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Research Contract Manager Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

Contracts Manager

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$121K - $140K/yr

Performs ad-hoc research to answer contract specific questions as well as contracts pricing for ... JB Management, Inc (JBM) is a Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business with around 50 ...

Contracts Manager

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$121K - $140K/yr

Performs ad-hoc research to answer contract specific questions as well as contracts pricing for ... JB Management, Inc (JBM) is a Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business with around 50 ...

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Contracts Manager

Leesburg, VA · On-site

$93K - $125K/yr

Contract review, negotiation and administration - USG Contracts, Subcontracts (as both Prime and ... Quantum Leap is an Equal Opportunity Employer www.ql-research.com Company Description Quantum Leap ...

Contracts Manager

Arlington, VA · On-site

$102K - $136K/yr

Arlington, VA area (4x per week onsite, 1 day remote) Overview Sedaro is hiring a Contracts Manager to lead the end-to-end management of contracts supporting modeling and simulation software R&D and ...

About the Role STR is seeking a highly motivated candidate with federal contract management ... We specialize in advanced research and development for defense, intelligence, and national security ...

Contracts Manager

Arlington, VA · On-site

$139K - $191K/yr

About the Role STR is seeking a highly motivated candidate with federal contract management ... We specialize in advanced research and development for defense, intelligence, and national security ...

Contracts Manager

Sterling, VA · On-site

$99K - $206K/yr

Summarize contract issues, research compliance matters, interpret regulations, identify risks, and ... Manage relationships with US Government customers. Requirements: * Minimum 8 years of experience in ...

Contracts Manager

Sterling, VA · On-site

$99K - $206K/yr

Summarize contract issues, research compliance matters, interpret regulations, identify risks, and ... Manage relationships with US Government customers. Requirements: * Minimum 8 years of experience in ...

Contract Specialist-2

Washington, DC · On-site

$100K - $134K/yr

... Management Association and the National Council of University Research Administrators and others) PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES: * Prepares documentation and legal draft of contracts/agreements ...

Contract Specialist-2

Washington, DC

$100K - $134K/yr

... Management Association and the National Council of University Research Administrators and others) PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES: * Prepares documentation and legal draft of contracts/agreements ...

Contracts Manager

Leesburg, VA · Remote

$90K - $120K/yr

Performs contract administration functions on less complex company programs that usually involve ... pre-defined research objectives. Facilitates pre-award and post-award activities in support of ...

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Research Contract Manager information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

$51.7K

$101.9K

$179.4K

How much do research contract manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for research contract manager in Silver Spring, MD is $101,899.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,400.00 and $118,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges a Research Contract Manager faces when negotiating agreements with external partners?

A Research Contract Manager frequently encounters challenges such as aligning the interests and expectations of multiple stakeholders, ensuring compliance with institutional and legal requirements, and negotiating terms related to intellectual property, publication rights, and confidentiality. Balancing the needs of researchers, sponsors, and legal teams can be complex, especially when timelines are tight or contract language is ambiguous. Effective communication, attention to detail, and negotiation skills are essential to overcoming these challenges and ensuring mutually beneficial agreements.

What is a Research Contract Manager?

A Research Contract Manager is a professional responsible for overseeing the creation, negotiation, and management of contracts related to research projects, often within universities, research institutions, or private organizations. They ensure all agreements comply with legal, ethical, and institutional guidelines, and protect the interests of the organization and its research partners. Their role involves working closely with researchers, legal teams, sponsors, and other stakeholders to facilitate smooth and compliant research collaborations. Research Contract Managers must have a strong understanding of contract law, intellectual property, and research regulations.

What is the difference between Research Contract Manager vs Research Project Coordinator?

AspectResearch Contract ManagerResearch Project Coordinator
Primary RoleManages contractual agreements and negotiations for research projectsCoordinates project activities, schedules, and resources
Required CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a related field; legal or contract training beneficialUsually holds a bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline
Work EnvironmentOffice-based, often within research institutions or legal departmentsOffice or lab setting, supporting research teams
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in research institutions, universities, and biotech companiesUsed across research projects in academic and industry settings

The Research Contract Manager focuses on managing legal and contractual aspects of research projects, ensuring compliance and negotiations. In contrast, the Research Project Coordinator handles day-to-day project operations and logistics. Both roles are essential in research environments but serve different functions related to project management and legal oversight.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Research Contract Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Research Contract Manager, you need a strong background in contract law, negotiation, and compliance, often supported by a degree in law, business, or a related field. Familiarity with contract management systems, legal research databases, and regulatory frameworks such as GDPR or HIPAA is important. Exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication enable you to manage complex agreements and collaborate with diverse stakeholders. These skills are crucial to ensure compliant, timely, and beneficial research partnerships for your organization.
What are popular job titles related to Research Contract Manager jobs in Silver Spring, MD? For Research Contract Manager jobs in Silver Spring, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Research Contract Manager jobs in Silver Spring, MD look for? The top searched job categories for Research Contract Manager jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:
Infographic showing various Research Contract Manager job openings in Silver Spring, MD as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 62% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,899 per year, or $49 per hour.
Contracts Associate (Research Administration & Sponsored Programs)

