SUPP111782

The Research Contracts Team is looking for a skilled contracts negotiator/legal advisor to work closely with a Research Contract's Manager to deliver and manage legal solutions intended to advance the University's strategic research objectives. The University of Bristol is regularly ranked as a world leader in research with a 'research income' of circa £200m per annum. As a University we value and take pride in our research outcomes and this is an opportunity to be part of a process that is intended to create real impact both globally and locally. As a Contract Officer you will work across teams and faculties and provide legal advice related to research contracts including but not limited to the drafting of research related contracts within set guidelines and more complex agreements under the supervision of the Contract Manager. The Research Contracts Team is a progressive and pro-active team that is always looking to improve its systems and processes. We look to create a positive experience for the academic clients and a friendly and collaborative work environment for the Research Contract Specialists.What will you be doing? Reporting to the Contract Manager, you will be expected to: (1) working independently; (2) as part of a small, professional and busy team; (3) and draft, review, and negotiating contracts (where relevant under the supervision of the Contract Manager). The type of contracts that you might be expected to negotiate/advise on are: Collaboration Agreements, Grant Agreements, Data Sharing/Processing Agreements, Material Transfer Agreements, Non-Disclosure Agreements, Studentships and other agreements typical for this role. A key aspect of the role will be to build relationships, negotiate and influence effectively. You will need to be able to think laterally to develop a legal solution (along with guidance and processes to automate services) and work collaboratively with the Academic Staff to deliver it - as such being a calm, confident and able communicator is key to success in this role.,

• Internal/External secondments (with approval from your current line manager);
• a solicitor in private practice looking to make a move in-house;
• an in-house solicitor looking for a new opportunity; or
• a research contracts professional in the HEI sector, or work with contracts elsewhere.
We are happy to consider candidates who wish to work in a hybrid environment (but we cannot accept a fully remote position). We have an excellent track record of providing training in both hard and soft skills designed to develop a well-rounded pragmatic and commercially focused legal advisor.


• An understanding of contract structure, terminology and practice, and a commensurate knowledge of basic legal principles of contract law.
• Experience of contract drafting and negotiation in an academic, government, commercial, industrial or research- based environment.
• The ability to express complex ideas with clarity and with a clear, concise writing style.
• Versatility and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances and respond well in the face of multiple and shifting priorities.