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

Summary Midwestern University (MWU) handles research‑related agreements and manages an intellectual property portfolio. The IP & Contracts Administrator provides paralegal and administrative support, reviews and revises contracts across the Arizona and Illinois campuses. This position may be based at Downers Grove, IL or Glendale, AZ, in the Office of Research & Sponsored Programs (ORSP) and reports to the Senior IP and Contracts Administrator. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Contract‑Related Work Assist the Senior IP and Contracts Administrator with contract‑related administrative tasks. Review, edit, and track research‑related contracts, grants, and technology transfer agreements with private industry, academic, non‑profit institutions, and state, local, and federal entities, while protecting MWU’s interests. Support negotiation of template Confidentiality Agreements, Data Use Agreements, Material Transfer Agreements, Assignment Agreements, grant agreements, subawards, and service contract agreements for capital research equipment; assist the department with other agreements as needed. Collaborate with Grant Specialists on grant agreements and subawards; ensure ORSP is aware of and can comply with grant and subaward terms. Communicate with faculty and stakeholders to ensure agreements meet faculty needs, align with MWU policy, and accurately reflect the research arrangement. Identify contractual risks, challenging terms, MWU obligations, statutory and regulatory compliance requirements, and report concerns to ORSP supervisors. Explain contract language, terms, conditions, and requirements to faculty so researchers understand their obligations, especially special responsibilities, MWU risks, and why MWU accepts or rejects provisions. Perform additional assignments requested by the Associate Director of Research & Sponsored Programs, the Assistant VP of Research, or the Senior IP and Contracts Administrator. IP‑Related Work Assist with MWU’s invention disclosure processing and support the patent committee. Provide support and assistance to inventors submitting invention disclosures to ORSP, giving updates and feedback. Help maintain IP files, records, and databases for docketing of patent prosecution activities. Qualifications To perform this job successfully, an individual must: Hold a bachelor’s degree in a related field (a paralegal degree or certification from an ABA‑approved program is desired). Have 1–3 years of experience in a legal office or supporting contracts, legal, or research administration functions within a university or healthcare setting. Be able to translate complex legal language and advise stakeholders on obligations, risks, and institutional decisions. Be skilled in identifying contractual risks, interpreting legal frameworks, and ensuring compliance with statutory, regulatory, grant, and subaward requirements. Maintain a constant state of alertness and attend regularly in person. Have ability to translate complex legal language and advise stakeholders on obligations, risks, and institutional decisions. Skills Collaborate effectively 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. Exhibit exacting attention to detail, uphold high quality work standards, and prioritize tasks. Possess excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills. Handle multiple priorities and meet multiple deadlines. Demonstrate strong English language and grammar skills. Understand the commercialization process. Process complex material, including contract terms, IP law, and data and privacy laws. Have general experience with business practices in legal, research university/college, or healthcare settings, especially those related to contracts, intellectual property, and technology transfer. Computer Skills Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.) and Adobe Acrobat. Physical Demands The employee is occasionally required to stand, regularly required to walk, reach with hands and arms, often required to sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, talk and hear, and regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required include close and distance vision. Work Environment The work environment is usually moderate in noise level. 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 accordance 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr ILOTA Community Outreach Committee