Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) is a globally recognised centre of excellence for teaching and research in tropical diseases. Recently ranked in the top 5.3% of universities in the world, we are proud of the work we do and the impact this has on the people who need our help most. Headquartered in the heart of Liverpool, with colleagues working all around the world, we are on a mission to improve health outcomes in disadvantaged populations globally, through partnership in research and education.
We are now seeking to appoint a University Solicitor to join our Legal & Governance team. This is a pivotal role, providing legal leadership and support across LSTM’s strategic, commercial, and academic operations. You will play a central part in shaping and delivering a robust legal service that supports our mission, protects the organisation, and enables innovation and growth in a global context.
The postholder will support the Director of Legal & Governance, providing expert advice and high-quality legal documentation on a wide range of matters including commercial contracts, strategic initiatives, industry partnerships, and the commercialisation of intellectual property. This is a dynamic role with significant opportunity for leadership and influence across LSTM’s legal and governance functions.
Key responsibilities include:
• Providing high-quality, pragmatic legal advice on commercial contracts, strategic projects, and international partnerships.
• Advising on legal matters relating to contracts, intellectual property, data protection, freedom of information, and LSTM subsidiaries.
• Managing and supervising members of the Legal & Governance team, contributing to a high-performing and collaborative working environment.
• Supporting compliance with legal and regulatory frameworks, and advising on early-stage disputes.
• Acting as a point of referral for complex legal issues, and collaborating across departments such as Research Contracts, Procurement, Education, and Enterprise & Innovation.
• Developing and maintaining template contracts and guidance resources to improve consistency and efficiency.
• Delivering legal training to staff across the organisation and representing Legal & Governance on internal committees.
• Supporting the Estates team on property-related documentation and other legal matters as needed.
The successful candidate will possess:
• A minimum of degree-level education and a postgraduate qualification in a relevant area.
• Qualification as a solicitor (England & Wales) or barrister with significant post-qualification experience.
• A minimum of 3 years’ post-qualification experience advising on a broad range of legal issues.
• Extensive experience drafting, reviewing and negotiating commercial contracts, including international and IP-related agreements.
• Experience of managing early-stage legal disputes and of providing legal training to a wide audience.
• Knowledge of legal requirements relating to subsidiary companies.
• Commitment to continuous professional development and inclusive working practices.
In return we offer:
• 30 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, and additional Christmas closure days
• Generous occupational pension schemes
• Agile working
• Government backed “cycle to work” scheme
• Affiliated, discounted staff membership to the University of Liverpool Sports Centre
• Plus, a host of additional family friendly policies