Research Contracts Program Manager

Notre Dame Research (NDR) advances discovery in service to the greater good. At the University of Notre Dame, researchers deepen human understanding across disciplines, and Notre Dame Research Administration and Compliance (NDRAC) plays an essential role in enabling that work.

As a member of Notre Dame’s central research administration office, the Research Contracts Program Manager (RCPM) oversees a diverse portfolio of research related agreements across a broad range of disciplines and sponsors, including federal agencies, foundations, and industry partners.

This position provides significant engagement with faculty across multiple colleges and collaboration with campus partners throughout the University. It is an outstanding opportunity for a research contracts professional seeking to expand their expertise within a mission driven institution.

The RCPM team manages the review, negotiation, and execution of research-related agreements within Notre Dame’s $138M+ research portfolio. This role focuses primarily on drafting, reviewing, negotiating, and executing non financial and independent contractor research related agreements.

Key Responsibilities

• Reviewing, negotiating, and executing a wide range of research-related agreements, including: 
  • Material Transfer Agreements (MTAs)
  • Data Use Agreements (DUAs)
  • Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs)
  • Domestic and International Independent Contractor Agreements
  • Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs)
• Coordinating with multiple stakeholders across NDRAC and the University to obtain necessary approvals prior to finalizing agreements
• Working with researchers to understand the nature of their work in order to draft and negotiate appropriate agreements.
• Drafting and executing customized contracts for non-standard situations
• Maintaining accurate documentation in electronic research administration (eRA) systems

• Bachelor’s degree required (business, policy, law, or related field preferred)
• 3+ years of relevant experience
• Experience reviewing, negotiating, and accepting non financial research related agreements, as well as grants and contracts for sponsored program funding
• Familiarity with electronic research administration (eRA) systems
• Knowledge of university legal, contractual, and compliance requirements
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational and negotiation skills
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a collaborative team

Preferred Qualification

• 2+ years reviewing, negotiating, and executing MTAs and DUAs

Salary up to $83,000; commensurate with experience
Cover letter and resume required when applying
Applications due by March 1, 2026

The University of Notre Dame seeks to attract, develop, and retain the highest quality faculty, staff and administration. The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or age in employment. Moreover, Notre Dame prohibits discrimination against veterans or disabled qualified individuals, and complies with 41 CFR 60-741.5(a) and 41 CFR 60-300.5(a). We strongly encourage applications from candidates attracted to a university with a Catholic identity.