Contracts Specialist I

Job Description Special Instructions to Applicants: All interested applicants should attach a resume and cover letter in the Supporting Documents section of the application, preferably in PDF format to avoid any formatting issues. Please note that we are currently recruiting for this role at two different levels. The final position and salary will be offered commensurate with the successful candidate’s experience and qualifications. We encourage you to apply to the specific posting that best aligns with your current professional background. About Rice: Boasting a 300-acre tree-lined campus in Houston, Texas, Rice University is ranked among the nation’s top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has a 6-to-1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio, and a residential college system that supports students intellectually, emotionally, and culturally through social events, intramural sports, student plays, lecture series, courses, and student government. Developing close-knit, diverse college communities is a strong campus tradition, which is why Rice is highly ranked for best quality of life and best value among private universities. Rice is also a wonderful place to work. Rice faculty, staff, and students share values that are essential to our success as a healthy community. Those values guide our decisions and behaviors and shape Rice’s culture. They come through in the way we treat each other and the welcome we extend to our visitors. These values can be recalled simply by our name — RICE — Responsibility, Integrity, Community, and Excellence. Position Summary: The Office of Technology Transfer (OTT) at Rice University supports the commercialization of university research by managing intellectual property, pursuing patents, and facilitating partnerships with industry. OTT helps turn innovations into real-world products while advancing Rice’s research impact. The Industrial Contracts Specialist I, under the supervision of the Assistant Director for Contracts, will serve in the Office of Technology Transfer by assisting in drafting, negotiating, and administering research-related agreements with external partners, including but not limited to material transfer agreements, non-disclosure agreements, and data use agreements. This role supports the commercialization of Rice University research by ensuring agreements comply with university and federal policies, facilitating collaboration with faculty, staff, and external partners, and helping advance the university’s research impact through effective contract administration. Ideal Candidate Statement: The ideal candidate is an organized, detail-oriented professional with some experience in research administration or intellectual property management. They understand contractual issues in a university research environment, can assist in drafting and managing material transfer agreements, and communicate clearly with internal and external stakeholders. The candidate works independently while collaborating effectively, demonstrates attention to detail, and can manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced, client-focused environment. Workplace Requirements: This position is offered as a hybrid role, combining both in-office and remote work to provide flexibility and support collaboration. Per Rice policy 440 , work arrangements may be subject to change. Hiring Salary: $63,100 - $80,400 *Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime. Minimum Requirements: