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Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago provides superior pediatric care in a setting that offers the latest benefits and innovations in medical technology, research and family-friendly design. As the largest pediatric provider in the region with a 140-year legacy of excellence, kids and their families are at the center of all we do. Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago is ranked in all 10 specialties by the U.S. News & World Report.

Day (United States of America)

Location Simpson Querrey Biomedical Research Center

Job Description ​The Senior Contracts Associate independently drafts, reviews, and negotiates sponsored research contracts and other related contracts between Lurie Children’s and private industry, academic medical centers or other non-federal entities. This individual works closely with Lurie Children’s researchers, physicians, research coordinators and clinical departments, the Offices of Post-Award Financial Management, Research Integrity and Compliance, and General Counsel and with external sponsors.

Job Responsibilities

AGREEMENT DRAFTING/NEGOTIATION (70% of time)

• Support the development of relationships with industry sponsors and other non-federal entities through effective contract and budget negotiation.
• Independently draft, negotiate, and finalize complex industry funded agreements and other related agreements, including confidentiality, material transfer, data sharing, research collaboration and multi-site study agreements.
• In conjunction with research staff and the Clinical Trials Support Office, ensure development of clinical trial and research budgets that promote research partnership with industry while protecting the interests of the Hospital and its patients.
• Nurture positive relationships both inside and outside the Hospital by interacting with a wide variety of physicians, staff, and companies during the negotiation process for specific solutions to complex issues.
• Identify and make recommendations to resolve contractual issues and potential risks.
• With minimal guidance, oversee and manage resolution of contractual problems that develop in the course of projects by consulting with faculty, staff, sponsors and other offices within the Hospital.

POLICY/PROCEDURE DEVELOPMENT (10% of time)

• Lead initiatives under direction of Associate Director, and in conjunction with internal colleagues to.
• Create and implement unique strategies to advance industry sponsored research engagement across the Hospital.
• Propose and prepare draft policies and guidance documents for industry sponsored research engagement and contracting that allow Hospital to implement best practices while complying with federal and state laws and other Hospital policies and guidelines.
• Maintain working knowledge of federal and other policies impacting research agreements and advise office leadership of recommendations.

EDUCATIONAL/INFORMATIONAL (10% of time)

• Advise and assist Hospital department administrators, faculty, and staff members prior to, during, and after agreement negotiation and execution; interpret and explain contract terms and conditions.
• Contribute written educational materials, training sessions, and materials to update the Hospital web page as needed.
• Continue education about each aspect of the Hospital industry partnership process through attendance of outside meetings and conferences.

ADMINISTRATIVE (10% of time)

• Working with office support staff and research contracts team, maintain accurate records and tracking of agreements.
• Make recommendations and initiate tools for tracking metrics immediately impacting team and allowing for measurement of work volumes.
• Coordinate steps from contract execution through internal setup procedures with partner offices.
• Perform other duties as assigned by Associate Director or Director.
• Other job functions as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Master's degree or higher; Preference provided to candidates with earned JD
• 3+ years’ experience drafting and negotiating contracts, with preferred experience working in university or hospital sponsored programs, technology transfer, or university business development environment.
• 3+ years’ experience interacting and negotiating agreements with private industry.
• Ability to communicate effectively with physicians, staff, and external sponsors
• Demonstrated negotiation and organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work well independently and with others.
• Proficient with standard office software applications (MS Excel/Word/PowerPoint).
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and negotiations simultaneously.
• Ability to take initiative to develop strategic solutions to complex issues.

Education Master's Degree Required

Benefit Statement For full time and part time employees who work 20 or more hours per week we offer a generous benefits package that includes:

• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• Employer paid group term life and disability
• Employer contribution toward Health Savings Account
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Paid Time Off (PTO), Paid Holidays and Paid Parental Leave
• 403(b) with a 5% employer match

Various voluntary benefits:

• Supplemental Life, AD&D and Disability
• Critical Illness, Accident and Hospital Indemnity coverage
• Tuition assistance
• Student loan servicing and support
• Adoption benefits
• Backup Childcare and Eldercare
• Employee Assistance Program, and other specialized behavioral health services and resources for employees and family members
• Discount on services at Lurie Children’s facilities
• Discount purchasing program

Lurie Children’s and its affiliates are equal employment opportunity employers. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, pregnancy, protected veteran status, order of protection status, protected genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.