Research Contracts Advisor/Negotiator
Research Contracts Advisor up to £37,500 depending on skills and experience
Research Contracts Negotiator up to £42,000 depending on skills and experience
Permanent, full time, open ended.
Based at any UKCEH site, home working or hybrid working considered
Applications will be reviewed upon receipt
Interviews will be held on an adhoc basis
About the role
Advise staff on all research related contractual agreements including the use of and protection of IPR as well as ensuring those agreements are in line with UKCEH policy and enable UKCEH to achieve its charitable objectives.
Upon receipt of your application, if you meet the requirements of one of the below roles - you will be invited to interview. For the avoidance of doubt there is only one position available.
About us
The UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology is an independent, not-for-profit research centre carrying out excellent environmental science with impact. We are home to around 500 scientists, who work to understand the environment, how it sustains life, and the human impact on it. We provide the data and information that governments, businesses and researchers need to create a productive, resilient and healthy environment. Scientific curiosity, integrity and transparency are at the heart of how we work.
Key Responsibilities
Research Contracts Advisor (B6)
Main Duties
Draft and finalise standard research contracts and other agreements in a timely manner, namely NDAs, MTAs, Collaboration Agreements using the Brunswick, Lambert templates, contract amendments and subcontracts
Identify, communicate and mitigate contractual risks
Support the Band 5 Advise on contractual issues, including intellectual property rights, to both internal staff and external stakeholders
Ensure that CEH's project contracts enable future use of project results both for future scientific research and where appropriate for commercial exploitation
Delegated authority to sign contracts in line with UKCEH policy up to £125,000.
Skills Required
A good degree in an appropriate subject plus demonstrable legal skills and knowledge.
Ability to draft contracts and negotiate on a range of agreement types.
Experience within a research contracts environment would be an advantage.
Good interpersonal skills and ability to establish close working relationships with scientists and non-scientists alike at all levels
Excellent communication skills (written and oral) and an ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team
Excellent attention to detail with the proven ability to produce high quality outputs and results
Excellent level of numerical ability and proven computer skills, including Excel, and ideally a good knowledge of relevant contract management software
To keep abreast of all relevant legislation
Research Contracts Negotiator (B5)
Main Duties
Draft and finalise research contracts and other agreements in a timely manner including strategically important work and bespoke agreements.
Take active lead on government funded contract and commercial agreements as well as more complex agreements where there are more complex risks including reputational, intellectual property, collateral warranties, liquidated damages amongst other things.
Support the Tender Support Team with time-pressured submissions to funders when required.
Where necessary support the Quality Assurance Manager in the completion of risk assessments, escalating where required.
Identify, communicate and mitigate contractual risk including through discussions with PIs and where required briefing senior management including the Head of Contracts and Licensing and the Director for Impact and Innovation.
Stay constantly aware of UKCEH processes with respect to contract management and seek to improve and streamline our processes wherever possible.
Provide support and training to other members of the team when required.
Provide specialist support for UKCEH staff on all aspects of contracts and contracts management
Advise on contractual issues, including intellectual property rights, to both internal staff (including BDMs, People Team, Tender Support and others and external stakeholders (including our partners on bids as well as counterparts).
Ensure that UKCEH's project contracts enable future use of project results both for future scientific research and where appropriate for commercial exploitation
Manage the individual contracts process for and behalf of UKCEH staff, taking into consideration specific project requirements
Contribute to in-house training sessions at individual CEH sites and to the preparation of training materials
Delegated authority to sign contracts in line with UKCEH policy up to £250,000.
Skills Required
A good degree in an appropriate subject plus a good knowledge of relevant legal matters and at least two years’ experience in a research contracts or commercial environment
Evidence of recent work experience within a contracts environment at an equivalent level.
Proven ability at drafting and negotiating project contracts, including consortia and sub contracts, Framework Agreements, Memoranda of Understanding and Material Transfer Agreements
Good interpersonal skills and ability to establish close working relationships with scientists and non-scientists alike at all levels
Excellent communication skills (written and oral) and an ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team
Excellent attention to detail with the proven ability to produce high quality outputs and results
Excellent level of numerical ability and proven computer skills, including Excel, and ideally a good knowledge of relevant contract management software
To keep abreast of all relevant legislation