Contracts Manager

Our Contract Services team in Research and Innovation Services (RIS) plays a pivotal role in managing, facilitating, and negotiating contracts for research and innovation activity across UCL. UCL has seen unprecedented success in the volume of successful grants in recent years. This, alongside growth in complexity of the international research environment, has increased the scope and reach of UCL's contracting team. In response to this growth and complexity, and as part of a suite of strategic changes to UCL's research and innovation support, we are we are investing in a programme of transformation around UCL's research and innovation contracting, bringing in additional capacity, expertise and development opportunities. About the role In partnership with colleagues across UCL and a range of partners and funders, Contract Managers represent UCL in contractual negotiations for a wide range of UCL's research and innovation activity. The role holder will work as part of a high-profile team and will provide advice to UCL Academics and Departments on the contractual obligations, responsibilities and risks arising from research-related activity. Specific duties and responsibilities include:

• Reviewing, drafting and negotiating a wide variety of research and research related agreements supported by Research and Innovation Services, including but not limited to funding agreements; research collaborations; sub-contracts, framework agreements, studentships; sharing of confidential information for pre-contractual discussions; transferring materials; accessing data; and loaning and accessing equipment.
• Providing advice on the rights, obligations, and risks of engaging in research and research related activities under an agreement and to ensure compliance with relevant domestic legislation.
• Reaching a commercially acceptable position for UCL in relation to liability and indemnity, the right to publish, protection in intellectual property, licences and general commercialisation rights, and other key contract related issues.
Please see the job description for full details. Please also read the Candidate Guidance document. When completing your supporting statement, please tell us, using examples, how you meet the essential and if applicable desirable criteria stated in the person specification. This appointment is subject to UCL Terms and Conditions of Service for Research and Professional Services Staff. Please visit . For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Saniyah Testa via . If you have a query about the application process, please raise a ticket with our Recruitment team via .

You will enjoy stimulating and challenging work, playing a key contributing role in enabling UCL's world-changing research. While holding significant individual responsibility, you are also likely to thrive on working collaboratively and building strong relationships, and will be comfortable challenging and negotiating, bringing a supportive but resilient approach. You will be comfortable advising a range of UCL colleagues on complex points of law and policy, though will look to senior team members for support with the most complex and demanding cases. The role will also suit those keen to develop their skills and contribute to an exciting change agenda. You will be able to demonstrate the following key skills and experience:
• Knowledge of key contract topics (e.g., intellectual property, performance, publication, confidentiality, warranties, liability and indemnity, data protection/privacy, governing law and jurisdiction) and an understanding of how these can be addressed when reviewing, drafting and negotiating research contracts or legal agreements.
• Commercial and pragmatic contract negotiation skills.
• Ability to convey complex information to a non-specialist audience.
  
  Welcome to London's global university, where research transforms lives. We are second in the UK for research power, tackling some of the world's greatest challenges: from developing ground-breaking cancer treatments, helping people out of poverty, taking action on climate change, improving children's mental health, championing equality and diversity and protecting human rights. We attract investment from across the world and generate £10bn a year in UK economic activity.
Research and Innovation Services (RIS) provides UCL's academic and professional services community with the tools, support, and expertise they need to deliver cutting-edge research and innovation:
• We support UCL Academics to submit more than 4,000 applications each year
• Our service supports UCL Researchers to secure around £470million in funding every year
• There are around 6,000 active awards and contracts in our portfolio
• UCL is No. 2 in the UK for research power and No.1 in London - REF 2021
  
  As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents we also offer some great benefits some of which are below:
• 41 Days holiday (including 27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days)
• Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
• Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
• On-Site nursery
• On-site gym
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
• Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
• Discounted medical insurance
Visit to find out more. Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion As London's Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world's talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL's workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women. You can read more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here: . Available documents