Senior Manager - Research Contracts

At the University of Waterloo, we create and promote a culture where everyone can reach their full potential. As an employee, you get support & opportunities that empower you to advance your career. Explore how we can bring big ideas to life, together. The University is a welcoming workplace for those of all abilities, interests, and expertise. As part of our workforce, you can do what you do best, every day.

Learn more about our recruitment process.

Job Requisition ID:

2026-03781

Time Type:

Full time

Employee Group:

Staff

Job Category:

Procurement

Employment Type:

Permanent

Department:

Office of the Vice-President, Research and International - Agreements

Hiring Range:

$95,538.29 - $119,422.87

Posting Information:
This posting is for an existing vacancy.

The internal posting deadline for this position is November 19, 2026, at 11:59PM

Job Description:

Primary Purpose

The Senior Manager, Research Contracts (SMRC) is responsible for negotiation of complex legal agreements governing contract research funded by industry or government departments. The SMRC provides leadership within the contracts team within Research Partnerships, anticipating and solving problems that arise, advising and consulting with the Director on key issues, and mentoring other members of the team. The SMRC manages the largest and most complex research contracts, often with values in the millions of dollars and including multiple stakeholders. The SMRC must make judgement decisions on a daily basis on balancing risk to the University with the opportunities presented by new partnerships with industry and government. The SMRC will also supervise various direct reports, which may include Grants & Contracts Managers, Coordinators, and Administrators.

Key Accountabilities

Contract Management

• Negotiates complex legal agreements, primarily research contracts, with industry and government agencies. This includes intellectual property terms, payment terms, rights to publish, and many other legal terms.
• Manages the University’s risk exposure from contracts while maintaining good working relationships with external research partners and faculty members. Assesses when to consult with the Director, OR legal counsel, Finance, IST, senior administration in the Faculties, or others as required.

Supervision

• Mentors and manages other personnel in Research Partnerships such as Grants & Contracts Managers and others

Process Analysis and Improvement

• Develops SOP’s, identifies process gaps, and engages in proactive problem-solving aimed at supporting efficient execution of a heavy team workload with excellent customer service.
• Represents Research Partnerships in office-wide initiatives and coordinates with pre-award and post-award teams

Proposal Management

• Supports faculty members in submission of responses to RFPs from government contracting agencies, and/or applications for matching grants
• Actively supports team development among faculty members and partners, sometimes including project management

Policy Compliance

• Stays abreast of university and government policies related to the conduct of research and identifies areas of risk or non-compliance

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree, graduate degree preferred. Additional training in law, business, or research is an asset.
• Minimum 5-10 years of active negotiation of research contracts and/or other legal contracts.
• Experience with submission of government grant and/or contract proposals.
• Deep understanding of the university environment and the nature of the university research enterprise
• “Think on your feet” ability to negotiate in real time with potential partners, including with company executives and/or opposing legal counsel
• Ability to manage and prioritize a high workload
• Knowledge of relevant government funding programs related to university research
• Exceptional interpersonal skills when dealing with clients and faculty members. Ability to manage expectations while delivering excellent service. This is critical as this position can be perceived as a barrier to the research plans of faculty members and partners
• Understanding of key areas of contract risk such as publication terms, intellectual property, indemnities, termination provisions, reps and warranties, etc.
• Outstanding attention to detail
• Excellent facility with language and ability to draft clear, unambiguous contract terms
• Ability to concentrate for long stretches on complex agreements
• Familiarity with special statutory obligations and regulations such as related to export controls or personnel screening for high-security research would be an asset.

Equity Statement

The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is coordinated within the Office of Indigenous Relations.

The University values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students, faculty, and staff. The University regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. The University of Waterloo seeks applicants who embrace our values of equity, anti-racism and inclusion.  As such, we encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including applicants who identify as First Nations, Métis and/or Inuk (Inuit), Black, racialized, a person with a disability, women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.

Positions are open to qualified candidates who are legally entitled to work in Canada.

The University of Waterloo is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. If you have any application, interview, or workplace accommodation requests, please contact Human Resources at [email protected] or 519-888-4567, ext. 45935.