Job Description
Main duties/ Key responsibilities:
Management of the research grants and contracts advisory service
To draft and negotiate research contracts and agreements for the organisation under the general guidance of the Deputy Head of Research Contracts, involving balancing competing interests such as: protecting academic freedom to operate (use of results and intellectual property, publication); maximising the opportunities for translation and knowledge transfer, and where possible exploitation; funder's/sponsor's terms and conditions; managing risk through negotiation of warranties, liabilities and indemnities in accordance with approved risk management frameworks; ensuring compliance with nationally recognised policies, procedures and best practice; recording research governance arrangements, requiring a good knowledge of applicable legislation and guidance and explaining how these apply to the research being proposed.
The post holder will be expected to draft and negotiate contracts, to ensure these are in the best interests of the organisation.
The post holder will be expected to use their skills and experience to analyse and assess risks associated with proposed contracts or collaboration, under the general guidance of the Deputy Head of Research Contracts, who is available for advice.
There are often pressing timescales for the contracts under negotiation, and the post holder will need to enjoy the challenge of working across many activities simultaneously, and meeting tight deadlines, and be able to assign time in accordance with risk.
Approve (within delegated authority) or recommend submission of all external funding applications, noting and negotiating any unusual terms and conditions. The Research Office includes a Research Support Manager who provides advice on pre- and post- award issues and who manages registrations with electronic grant submission systems.
To identify and support due diligence and contractual issues associated with the transfer into or out of the department of individual research leaders/groups.
To develop a knowledge of the research portfolio of the organisation including the requirement for evaluation and protection of intellectual property. This requires a good knowledge of the various forms of intellectual property rights common to a research environment.
Education / qualifications / training required:
Essential:
· A degree level qualification in law or business administration, or equivalent experience in research contracts preparation and administration in an academic or Research and Development environment.
Desirable:
· Qualification in intellectual property law
· Experience (or degree) in biological sciences
Previous work experience required:
Essential:
· Relevant experience of contract drafting and contract management
· Experience of working in a fast-paced environment
Desirable:
· Contract drafting and management in a scientific environment