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Research Contract Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Contract Manager, Alexa

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$104K - $139K/yr

... research, contract analysis, or document review - Self-starter with focus on excellence and ... manage multiple competing priorities simultaneously - Strong organizational and interpersonal ...

Performs research and institutes best practices and new methods for reducing costs associated with contract management. * Acts as interface and point of contact for contract administrators, managers ...

Contract Manager

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$91K - $122K/yr

... research, analytical, and problem-solving skills • Effective skill interacting tactfully and effectively in difficult situations • Bachelor's degree or above in Business, Contract Management ...

Contract Manager

Bridgeport, CT

$90K - $121K/yr

Information Technology (IT), Clinical Research, Rehabilitation Therapy and Nursing. Title: Contract Manager Duration: 2 Years Location: Bridgeport ,CT Direct Client : Immediate Interview This ...

Contract Manager

Cincinnati, OH · On-site +1

$85K - $114K/yr

End-to-end management of the clinical trial agreement (CTA) process for global, multi-site clinical ... Travel : minimal Medpace Overview Medpace is a full-service clinical contract research organization ...

Contract Manager

Cincinnati, OH · On-site

$85K - $114K/yr

End-to-end management of the clinical trial agreement (CTA) process for global, multi-site clinical ... Travel : minimal Medpace Overview Medpace is a full-service clinical contract research organization ...

Contract Manager

Painted Post, NY

$75K - $100K/yr

Information Technology (IT), Clinical Research, Rehabilitation Therapy and Nursing. Position: Contract Manager Duration: 1 Year Location: Painted post, NY Direct client: Immediate interview Job ...

The Contract Manager, reporting to the Vice President, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary, is ... Collaborate with representatives from contract research organizations (CROs) on clinical trial ...

Contract Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

$122K - $145K/yr

The Contract Manager, reporting to the Vice President, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary, is ... Collaborate with representatives from contract research organizations (CROs) on clinical trial ...

Contract Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$77K - $135K/yr

... will manage the preparation, negotiation, execution, and distribution of member contracts that ... Act as Privacy and Compliance Team liaison for the Strategic Growth Domain by researching and ...

Contract Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$77K - $135K/yr

... will manage the preparation, negotiation, execution, and distribution of member contracts that ... Act as Privacy and Compliance Team liaison for the Strategic Growth Domain by researching and ...

Showing results 21-40

Research Contract Manager information

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$50K

$98.6K

$173.5K

How much do research contract manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for research contract manager in the United States is $98,569.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,000.00 and $114,500.00 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?

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.
More about Research Contract Manager jobs
What cities are hiring for Research Contract Manager jobs? Cities with the most Research Contract Manager job openings:
What states have the most Research Contract Manager jobs? States with the most job openings for Research Contract Manager jobs include:
Infographic showing various Research Contract Manager job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,569 per year, or $47.4 per hour.

Senior Research Contract Specialist - Per Diem

Hackensack Meridian Health

Hackensack, NJ • On-site

$107K/yr

Per diem

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago


Hackensack Meridian Health rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 361 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

130th of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Our team members are the heart of what makes us better.

At Hackensack Meridian Health we help our patients live better, healthier lives — and we help one another to succeed. With a culture rooted in connection and collaboration, our employees are team members. Here, competitive benefits are just the beginning. It’s also about how we support one another and how we show up for our community.

Together, we keep getting better - advancing our mission to transform healthcare and serve as a leader of positive change.

The Senior Research Contract Specialist will provide dedicated professional level contractual management in order to facilitate and promote the research endeavors of investigators at Hackensack Meridian Health. This role maintains the quality assurance standards of the contractual operation. This role is expected to conduct any work that falls within the Contract team's overall scope. This role may also provide support to other teams during times when high volumes are experienced.


