Senior Consultant - Research Contract Negotiations

Attain Partners is an innovative consulting firm dedicated to disrupting the status quo to change the world and improve the lives of those we touch. From strategy to technology and everywhere in between, our experts use their unique skills to advance the important missions of education, nonprofit, healthcare, and state and local government clients.

People are at the center of all we do, and that’s why we empower career growth, provide industry-leading benefits packages, encourage a flexible work environment, and foster a culture of inclusion to support the needs of our team. We share a collective passion for our mission and our people. Guided by our seven core values, The Attain Way, our vision is the foundation of our culture—to be and attain the best.

Job Description

The Research Contract Negotiator is responsible for reviewing, drafting, and negotiating research-related agreements on behalf of the institution. This position requires strong knowledge of contract negotiation practices and research administration. The negotiator will work closely with faculty, principal investigators, staff, sponsors, and collaborating institutions to ensure timely, compliant, and effective agreements that support the institution’s research mission.

Job Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate research-related agreements, including, but not necessarily limited to federal grants and contracts, non-profit supported research agreements, clinical trial agreements, subawards, data use agreements, confidentiality agreements, material transfer agreements, and corporate sponsored research agreements.

• Ensure contract terms comply with institution policies, federal and state regulations, and funding agency requirements.

• Identify and mitigate legal, financial, compliance, and intellectual property risks.

• Collaborate with faculty, researchers, and departmental administrators to understand project needs and explain contractual requirements.

• Adhere to established service levels, including updating the system of record.

Required Skills

• 3–5 years of experience in research contract negotiation.

• Working knowledge of research compliance issues (human subjects, export controls, HIPAA, FCOI, data security, etc.).

• Strong negotiation, communication, and writing skills.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• JD, Master’s degree, or Certified Research Administrator (CRA) credential.

• Experience negotiating research agreements in a university, academic medical center, or research institute setting.

• Familiarity with federal funding regulations (e.g., Uniform Guidance, FAR, DFARS).

• Knowledge of intellectual property and technology transfer considerations.

Additional Information

Attain Partners values your mental, emotional, and physical health and wellbeing. Our comprehensive benefits package starts on your first day of employment and includes benefits such as:

• Competitive health, dental, and vision coverage, HSA and FSA accounts, life and disability insurance, fertility and family planning benefits, and employee assistance and discount programs

• 11 paid federal holidays and flexible unlimited time off (UTO)

• Generous 401(k) matching with immediate vesting

• Flexible career paths – our career tracks provide advancement, mobility, and flexibility as you continue to grow with us

• A healthy environment where we value unique experiences, and care about everything that makes you, you.

Attain Partners is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. The individual base salary for this position is unique to each candidate and will be commensurate with experience, education, and skills. In addition to base salary, this role is eligible for an annual discretionary bonus.

Interested in this position but the compensation isn’t quite right? Let us know your expectations, and we’ll see if we can make it happen based on your qualifications.

Salary Range
$110,000—$130,000 USD

Attain Partners is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws. For more Information visit EEO, EEO Poster Supplement, Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA).

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.