Purpose of Role
: To prepare, negotiate and conclude commercial contracts, including confidentiality agreements, studentships, research collaborations with other universities and with industry & consultancy agreements. The role will support the University’s Strategy 2035 with contractual advice for both research and knowledge exchange to protect the University’s intellectual property and fulfil its charitable purpose.
Summary of Key Duties and Responsibilities:
1. To draft, negotiate and advise on research and related contracts, subcontracts, confidentiality agreements, studentships, collaboration agreements, etc.
2. To provide commercially focussed advice on industrial sponsorship deals and contracts.
3. To draft and review software licences, patent and knowhow licences and associated documentation.
4. To provide general intellectual property advice to academic and professional services colleagues.
5. To provide general contractual advice to support other directorates within the university, eg Enterprise, Finance, Estates & Facilities, Governance & Legal Services, etc
6. To assist the Head of Legal and Senior Contracts Adviser on a variety of contractual matters as required.
7. To undertake any other duties required from time to time by the Head of Legal or the Director of Research Engagement.
Education, Qualifications & Experience:
These are the criteria on which the short-listing and recruitment selection will be made:
Essential
8. Educated to first degree level in law (LLB) or business with relevant legal content
9. Experience of working within Higher Education or a similar environment
10. Proven relevant experience in commercial contracts which will have been acquired over a number of years, with a basic understanding of the relevant theory
11. Good knowledge and understanding of intellectual property rights
12. Excellent interpersonal, influencing and presentation skills, able to understand and communicate complex issues effectively
13. Demonstrable ability to work quickly, flexibly and accurately in a dynamic, changing and pressured environment
14. Experience of working closely with stakeholders across all levels of the organisation
15. High level organisational skills with the ability to prioritise major developments and to function effectively in a pressured environment
16. Demonstrable strong ethical standards with a commitment to being present and engaged in the workplace
17. Ability to work professionally and effectively both independently and as part of a team
Desirable
18. Professional Qualification or membership of Professional body (Law Society)
19. Understanding of the different aspects of commercialisation in a university context
20. Experience of using Worktribe
About our School/Directorate and Team: The Research Engagement Directorate consists of three linked divisions – Research Development, Legal and Policy Strategy & Impact - spanning the breadth of research engagement from supporting researchers with the development of research proposals and bids, to collaborating with industry on research & development, as well as knowledge exchange projects, and public engagement
The Legal division’s mission is to protect the interests of the University in its research and knowledge exchange activities, and support its Excelling in Research & Enterprise strategy.