Job Description

Staff - Non Union
Job Category M&P - AAPS
Job Profile AAPS Salaried - Industry Liaison, Level B
Job Title Government Contracts Officer
Department Government Contracts | Industry Liaison Office
Compensation Range $7,283.75 - $10,474.08 CAD Monthly
The Compensation Range is the span between the minimum and maximum base salary for a position. The midpoint of the range is approximately halfway between the minimum and the maximum and represents an employee that possesses full job knowledge, qualifications and experience for the position. In the normal course, employees will be hired, transferred or promoted between the minimum and midpoint of the salary range for a job.
Posting End Date July 25, 2024
Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.
Job End Date
At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career.
Job Summary
The Government Contracts Officer is a key role within Innovation UBCs Sponsored Research Group. This position supports the universitys mission by managing and negotiating contracts for research sponsored by government and non-profit organizations. The Government Contracts Officer ensures that these agreements align with UBCs policies and objectives, facilitating impactful research collaborations and securing significant economic and social benefits for the university and its affiliated institutions.
Organizational Status
The position reports to the Manager, Government Contracts, Sponsored Research Group. The position receives legal drafting support from the Manager and works closely with other members of the Sponsored Research Group.
Work Performed
1. Contract Development and Management:

• Develop, review, and approve research contracts with government and non-profit sponsors, ensuring compliance with UBCs policies regarding publication, intellectual property, liability, and ethics.
• Negotiate contract terms with sponsors, focusing on proposal budgets, project milestones, deliverables, intellectual property rights, and publication terms.
• Manage amendments to existing contracts, ensuring they align with the universitys objectives and legal requirements.

2. Advisory and Support Role:

• Provide expert advice and support to UBC faculty and researchers on contract proposals, negotiations, and budget considerations.
• Counsel faculty on the implications of contract terms and the best approaches to achieve favorable outcomes in negotiations.
• Resolve issues related to budget calculations, indirect cost recovery, and financial reporting for research projects.

3. Policy Implementation and Administration:

• Assess and enhance the efficiency of the Sponsored Research Groups contract administration processes.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures to ensure streamlined and effective contract management.
• Educate faculty, staff, and students on UBCs processes, policies, and procedures related to sponsored research contracts.

4. Constituent Engagement and Relationship Management:

• Build and maintain strong working relationships with internal constituents, including the Research Finance group and other departments involved in contract management and compliance.
• Serve as a liaison between UBC and its government and non-profit sponsors, fostering positive and productive partnerships.

5. Risk Management and Compliance:

• Identify and mitigate potential risks in contract terms that could expose the university to legal or financial liabilities.
• Ensure that all contracts comply with UBCs standards and regulatory requirements, including those related to animal and biohazard ethics approvals.

Consequence of Error/Judgement
The Sponsored Research Group manages $60 million in government and non-profit sponsored research. Individual agreements vary in value from $500 to $5 million, but may exceed this amount. Decisions may result in the gain or loss of potential economic opportunities for the University and its affiliated teaching hospitals, including the likelihood and financial magnitude of its sponsored research. The decisions may enhance or damage the reputation of the faculty, the UILO the University and its affiliated teaching hospitals, or protect / expose the University or its affiliated teaching hospitals to unwarranted legal liability. In many cases, the results of the decisions are irreversible.
Supervision Received
The Government Contracts Officer works under the direction and guidance of the Manager - Government Contracts, Sponsored Research Group. While the role requires a high degree of autonomy, all contracts must be reviewed and approved in accordance with UBCs signing resolutions.
Supervision Given
This role includes delegating administrative tasks to support staff within Innovation UBC and providing guidance to the UBC Research Finance team. The Government Contracts Officer also interacts with internal and external professionals on a project-by-project basis to ensure effective contract management.
Minimum Qualifications
Undergraduate degree. Minimum of four years of related experience in intellectual property matters and the execution of contractual agreements
- Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with ones own
- Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing ones own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion
Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in a relevant field; a degree in science is preferred.
• Experience in negotiating and managing contracts, particularly in an academic, government, or industry liaison context.
• In-depth knowledge of issues related to academic research, intellectual property, and data/material transfer agreements.
• Proven proficiency in both oral and written communication, with strong interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously and efficiently.
• Familiarity with UBCs policies and procedures regarding research and intellectual property is an asset.
• Understanding of business practices and financial reporting related to research contracts is desirable.