Research Contracts Associate

Full time (0.8 FTE may be considered)

Research Services - fixed term post (12months – secondment cover)

The University of Oxford is a stimulating work environment, which enjoys an international reputation as a world-class centre of excellence. Our research plays a key role in tackling many global challenges, from reducing our carbon emissions to developing vaccines during a pandemic.

Research Services is one of the key Professional Services Department supporting Oxford’s research and innovation community. Our values include teamwork, professionalism, continuous improvement, empathy, respect and trust. Join the University of Oxford's Research Funding and Contracts team within Research Services and embark on a rewarding career opportunity in Research Services.

Applications are invited for a senior research contracts administrator to join a friendly, busy and collaborative team. This is an exciting opportunity for someone to develop their experience and skills relating to research contracts, learning from specialists in the team and supporting contractual activities underpinning research across the University’s departments.

What We Offer

As an employer, we genuinely care about our employees’ wellbeing and this is reflected in the range of benefits that we offer including:

• An excellent contributory pension scheme
• 38 days annual leave
• A comprehensive range of childcare services
• Family leave schemes
• Cycle loan scheme
• Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans
• Membership to a variety of social and sports clubs

This role also offers the opportunity for hybrid working (the contract team is based in 5WS (Central Oxford) with an expectation of a minimum of 50% of time spent on site).

About the Role

As a Research Contracts Associate, you'll play a pivotal role in supporting our departments and researchers. Collaborating with experienced contract professionals and led by a Research Contracts Lead, you'll contribute to the success of our research endeavours.

Your Responsibilities will include

• Managing a portfolio of research contracts, ensuring compliance and effective negotiation.
• Provide exceptional support to our researchers and departments throughout the research funding process.
• Collaborate with senior colleagues in complex negotiations and contribute to shaping the future of research at our institution.

We are also currently advertising for a Senior Research Contracts Administrator within the Research Contracts Team, a role which is more broadly focussed on supporting the research contracts team.

About You

The successful candidate will bring a customer-focused approach, exceptional interpersonal skills, and a talent for problem-solving with the ability to review and digest complex information. Experience of research agreements is not essential, but you will have an interest in this area, and a willingness to learn.

You will be detail-oriented, and possess effective communication abilities to engage with diverse stakeholders, with a willingness to proactively manage a busy portfolio of agreements, working with senior colleagues where required.

You will need to be fully at ease with using databases, spreadsheets and other electronic systems in order to manage your work (training will be provided in specific systems).

Application Process

You will be required to upload a covering letter/supporting statement, CV and the details of two referees as part of your online application.

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on 31st October 2024.

Interviews will take place on the week commencing 11th November and will be face to face.

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