or a Master's degree in a technical field or Business Administration.
• Experience in a university sponsored projects office, academic medical center, health-related college or industry contracts office.

FLSA Exempt Full Time/Part Time Full Time

Number of Hours Worked per Week 40

Job FTE 1.0

Work Calendar Fiscal

Job Category Research

Benefits Eligible Yes - Full Benefits

Rate of Pay

$75,540 - $98,201

Compensation Type salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)

Grade 10

Compensation Guidance

The Rate of Pay Field represents the University of Arizona’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. The University considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity. The Grade Range represent a full range of career compensation growth over time. The university offers compensation growth opportunities within its career architecture. To learn more about compensation, please review our Applicant Compensation Guide and our Total Rewards Calculator.

Career Stream and Level

PC4

Job Family

Grant & Contract Admin

Job Function

Research

Type of criminal background check required:

Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)

Number of Vacancies

1

Target Hire Date

Expected End Date

Contact Information for Candidates

Office of Talent Acquisition talent@arizona.edu

Open Date

9/4/2026

Open Until Filled

Yes

Documents Needed to Apply

• Resume and Cover Letter

Special Instructions to Applicant

Application: The online application should be completed in its entirety. Blank or missed information may be considered an incomplete submission. Cover Letter: Should clearly indicate how your skills and professional employment experience meet the Minimum and the Preferred qualifications (if applicable).

Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University’s campuses. These reports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures. Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at cleryact@arizona.edu.