Intellectual Property and Contracts Administrator- AZ/IL- Office of Research and Sponsored Programs

Summary

Midwestern University (MWU) handles a wide variety of research-related agreements and manages a growing intellectual property (IP) portfolio. The IP & Contracts Administrator will provide paralegal and administrative support, with contract review and revision serving as a core and ongoing function of the role across both our Arizona and Illinois campuses. The position  can be based on either the Downers Grove, IL campus or the Glendale, AZ campus in the Office of Research & Sponsored Programs (ORSP) and reports to the Senior IP and Contracts Administrator.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Contract-Related Work Performed

• Assist the Senior IP and Contracts Administrator with contract-related administrative tasks.
• Assist in the review, editing, and tracking of research-related contracts, grants, and technology transfer contracts with private industry, academic and non-profit institutions, and state, local, and federal entities while keeping MWU’s best interests in mind.
• Support the negotiation of template Confidentiality Agreements, Data Use Agreements, Material Transfer Agreements, Assignment Agreements, grant agreements, subawards, and service contract agreements for capital research equipment; support the department in the review and negotiation of other types of agreements, as needed.
• Work with Grant Specialists on grant agreements and subawards; ensure ORSP is aware of and can comply with grant and subaward terms and conditions.
• Communicate with faculty needing a contract and other stakeholders in order to ensure: the agreement meets faculty needs, aligns with MWU policy, and the research and details of the arrangement are accurate.
• Identify contractual risks, challenging terms and provisions, MWU obligations, statutory and regulatory compliance requirements, and when to present concerns to ORSP supervisors.
• Explain contract language, terms, conditions, and requirements to faculty, as needed, so that the researchers understand their obligations, particularly special or unique responsibilities, MWU risks, and why MWU is accepting or not accepting certain provisions.
• Perform other related assignments, as requested by the Associate Director of Research & Sponsored Programs, the Assistant VP of Research, or the Senior IP and Contracts Administrator.

IP-Related Work Performed

• Assist in MWU’s invention disclosure processing, including supporting MWU’s patent committee
• Provide support and assistance to inventors submitting invention disclosures to the ORSP and provide updates and feedback to the inventors
• Help maintain IP files, records, and databases for docketing of patent prosecution activities

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Must be able to work in a constant state of alertness and safe manner and have regular, predictable in-person attendance.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in a related field is required.  Paralegal degree and/or paralegal certification from an American Bar Association approved program is desired and/or must have at least 1–3 years of experience in a legal office or supporting contracts, legal, or research administration functions within a university or healthcare setting, including general contract negotiation and contract administration. 

Must have the ability to translate complex legal language and advise stakeholders on obligations, risks, and institutional decisions. Must be skilled in identifying contractual risks, interpreting legal frameworks, and ensuring compliance with statutory, regulatory, grant, and subaward requirements.

Skills

• Must proficiently collaborate with all members of the MWU community, including outside IP attorneys.
• Display professionalism, genuine service and a "can do" attitude with all internal and external clients.
• Exacting attention to detail, high quality work standards and the ability to prioritize.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to handle multiple priorities and meet multiple deadlines.
• Skill in the English language and grammar.
• Skill in both verbal and written communication.
• An understanding of the commercialization process.
• Demonstrated experience with or capability to process complex material, including contract terms, IP law, and data and privacy laws.
• General experience and knowledge of business practices in a legal, research university/college, or healthcare setting, particularly those experiences related to contracts, intellectual property, and technology transfer.

Computer Skills                                               

Computer proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.) and Adobe Acrobat.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand. The employee is regularly required to walk; reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel; talk and hear. The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close and distance vision.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Midwestern University is a private, not-for-profit organization that provides graduate and post-graduate education in the health sciences. The University has two campuses, one in Downers Grove, Illinois and the other in Glendale, Arizona. More than 6,000 full-time students are enrolled in graduate programs in osteopathic medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physician assistant studies, physical therapy, occupational therapy, nurse anesthesia, cardiovascular perfusion, podiatry, optometry, clinical psychology, speech language pathology, biomedical sciences and veterinary medicine. Over 500 full-time faculty members and 400 staff members are dedicated to the education and development of our students in an environment that encourages learning, respect for all members of the health care team, service, interdisciplinary scholarly activity, and personal growth.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance plans as well as life insurance, short/long term disability and pet insurance.  We offer flexible spending accounts including healthcare reimbursement and child/dependent care account.  We offer a work life balance with competitive time off package including paid holiday’s, sick/flex days, personal days and vacation days.  We offer a 403(b) retirement plan, tuition reimbursement, child care subsidy reimbursement program, identity theft protection and an employee assistance program.  Wellness is important to us and we offer a wellness facility on-site with a fully equipped fitness facility. 

Midwestern University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer that does not discriminate against an employee or applicant based upon race; color; religion; creed; national origin or ancestry; ethnicity; sex (including pregnancy); gender (including gender expressions, gender identity; and sexual orientation); marital status; age; disability; citizenship; past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services; genetic information; or any other protected class, in accord with all federal, state and local laws and regulations. Midwestern University complies with the Smoke-Free Arizona Act (A.R.S. 36-601.01) and the Smoke Free Illinois Act (410 ILCS 82/).  Midwestern University complies with the Illinois Equal Pay Act of 2003 and Arizona Equal Pay Acts.