Senior Contract Reviewer

Lead the review, drafting, and negotiation of high-complexity research agreements, including master agreements, collaboration agreements, clinical trial agreements, and multi-party subcontracts. Serve as the lead contract reviewer for the Red Team supporting Massey Cancer Center, independently resolve complex contractual issues, identifying unacceptable or high-risk terms, and proposing appropriate alternative language.

Ensure all agreements align with university policies, applicable federal and state laws, and sponsor requirements. High-risk contractual issues are appropriately identified, escalated when necessary, and resolved through the consistent application of sound professional judgment and best practices. Contracting activities support timely study activation, research continuity, and strong sponsor relationships while mitigating institutional risk.

Review and oversee internal documentation, budget submissions, and contract exhibits to ensure consistency with sponsor requirements and University policies, including F&A rates, conflict of interest (COI), human subjects’ protections, and AAHRPP standards. Interpret and apply federal, state, and local regulatory frameworks governing externally supported clinical research and clinical trials. Serve as a subject matter expert on regulatory requirements, sponsor guidelines, and institutional policies, providing guidance to faculty and research staff regarding compliance and contractual obligations. Ensure agreements meet institutional legal, financial, and ethical standards prior to execution and are accurately documented in university systems. Review departmental and School of Medicine Budget Office and Massey Cancer Center submissions for new awards and supplements to confirm accuracy, policy alignment, and consistency with approved proposals and contracts.

Provide expert guidance to faculty, sponsors, and internal stakeholders regarding contract terms, regulatory requirements, and institutional policies. Serve as a primary institutional contracting liaison for high-priority units and participate in study activation and planning discussions to resolve complex contracting issues.

Collaborate with internal partners, including VCU Innovation Gateway, the Office of Research Integrity and Ethics, the Office of Research Subjects Protection, Export Control, and VCUHS stakeholders, as applicable, to ensure coordinated, efficient, and compliant research activation. Represent the Division of Sponsored Programs in discussions with external sponsors, contract research organizations, and partner institutions as applicable.

Provide technical guidance, mentorship, and quality assurance support to junior contract reviewers and research administration staff. Review work products to ensure consistency with institutional standards, contract checklists, and best practices.

Identify training needs related to industry-supported research and clinical trial contracting. Support training programs, workshops, and guidance materials for faculty, staff, and research administrators to strengthen institutional contracting capacity and promote continuous learning.

Proven ability to analyze, interpret, and apply regulatory and contractual requirements, including University policies, sponsor requirements, and applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills with demonstrated attention to detail.

Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to provide high quality customer service to a diverse population.

Ability to manage multiple complex tasks in a fast-paced environment and exercise sound judgment with minimal supervision.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in a related field or an equivalent combination of education and extensive experience.

Experience: 3–5 years of progressive professional experience in research administration, specifically focused on the drafting and negotiation of complex contracts.

Technical Proficiency: Systems Knowledge: Advanced experience with the Research Administration Management System (RAMS-SPOT) or a comparable sponsored program electronic database.

Core Competencies: Exceptional organizational, analytical, and creative problem-solving skills with a proven ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.