Contracts Associate (Research Administration & Sponsored Programs)

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD • On-site

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago


Johns Hopkins Medicine rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 205 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

230th of 890 rated healthcare providers


Job description

We are seeking a Contracts Associate manages a portfolio of grant, contract, and institutional agreement activities within the research administration office's purview. Leads the drafting, review, negotiation, and execution of domestic and foreign agreements, ensuring favorable terms and conditions that support the university's research, educational, and training missions. Agreement types include, but are not limited to, sponsored research agreements, service agreements, material transfer agreements, non-disclosure agreements, data use agreements, memorandum of understanding, collaboration agreements, student and scholar placements and exchanges, internships, visitor agreements, and degree and non-degree educational programs.
Specific Duties & Responsibilities
  • Negotiate and draft sponsored agreements for assigned departments.
  • Serve as the primary negotiator on complex, high risk, educational and research agreements, including terms related to FERPA, data privacy, branding, intellectual property, confidentiality, export controls, research security, and liability.
  • Collaborate proactively with academic leadership and business development to structure agreements that align with university goals while protecting the academic mission, school interests, and institutional risk posture.
  • Design, maintain, and evolve standard agreement templates, fallback positions, and playbooks to improve cycle time, consistency, and negotiation outcomes.
  • Work with compliance offices, Johns Hopkins Technology Ventures (JHTV), and the Office of General Counsel to resolve conflicts regarding award terms and conditions.
  • Serve as liaison to funding agencies for pre-award problem resolution, agreement negotiations, and post-award matters.
  • Provide advice and counsel to faculty and staff during proposal development and submission.
  • Manage a portion of pre-award activity. Interpret, communicate and provide detailed advice to faculty and staff regarding proposals, interpretation of rules, regulations and compliance issues, and assist in applying them to specific applications, awards, and issues. Review proposals for completeness and compliance.
  • Serve as signature authority on proposals. Review contract or grant documents with faculty, staff and leadership to advise on proposal and award strategy.
  • Ensure all approvals are obtained, draft agreements or other documentation, and negotiate and sign award documents.
  • Advise faculty and staff regarding institutional compliance requirements.
  • Work with collaborators, business partners, and sponsors for problem resolution in award matters.
  • Take active role in supporting the Office of Research Information Services in supporting users of research administration software.
  • Continually expand knowledge of research compliance to advise and guide faculty and staff.
  • Support effective, ongoing training programs for key positions and processes supporting research administration.
  • Act as office liaison to ensure effective performance and integration of the office with university legal, compliance, information technology, JHTV, and post-award budget offices.
  • Contribute to an office work environment focused on providing excellent customer service and seeking continuous process improvement, including cross training in a variety of functional areas for the purpose of job enrichment and expanding knowledge of research administration.
  • This is a hybrid position. It is expected that the successful candidate will be required to travel to multiple campuses for meetings and other working engagements 1-2 times per week.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree.
  • Three years of related experience.
  • Additional education may substitute for required experience and additional related experience may substitute for required education beyond a high school diploma/graduation equivalent, to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's, PhD or JD in related field and relevant specialized training.
  • Additional years of demonstrated experience in drafting and negotiating documents in a sponsored project environment at a university, non-profit, state or federal agency, legal private practice or similar environment.
  • Understanding of research compliance regulations.
  • Experience working with the Federal Acquisition Regulations and other federal agency terms and conditions.
  • Experience with contract management systems.
  • Educational and research contract negotiation, including intellectual property, publication rights, confidentiality, data rights, indemnification, and liability provisions
  • Demonstrated ability to partner effectively with academic leadership and business development, legal counsel, faculty, and external collaborators

Technical Skills & Expected Level of Proficiency
  • Analytical Skills - Intermediate
  • Contract Negotiation - Intermediate
  • Grant Database Management - Intermediate
  • Grant Regulations - Intermediate
  • Interpersonal Skills - Intermediate
  • Proposal and Agreement Review - Intermediate
  • Regulatory Compliance - Intermediate
  • Research Administration Knowledge - Intermediate
  • Research Administration Systems - Intermediate

The core technical skills listed are most essential; additional technical skills may be required based on specific division or department needs.
Classified Title: Contracts Associate
Role/Level/Range: ATP/04/PE
Starting Salary Range: $73,300 - $128,300 Annually (Commensurate w/exp.)
Employee group: Full Time
Schedule: 5 Day 37.5 Hours/Week
FLSA Status: Exempt
Location: Hybrid/Eastern High Campus
Department name: Research Administration Ofc of
Personnel area: University Administration

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