Research Compliance Specialist

Job Description

CoMotion has an outstanding opportunity for a Research Compliance Specialist to join their team.

About this Opportunity

Reporting to the Associate Director, Patents, the Research Compliance Specialist plays a critical role in managing innovation intake and ensuring compliance with federal and non-federal intellectual property reporting requirements. This position serves as the primary coordinator for federally funded invention reporting under the Bayh-Dole Act, manages the intake and assignment of innovation disclosures and consultation requests, and serves as a key resource for researchers, administrators, and intellectual property professionals across the University.

The Research Compliance Specialist works closely with inventors, research administrators, the Office of Sponsored Programs, licensing and patent staff, external counsel, and federal agency representatives to ensure timely reporting, accurate records, and continuous process improvement. This position is based in Seattle and may be eligible for a hybrid work schedule.

Key Responsibilities

• Independently manage federal intellectual property reporting and compliance activities for University innovations arising from federally funded research, including disclosures, elections of title, patent reporting, utilization reports, and grant closeout requirements (50%).
• Serve as the primary point of contact for federal reporting inquiries from investigators, research administrators, sponsored programs staff, and federal agencies; resolve reporting questions and compliance issues (15%).
• Manage intake of innovation submissions and consultation requests, review records for completeness and funding requirements, and assign matters to appropriate CoMotion staff (20%).
• Maintain accurate intellectual property, inventorship, and funding records within CoMotion databases and reporting systems; monitor data quality and reporting obligations (5%).
• Collaborate with patent portfolio managers, licensing professionals, inventors, external counsel, and research administrators to ensure compliance and accuracy of intellectual property records (5%).
• Develop and implement process improvements, training materials, standard operating procedures, and special projects that improve operational efficiency and compliance outcomes (5%).

Required Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity your application must demonstrate you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants who do not meet these qualifications WILL NOT be forwarded to the Hiring Department.

• Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Arts & Sciences, or a related field.
• Two years of experience providing complex administrative support.
• Experience reviewing, analyzing, and managing intake of agreements related to intellectual property.

Additional Qualifications

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong customer service and relationship management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining exceptional attention to detail.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to prioritize competing projects and meet urgent deadlines.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Demonstrated ability to handle confidential information and sensitive matters with diplomacy and discretion.

Preferred Qualifications

• Paralegal experience.
• Experience working with sponsored research grants or research administration processes.
• Knowledge of intellectual property management, technology transfer, or patent administration.
• Experience working with database management systems and reporting tools.
• Familiarity with the Bayh-Dole Act, federal research compliance requirements, or intellectual property reporting systems such as iEdison.

Working Conditions

• Must live within commuting distance of the University of Washington Seattle campus.
• May be eligible for a hybrid work schedule.
• CoMotion hosts events and meetings for which in-person attendance is required.
• Position requires working with confidential research, intellectual property, legal, and funding information.
• Occasional flexibility in work schedule may be required to meet critical reporting deadlines.

Additional Application Requirement

This recruitment requires a cover letter. Applications that do not include a cover letter will not be forwarded to the hiring department.

Please address the following in your cover letter:

• What drew you to this position, and what interests you or excites you most about working with us?

• What experiences or accomplishments are you most proud of, and how do they relate to this role?

About the Team

At CoMotion, you'll be part of a team dedicated to helping the University of Washington community turn innovative ideas into real-world impact. We partner with faculty, researchers, staff, and students throughout their innovation journey, providing the guidance, connections, and support needed to move discoveries forward.

The Research Compliance Specialist joins a highly collaborative team that supports innovation across the University, ensuring compliance with intellectual property regulations while delivering exceptional service to researchers and stakeholders. Learn more about CoMotion at

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

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About the UW

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

Our Commitment

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81 .

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at View phone number on aiapply.co or View email address on aiapply.co.

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.