Contracts Associate (Research Administration & Sponsored Programs)
Affiliated Office Address
Baltimore, MD, United States
Requisition ID
121721
Date Created
July 01, 2026
Job Family
Research
Job Subfamily
Research Administration
Job Function
Grants and Contracts
Exempt Status
Exempt
Shift Type
Full Time
Schedule
5 Day 37.5 Hours/Week
Worksite
03-MD:Eastern High Campus
Work Modality
Modified Hybrid: On-site 10-59% of hours worked (Ex: 1-2 out of 5 days/week)
We are seeking a Contracts Associate to manage a portfolio of grant and/or contract activities within the research administration office's purview. Leads the drafting, review, negotiation, and execution of domestic and foreign agreements, ensuring favorable terms and conditions that support the university's research, educational, and training missions. Agreement types include, but are not limited to, sponsored research agreements, service agreements, material transfer agreements, non-disclosure agreements, data use agreements, memorandum of understanding, collaboration agreements, student and scholar placements and exchanges, internships, visitor agreements, and degree and non-degree educational programs.
Specific Duties & Responsibilities
Negotiate and draft sponsored agreements for assigned departments.
Work with compliance offices, Johns Hopkins Technology Ventures (JHTV), and the Office of General Counsel to resolve conflicts regarding award terms and conditions.
Serve as liaison to funding agencies for pre-award problem resolution, agreement negotiations, and post-award matters.
Provide advice and counsel to faculty and staff during proposal development and submission.
Manage a portion of pre-award activity. Interpret, communicate and provide detailed advice to faculty and staff regarding proposals, interpretation of rules, regulations and compliance issues, and assist in applying them to specific applications, awards, and issues. Review proposals for completeness and compliance.
Serve as signature authority on proposals. Review contract or grant documents with faculty, staff and leadership to advise on proposal and award strategy.
Ensure all approvals are obtained, draft agreements or other documentation, and negotiate and sign award documents.
Advise faculty and staff regarding institutional compliance requirements.
Work with collaborators, business partners, and sponsors for problem resolution in award matters.
Take active role in supporting the Office of Research Information Services in supporting users of research administration software.
Continually expand knowledge of research compliance to advise and guide faculty and staff.
Support effective, ongoing training programs for key positions and processes supporting research administration.
Act as office liaison to ensure effective performance and integration of the office with university legal, compliance, information technology, JHTV, and post-award budget offices.
Contribute to an office work environment focused on providing excellent customer service and seeking continuous process improvement, including cross training in a variety of functional areas for the purpose of job enrichment and expanding knowledge of research administration.
Other duties as assigned.
In addition to the duties listed above:
1.Lead complex negotiations
Serve as the primary negotiator on complex, high risk, educational and research agreements, including terms related to FERPA, data privacy, branding, intellectual property, confidentiality, export controls, research security, and liability.
2.Partner on corporate deal strategy
Collaborate proactively with academic leadership and business development to structure agreements that align with university goals while protecting the academic mission, school interests, and institutional risk posture.
3.Develop and standardize contracting models
Design, maintain, and evolve standard agreement templates, fallback positions, and playbooks to improve cycle time, consistency, and negotiation outcomes.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree.
Three years of related experience.
Additional education may substitute for required experience and additional related experience may substitute for required education beyond a high school diploma/graduation equivalent, to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.
Preferred Qualifications
Master's, PhD or JD in related field and relevant specialized training.
Additional years of demonstrated experience in drafting and negotiating documents in a sponsored project environment at a university, non-profit, state or federal agency, legal private practice or similar environment.
Understanding of research compliance regulations.
Experience working with the Federal Acquisition Regulations and other federal agency terms and conditions.
Experience with contract management systems.
