Manager, Research Contracts

Role Overview

Manager, Research Contracts at Khalifa University. The role oversees negotiation, review, and administration of research-related contracts to facilitate collaborations between the university, funding agencies, and industry partners.

Role Purpose

Ensure legal compliance, mitigate risks, and support researchers in securing and managing research funding through effective contract management and stakeholder coordination.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy & Policy Development

• Contribute to the development of the Department's strategy and annual business plans.
• Contribute to the development of the Department's policies and procedures in line with overall business objectives of the University, ensuring they promote leading practices and excellence.
• Provide key input on procedures, organizational plans, processes and policies as appropriate.

Budget & Financial Management

• Contribute to the development and management of the Department's budgets and report back on a timely basis to ensure divergences are addressed promptly.
• Prepare, review, and consult with faculty and other internal stakeholders to ensure that research project budgets comply with the policies of the Institute and sponsors.

Contract Negotiation & Administration

• Draft, review, negotiate, and finalize research agreements, including sponsored research agreements, collaboration agreements and other bespoke agreements as required.
• Ensure terms align with institutional policies, legal requirements, and funding agency regulations.
• Work closely with the KU Legal Team to route and negotiate contracts with KU sponsors.
• Assist Research Directors with negotiation of award terms and conditions.
• Address IP ownership and usage rights in research agreements to safeguard institutional interests and coordinate with TMI office for matters requiring their attention.
• Develop and implement best practices and templates to streamline contract processes.
• Maintain a database of executed and under progress agreements for necessary follow up.
• Ensure to follow up on approvals from senior management on awards in process.
• Research and recommend solutions to problems related to contracts negotiation, management and termination of agreements and assist PIs in complying with all administrative responsibilities.

Stakeholder & Cross-functional Collaboration

• Work closely with internal teams such as principal investigators, legal counsel, post award team, technology transfer offices, and finance departments.
• Coordinate with external parties, including funding agencies, industry partners, and collaborators for issues related to contract.
• Establish and maintain effective communication and cooperative relationships with internal and external stakeholders critical to the research enterprise.
• Ensure coordination with other departments to facilitate the accomplishment of tasks and responsibilities, as and when needed.

Compliance & Data Management

• Ensure compliance with non-financial, post-award policies.
• Ensure Research Services data is properly recorded and updated.
• Ensure adherence to the University's information security policies and procedures, and report breaches or other security risks accordingly.
• Demonstrate a strong commitment and practice to maintaining a safe and healthy work environment.

Reporting & Support

• Assist the Director of the Research Services in development and delivery of management reports.
• Perform any other tasks assigned by Line Manager and Research Unit such as Directors, and Associate Provost for Research, and Provost.

Team Leadership & Development

• Provide coaching, guidance and mentoring as required to enhance the internal capabilities of the team and ensure the achievement of established objectives and plans.
• Recommend appropriate training courses as per pre-determined training needs, evaluate their effectiveness, and monitor their results.
• Carry out performance appraisals for subordinates according to planned schedules and recommend necessary actions as per applied practices.
• Conduct periodic meetings with subordinates to ensure that priorities are clear and workflow is running smoothly.
• Follow up on employees' administrative affairs such as vacations, leaves and other administrative and related affairs.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in sciences or engineering background.
• Minimum 8–12 years of relevant experience.