Contracts Officer

University of Southampton; Southampton; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Southampton is seeking a Contracts Officer for the Research Contracts team within the Faculty of Medicine. This full-time role involves drafting and negotiating research contracts while providing support to academic staff. Candidates should have excellent communication and organizational skills to handle a portfolio of contracts effectively.

Qualifications

• Excellent communication skills required.
• Organized with the ability to multi-task.
• Experience in a customer-focused office environment.

Responsibilities

• Drafting, reviewing and negotiating research contracts.
• Advising academic staff throughout the contract pre-award process.
• Facilitating collaborations with external partners.

Skills

Communication

Organizational skills

Customer service

Education

Degree or equivalent

Job description

Location: Highfield Campus

One of the top-ranked universities globally, the University of Southampton is an exceptional place where people achieve remarkable things. Outward looking and research intensive, Southampton has gained prestigious recognition for its wide-ranging successes and history of world-changing achievements.

Research represents the lifeblood of the University of Southampton. It powers everything we do, from our innovative teaching to our growing portfolio of spin-out companies, enabling the development of products and services for the benefit of individuals, businesses and the wider economy.

Research and Innovation Services (RIS) provides expert advice and assistance for research funding and contracts, research integrity and governance, technology transfer and the commercialisation of intellectual property, collaboration with industry, and public engagement with research.

We are now recruiting a Contracts Officer to join the Research Contracts team aligned to the Faculty of Medicine. This post is offered on a full-time, permanent basis.

You will be part of a team of contract officers within a wider contracts team that is responsible for the drafting, review and negotiation of research contracts for the University. With a strong focus on systems and customer service, you will advise and support academic staff throughout the contract pre-award process. You will facilitate collaborations with external partners by ensuring the use of appropriate research agreements are put in place taking responsibility of your own portfolio of contracts.

Educated to degree level or equivalent, you will have excellent communication skills, be well-organised with the ability to multi-task and to work well as part of a busy team. You will be a self-starter and enjoy the challenge of making things happen in a fast-moving environment. You will have strong office experience in a customer-focused environment. Experience in working in a research support capacity within the Higher Education sector would be advantageous, together with drafting Clinical Research Agreements.

Our vision and mission at the University of Southampton is to have a community where staff and students feel welcome, supported and valued. RIS fosters a culture of inclusion, respect and equality of opportunity, encouraging applicants from diverse backgrounds, with the belief that excellence will be achieved through recognising the value of every individual. Our flexible working practices, including an emerging hybrid working model, where employees can split their working time between the office and home, support our belief that this balance brings long-lasting benefits for our institution as well as our people. For this role candidates will need to be on campus regularly and to be available to attend meetings and events externally as required.

For an informal discussion about this post, please contact Doug Akins, Head of Research Contracts, Research and Innovation Services – [e-mail]

Further details:

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applicants who supports our mission of inclusivity.

You should submit your completed online application form by clicking the ‘Apply’ button above.

Closing Date: Tuesday 22 July 2025

Interview Date: To be confirmed