Educational and research contract negotiation, including intellectual property, publication rights, confidentiality, data rights, indemnification, and liability provisions
Demonstrated ability to partner effectively with academic leadership and business development, legal counsel, faculty, and external collaborators
Technical Skills & Expected Level of Proficiency
Analytical Skills - Intermediate
Contract Negotiation - Intermediate
Grant Database Management - Intermediate
Grant Regulations - Intermediate
Interpersonal Skills - Intermediate
Proposal and Agreement Review - Intermediate
Regulatory Compliance - Intermediate
Research Administration Knowledge - Intermediate
Research Administration Systems - Intermediate
The core technical skills listed are most essential; additional technical skills may be required based on specific division or department needs.
Classified Title: Contracts Associate
Role/Level/Range: ATP/04/PE
Starting Salary Range: $73,300 - $128,300 Annually (Commensurate w/exp.)
Employee group: Full Time
Schedule: 5 Day 37.5 Hours/Week
FLSA Status: Exempt
Location: Hybrid/Eastern High Campus
Department name: Research Administration Ofc of
Personnel area: University Administration
Total Rewards
The referenced base salary range represents the low and high end of Johns Hopkins University's salary range for this position. Not all candidates will be eligible for the upper end of the salary range. Exact salary will ultimately depend on multiple factors, which may include the successful candidate's geographic location, skills, work experience, market conditions, education/training and other qualifications. Johns Hopkins offers a total rewards package that supports our employees' health, life, career and retirement. More information can be found here: https://hr.jhu.edu/benefits-worklife/.
Education and Experience Equivalency
Please refer to the job description above to see which forms of equivalency are permitted for this position. If permitted, equivalencies will follow these guidelines: JHU Equivalency Formula: 30 undergraduate degree credits (semester hours) or 18 graduate degree credits may substitute for one year of experience. Additional related experience may substitute for required education on the same basis. For jobs where equivalency is permitted, up to two years of non-related college course work may be applied towards the total minimum education/experience required for the respective job.
Applicants Completing Studies
Applicants who do not meet the posted requirements but are completing their final academic semester/quarter will be considered eligible for employment and may be asked to provide additional information confirming their academic completion date.
Background Checks
The successful candidate(s) for this position will be subject to a pre-employment background check. Johns Hopkins is committed to hiring individuals with a justice-involved background, consistent with applicable policies and current practice. A prior criminal history does not automatically preclude candidates from employment at Johns Hopkins University. In accordance with applicable law, the university will review, on an individual basis, the date of a candidate's conviction, the nature of the conviction and how the conviction relates to an essential job-related qualification or function.
Diversity and Inclusion
The Johns Hopkins University values diversity, equity and inclusion and advances these through our key strategic framework, the JHU Roadmap on Diversity and Inclusion.
Equal Opportunity Employer
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
EEO is the Law
https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf
Accommodation Information
If you are interested in applying for employment with The Johns Hopkins University and require special assistance or accommodation during any part of the pre-employment process, please contact the Talent Acquisition Office at jhurecruitment@jhu.edu. For TTY users, call via Maryland Relay or dial 711. For more information about workplace accommodations or accessibility at Johns Hopkins University, please visit: https://accessibility.jhu.edu/.
Vaccine Requirements
Johns Hopkins University requires all faculty, staff, and students to receive the seasonal flu vaccine. Exceptions to the flu vaccine requirements may be provided to individuals for religious beliefs or medical reasons. Requests for an exception must be submitted to the JHU vaccination registry.
The following additional provisions may apply, depending upon campus. Your recruiter will advise accordingly.
The pre-employment physical for positions in clinical areas, laboratories, working with research subjects, or involving community contact requires documentation of immune status against Rubella (German measles), Rubeola (Measles), Mumps, Varicella (chickenpox), Hepatitis B and documentation of having received the Tdap (Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) vaccination. This may include documentation of having two (2) MMR vaccines; two (2) Varicella vaccines; or antibody status to these diseases from laboratory testing. Blood tests for immunities to these diseases are ordinarily included in the pre-employment physical exam except for those employees who provide results of blood tests or immunization documentation from their own health care providers. Any vaccinations required for these diseases will be given at no cost in our Occupational Health office.