Research Contracts Advisor/Research Contracts Negotiator

UKCEH is looking for a Research Contracts Advisor or  a Research Contracts Negotiator to join our team of talented individuals, contributing to scientific discovery and generating the data, insights and solutions that researchers, businesses and governments need to solve complex environmental challenges. 

Working at UKCEH is rewarding. Our science makes a real difference, enabling people and the environment to prosper, and enriching society. We are the custodians of a wealth of environmental data, collected by UKCEH and its predecessors over the course of more than 60 years.  

As a valued member of our team, you’ll get: 

•  27 days annual leave, rising to 29 days after five years, plus 3 days for our Christmas closure  
• 10% employer pension contribution 
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave (subject to qualifying requirements) 
• 24 hour, 365-day access to support with physical, mental, social, health or financial issues plus access to our trained Welfare Officers 
• Flexible working opportunities 

And much more... 

You’ll be joining our knowledgeable Research Contracts team supporting our staff on all research related contractual agreements ensuring those agreements are in line with UKCEH policy and enable UKCEH to achieve its charitable objectives. 

You’ll be joining a leading independent, not-for-profit research institute that’s committed to recruiting talented people like you, progressing your career and giving you the support you need to thrive at UKCEH. 

For the Research Contracts Advisor role your main responsibilities will include:  

• Draft and finalise standard research contracts and other agreements in a timely manner, namely NDAs, MTAs, Collaboration Agreements using the Brunswick and Lambert templates, contract amendments and subcontracts 
• Identify, communicate and mitigate contractual risks 
• Support 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. 

For the role of Research Contracts Advisor we’re looking for somebody who has: 

• A good degree in an appropriate subject or demonstrable relevant legal skills, knowledge and relevant experience; knowledge of contract law, intellectual property and publication rights would be advantageous 
• Ability to draft research-related 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 level of numerical ability and proven computer skills, including Excel, and ideally a good knowledge of relevant contract management software 
• Self motivation with the ability to keep abreast of all relevant legislation 

For the Research Contracts Negotiator role your main responsibilities will include: 

• 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, brief senior management including the Research Contracts Manager, the Director of Finance and the Chief Executive 
• 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 internal staff (including BDMs, People Team, Tender Support and others and external stakeholders (including our partners on bids and 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. 

For the role of Research Contracts Negotiator we’re looking for somebody who has: 

• A good degree in an appropriate subject or demonstrable relevant legal skills, knowledge and relevant experience; knowledge of contract law, intellectual property and publication rights is required 
• Evidence of recent work experience with contracts at an equivalent level 
• Proven ability at drafting and negotiating project contracts, including consortium agreements and related 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 level of numerical ability and proven computer skills, including Excel, and ideally a good knowledge of relevant contract management software 
• Self motivation, with the ability to keep abreast of all relevant legislation 

If we’ve just described you, we’d love to meet. Apply now. Please send us your CV, accompanied by a covering letter which highlights any relevant skills and experience, together with what excites you most about the role and working for UKCEH.   

Unfortunately, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this position at this time.