Contracts Specialist

Position Description:

Position Summary

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) enables leading edge research at radio wavelengths by offering telescope, facility and advanced instrumentation access to the astronomy community as well as to other basic and applied research communities. With radio astronomy as its foundation, the National Radio Astronomy Observatory is a world leader in advancing research, innovation, and education. The Observatory is an exciting and dynamic organization that is pushing the boundaries of our understanding of the universe.

At NRAO, we are seeking to recruit a full-time Contracts Specialist to join our Contracts and Procurement team with a position in Albuquerque, NM.

The Contract Specialist will be responsible for perform all manner of contracts, subcontracts and grant related duties; including pre-award, award, and close-out activities necessary to conduct AUI/NRAO business with a broad spectrum of domestic and international organizations.

The position is based at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory offices in Albuquerque, NM.

What You Will be Doing:

• Administers contracts and subcontracts from award through close-out.
• Maintains contracts and related document files.
• Coordinates the approval request process for large procurements and outside funding proposals that require the review and approval of NRAO senior management, AUI and NSF.
• Coordinates activities with NRAO buyers to ensure continuity of efforts and full accountability and tracking of current and pending contractual obligations.
• Assists with review and monitoring to ensure that Observatory practices and procedures maintain compliance with a variety of Federal guidelines and regulations while dealing with institutions of higher learning, state agencies, and public corporations.
• Proactive compliance with NRAO and government safety policies and procedures in own work areas.
• Other duties as assigned.

Work Environment

Work is mission driven, team oriented and typically performed in an office setting within a research or development environment.

Who You Are:

• You have an Associate's degree in a relevant field or equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• You have three years of experience in purchasing or a related field.

Competency Summary

• Demonstrated written communications
• Demonstrated oral communications
• Able to read and understand large quantities of technical materials related to the position as well as information regarding scientific proposals
• Excellent analytical, negotiation and communication skills
• Fundamental knowledge of pricing concepts, accounting standards, and cost principles
• Proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite

Additional Requirement

Observatory employees must be authorized to work in the United States. The Observatory presently cannot sponsor H-1B visas for this position.

Total Rewards:

AUI offers a comprehensive total rewards package for this position, subject to eligibility requirements. We are committed to serving our employees and their families with an extensive and competitive compensation and benefits package that supports our employees' overall well-being and career growth.

Compensation

AUI strives to attract and retain dedicated, highly qualified, competent, and motivated employees by offering competitive compensation and recognition for performance.

Factors which may affect starting pay within this range may include; education, experience, skills, competencies, other qualifications of the successful candidate, as well as internal equity and labor market conditions.

Benefits:

AUI's benefits package addresses the needs of employees and their families with most benefits beginning on the first day of employment. NRAO provides excellent paid time off (13 holidays, annual accrual of up to 24 vacation days and 15 sick days, additional time off for doctor/dentist visits, and 8 weeks of paid parental leave). Medical, dental and vision plans are effective on the first day of employment. AUI's retirement benefit contributes an amount equal to 10 percent of a qualified participant's base pay with no required employee contribution; we also offer an optional supplemental, tax-deferred plan for employee retirement contributions.

Application Instructions:

Select the "Apply" button. Please be prepared to upload your current CV/Resume and a cover letter describing interest and suitability for the position

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:

AUI is an equal opportunity employer. To view our complete statement, please visit If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, you may submit your request by sending an email to

Job Type: Full-time

Work Location: In person