A day in the life of a Senior Research Contract Specialist at Hackensack Meridian Health includes:

  • Provides services to investigators conducting Clinical trials at Hackensack Meridian Health.
  • Edits, negotiates, and executes industry sponsored clinical trial contracts.
  • Provides professional consultation, advice, and direction to all levels of HMH staff and corporate sponsors regarding contracting issues such that HMH clinical trial contracts will best meet legal sufficiency, risk management and financial requirements for the HMH research objectives.
  • Seeks opportunities to improve contracting processes as well as improve customer service.
  • Provides administrative oversight to the team negotiating subawards, data use agreements, and other sponsored program related agreements.
  • Generates dashboard reporting to stakeholders in monthly/quarterly/annual tracking of all clinical trial contractual metrics.
  • Handles material transfer agreements, confidentiality agreements, licensing agreements and conflict of interest compliance related to research efforts to HMH investigators.
  • Conducts initial intellectual property (IP) analysis and notifies the Office of Commercialization and Technology Ventures of any potential IP, for further analysis.
  • Serves as a liaison to other departments to align programmatic goals for research.
  • Reviews and coordinates approvals for press release forms, IP release forms and other miscellaneous and legal documents, as required by outside research collaborators.
  • Ensures that contracts are executed in accordance with corporate guidelines.
  • Performs quality control and arranges execution of CTAs as well as archival of documents into repositories.
  • Maintains and actively supports review and development of contract templates and site specific files and databases.
  • Trains and mentors less experienced staff members on departmental Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and ensures quality of teamwork products. Maintains and updates training material for site contract team.
  • Reviews and analyzes outside agreements for multiparty/multi-funded research projects.
  • Communicates contract implementations to HMH Contract Specialists
  • Provides specialists advice and case handling, making decisions in complex contractual situations.
  • Clearly communicates status and timescales, setting expectations early not only for the role holder but for the team.
  • Provides feedback regarding team performance, need for personnel, policy and procedural recommended changes and other contractual issues.
  • Maintains a strong lead role in the direction of Research contractual operating procedures by making recommendations for process improvement purposes.
  • Contributes to the development and implementation of internal processes and protocols governing contract negotiation and compliance on behalf of HMH.
  • Other duties and/or projects as assigned.
  • Adheres to HMH Organizational competencies and standards of behavior.

Education, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

  • Bachelor`s Degree in science or business or a paralegal certificate.
  • 5 years of relevant experience.
  • Knowledge of academic and government research administration policies and guidelines.
  • Advanced computer skills in platforms such as, but not limited to, Microsoft Office Suite, Google Suite, etc.
  • Good leadership, diplomacy, judgment, and decision-making skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
  • Ability to analyze complex situations and identify solutions.
  • Ability to work effectively as a member of a team.
  • Ability to communicate both written and orally to all levels of staff, including Senior Leadership. Excellent interpersonal skills.

Education, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Preferred:

  • Master`s degree.

Licenses and Certifications Preferred:

  • SOCRA Clinical Research Professionals (CCRP) certification or equivalent certification.

If you feel that the above description speaks directly to your strengths and capabilities, then please apply today!     


Minimum rate of $46.64 Hourly
HMH is committed to pay equity and transparency for our team members. The posted rate of pay in this job posting is a reasonable good faith estimate of the minimum base pay for this role at the time of posting in accordance with the New Jersey Pay Transparency Act and does not reflect the full value of our market-competitive total rewards package.
The starting rate of pay is provided for informational purposes only and is not a guarantee of a specific offer. Posted hourly rates may be stated as an annual salary in the offer and posted annual salaries may be stated as an hourly rate in the offer, depending on the level and nature of the job duties and credentials of the candidate. The base compensation determined at the time of the offer may be different than the posted rate of pay based on a number of non-discriminatory factors, including but not limited to:
Labor Market Data: Compensation is benchmarked against market data to ensure competitiveness.
Experience: Years of relevant work experience.
Education and Certifications: Level of education attained, including specialized certifications, credentials, completed apprenticeship programs or advanced training.
Skills: Demonstrated proficiency in relevant skills and competencies.
Geographic Location: Cost of living and market rates for the specific location.
Internal Equity: Compensation is determined in a manner consistent with compensation ranges for similar roles within the organization.
Budget and Grant Funding: Departmental budgets and any grant funding associated with the job position may impact the pay that can be offered.
Some jobs may also be eligible for performance-based incentives, bonuses, or commissions not reflected in the starting rate. Certain positions may also be eligible for shift differentials for work performed on evening, night, or weekend shifts.
In addition to our compensation for full-time and part-time (20+ hours/week) job positions, HMH offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, paid leave, tuition reimbursement, and retirement benefits.

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