Research Contracts Specialist International and Institutional

We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated self-starter for the post of Research Contracts Specialist-International and Institutional in the Research Office, to negotiate research contracts on behalf of the University and our researchers.

The role will be based in the Research Office Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences and International Team and be line managed by the Senior Contracts Manager AHSS/International. The post-holder will thereby benefit from being part of a School based team whilst gaining experience across all of the Research Operations Office School teams through managing a cross-school contracts portfolio.  Cross-school working will be an integral part of the training and will enable the post-holder to gain a breadth of experience incorporating elements that are more specific to particular Schools' needs in addition to the usual range of responsibilities for the role.

As a Research Contracts Specialist-International and Institutional, you will manage a portfolio of varied research contracts, including material transfers, data access, studentships, research collaborations. You will need to take into consideration the terms of our varied funders, ranging from Research Councils, UK Government Ministries, the European Commission, charities, overseas organisations and a wide range of industry.

You will have to understand, interpret, review and negotiate legal terms in an often complex context and to coordinate several parties in order to finalise an agreement. Training will be provided.

You will have a pragmatic approach to drafting terms that facilitate the partnership between the University's researchers and external collaborators, while strategically assessing and managing risk to the University. To do this well, you will need to liaise and interact with researchers to ensure agreements are appropriate to the research context.

The role will offer the successful applicant the opportunity to:

1.Be a member of an experienced contracts team

2.Work within one of the most dynamic and varied research centres in the world;

3.Represent the University in negotiations with a wide and varied range of funders and collaborators;

4.Work with and foster close relationships with researchers who are at the forefront of scientific advancement;

5.Develop negotiation and contract drafting skills to respond effectively to complex, and often ground-breaking, research collaborations;

6.Develop a clear understanding of contractual aspects important in research, such as intellectual property and publication, within a world-renowned institution.

You will have good understanding of research-related collaborations and contracts or relevant post-doctoral experience and contracts experience in the context of collaborations with partners in the Global South is desirable. You will ideally have knowledge of basic intellectual property law principles, preferably gained through experience of working within research environments such as a university or a research-intensive organisation, including industry. You must be well organised and able both to prioritise and work to deadlines.

You must be able to work well independently and as part of a team and have excellent verbal and written communication skills. Diplomacy, tact, attention to detail and a calm approach are essential. You will be proficient in using Microsoft IT packages.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 2 years in the first instance 

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