Principal Contracts Officer

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory is hiring a Principal Contracts Officer within the Strategic Partnerships Office (SPO). This position helps create and enable contractual vehicles for research to work with Berkeley Lab’s scientists and engineers across a variety of disciplines. 

As Principal Contracts Officer, the incumbent is responsible for moving proposals from submissions to awards stage through the successful creation, negotiation and execution of contractual mechanisms used at LBNL, such as those used for Strategic Partnership Projects (SPPs), Cooperative Research And Development Agreement (CRADAs), Agreements for Commercializing Technology (ACTs), User Facility agreements or other Department of Energy (DOE) Management Contractor funded projects.

About Berkeley Lab:

Berkeley Lab is a U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory managed by the University of California and designated a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC). The Laboratory conducts groundbreaking research focused on discovery science and solutions for abundant and reliable energy supplies. The lab’s expertise spans materials, chemistry, physics, biology, earth and environmental science, mathematics, and computing. Researchers from around the world rely on the lab’s world-class scientific facilities for their own pioneering research. Founded in 1931 on the belief that the biggest problems are best addressed by teams, Berkeley Lab and its scientists have been recognized with 17 Nobel Prizes. “Team Science” remains an integral part of Berkeley Lab’s DNA, where research is carried out across multiple scientific disciplines.

Berkeley Lab has a dynamic workforce of 4,000 employees and an annual operating budget of approximately $1.3 billion. The University of California (UC) manages Berkeley Lab for DOE’s Office of Science. About 95% of the Laboratory’s funding comes from federal and state taxpayers, which highlights the importance of stewardship and trust with the public.

Key Responsibilities:

• Function as the SPO main point-of-contact for a designated scientific research area as part of a multifunctional team.
• Advise and consult on contractual issues with Principal Investigator and Finance Officers, negotiate required changes with external sponsoring agencies and collaborators and devise contractual solutions.
• Prepare and enter documentation to track proposals and establish awards in the Lab’s grants administration system.
• Analyze contract terms and conditions in order to successfully negotiate research funding agreements with public and private sector sponsors.
• Independently execute and authorize financial accounts after receiving all necessary approvals from the Department of Energy and Berkeley Lab.
• Obtain Department of Energy approval on exceptions of terms and conditions as required.
• Respond to general questions about policies, procedures and status of work.
• Provide backup support to other Contracts Officers when needed.
• Represent the Strategic Partnerships Office on internal or external committees as needed.
• Responsible for the timely review, negotiation, and execution of complex, high volume sponsored research grants and awards, including duties related to SPPs, CRADAs, ACT and User Facility Agreements.
• Apply advanced knowledge, principles and theories to develop innovative solutions that satisfy the Sponsor while maintaining compliance with UC and DOE policy and regulations pertaining to research agreements.
• Comprehend and interpret complex language, compliance and policy issues within the parameters of DOE and UCOP policy and regulation. 
• Mentorship of junior staff and newly hired Contracts Officers. 
• Assists in the development of and successfully delivers training to Laboratory staff on SPO policies and procedures.
• Involved in developing, modifying and executing Lab policies that affect immediate operations and have a lab wide effect. 

Required qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience. 
• Minimum of 6 years related work experience in a multidivisional organization. 
• Substantial experience in the preparation, negotiation, and administration of complex sponsored research contracts, including developing innovative contracting solutions to engage new research sponsors.
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills, with demonstrated ability to coordinate effectively with sponsors, researchers, and administrative staff in a university-based environment.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively with a variety of stakeholders in a team environment.
• Demonstrated ability to work with the multiple demands of Laboratory staff, DOE and sponsors under constant internal and external deadline pressures.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize and conduct business using complex documents and database, word-processing and spreadsheet programs.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to anticipate, plan for, and resolve unexpected issues in a fast-paced, high-profile environment.

Desired skills/knowledge:

• Experience working for a large research institution.
• Advanced degree in business or law.
• Knowledge of University of California policies related to research administration.
• Knowledge of enterprise resource planning software.
• Familiarity with DOE Orders pertaining to Strategic Partnership Projects and CRADAs, and FAR and DEAR clauses.

Additional Information:

• Application date: Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply with a resume and cover letter describing their interest in the position by Monday, May 25, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the job posting is removed.
• Appointment type: This is a full-time career appointment, exempt (monthly paid) from overtime pay.
• Salary range: The expected salary for this position is $135,000 - $165,000. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary will be commensurate with the final candidate’s qualification and experience, including skills, knowledge, relevant education, certifications, and aligned with the internal peer group.
• Designated Official: This position is subject to the financial disclosure requirements of the California Political Reform Act of 1974. The successful candidate for this position will be required to file financial interest statements upon assuming this position, annually while holding this position, and when leaving this position.
• Background check: This position is subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
• Work modality: This position is eligible for a flexible work mode, with onsite or hybrid work being the preferred modes, though full-time telework or remote work modes will be considered. Hybrid work is a combination of teleworking and performing work on-site at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. A REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification is required to access Berkeley Lab sites (for more information click here).

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The University of California Office of National Laboratories

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: The foundation of Berkeley Lab is our Stewardship Values: Team Science, Service, Trust, Innovation, and Respect; and we strive to build community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We heartily welcome applications from all who could contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, excellence, and professionalism. In support of our rich global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories under State and Federal law.

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.