Research Contracts Advisor

UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology; Lancaster; Hybrid; GBP 37,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading independent research institute as a Research Contracts Advisor, where you will manage contracts and ensure compliance with policies. The role involves drafting agreements, advising on contractual issues, and working collaboratively within a dedicated team to support impactful environmental research.

Benefits

27 days annual leave plus 3 days for Christmas closure

10% employer pension contribution

Flexible working arrangements

Peer reward and recognition scheme

Dental insurance and fitness discounts

Enhanced maternity and paternity leave

24/7 support for health and financial issues

Qualifications

• Proven experience drafting and negotiating contracts.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience in research contracts environment preferred.

Responsibilities

• Draft and finalize research contracts and agreements.
• Identify and mitigate contractual risks.
• Support team on contractual issues.

Skills

Contract negotiation

Interpersonal skills

Attention to detail

Analytical thinking

Communication

Education

Degree in relevant subject or equivalent experience

Tools

Contract management software

Excel

Job description

Salary - £37,405 – £39,694

Hybrid working (50/50)

Permanent, Flexible working arrangements considered

We reserve the right to close this advert early if we find the right candidate, so we encourage you to apply early.

UKCEH is seeking an pragmatic and solutions-focused Research Contracts Advisor to join our small but highly skilled and dedicated Contracts and Compliance team. This team plays a critical role within the organisation, providing expert support on all research-related contractual agreements. Ensuring these agreements align with UKCEH policy, the team helps facilitate research that advances our charitable objectives and drives meaningful environmental impact.

Managing in excess of 50+ contracts, prioritising tasks, and maintaining high-quality outputs means staying adaptable and solution-focused. You’ll be joining a team which thrives on being incredibly well organised, approaching tasks in an analytical manner and with a proactive mindset.

Our team is small but mighty, built on a foundation of collaboration, trust, and a shared commitment to excellence. We look out for each other, combining kindness with a detail-oriented approach to tackle complex challenges together. While the work can be tricky, we support one another, ensuring that no one is left to navigate difficulties alone. We’re always thinking about how we can improve, questioning existing ways of working, and adding value wherever possible. Intellectual curiosity and a willingness to challenge the status quo are not just welcomed—they're encouraged.

We are an inclusive and welcoming group, where diverse perspectives are valued, and strong working relationships are essential. Sitting within the wider finance function, we work closely with both scientists and non-scientists at all levels, requiring strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively. Whether solving problems, streamlining processes, or keeping track of multiple moving parts, we rely on teamwork, clear communication, and mutual respect.

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, Lambert templates, contract amendments and subcontracts
• Identify, communicate and mitigate contractual risks
• Support the team to advise on contractual issues, including intellectual property rights, to both internal staff and external stakeholders
• Ensure that UKCEH's project contracts enable future use of project results both for future scientific research and where appropriate for commercial exploitation
• Undertake due diligence checks on third party organisations and assist with the completion of due diligence requests and checks by external parties
• To keep abreast of all relevant legislation
• Delegated authority to sign contracts in line with UKCEH policy up to £250,000.

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

• Previous proven experience drafting contracts and negotiating on a range of agreement types
• Although not essential, a degree in an appropriate subject or relevant experience would be desirable, plus demonstrable legal skills and knowledge
• Experience within a research contracts environment or HEI/science research type organisations would be a strong advantage
• First-class written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively and work both independently and within a team.
• Good interpersonal skills and ability to establish close working relationships with scientists and non-scientists alike at all levels
• Strong attention to detail, with a proven track record of delivering high-quality outputs and results.
• Excellent numerical skills and proficiency in IT, including Excel, with ideally some experience in relevant contract management software.

Above all, we are a team that values both precision and people, balancing a rigorous approach to work with a culture of warmth and support. If you thrive in a dynamic, detail-driven environment where collaboration is key, you'll feel right at home with us.

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.

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.

Apply today!

If this opportunity resonates with you and aligns with your personal career goals, the team would love to receive your application. Please apply by submitting your CV along with a covering letter that highlights any qualifications, skills or experience you believe are relevant to this role.

Working for UKCEH is rewarding

We appreciate the continuous dedication and contributions of our staff, which is why we provide a comprehensive benefits package that includes financial incentives and wellbeing-oriented perks , such as:

• 27 days annual leave (rising to 29 days after 5 years’ service) plus 3 days for Christmas closure

• 10% employer pension contribution

• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements (role dependant)

• Peer reward and recognition scheme

• Dental insurance, gym/fitness discounts, retail discount portal

• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave

• 24-hour, 365-day support with physical, mental, social, health or financial issues and much more...

Apply today!

If this opportunity resonates with you and aligns with your personal career goals, the team would love to receive your application. Please apply by submitting your CV along with a covering letter that highlights any qualifications, skills or experience you believe are relevant to this role.

At UKCEH, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace where everyone—regardless of background, identity, ability, or circumstance— has the opportunity to thrive. As a Disability Confident employer, we actively encourage applications from neurodivergent candidates and those with disabilities. We are happy to provide any adjustments or support you may need throughout the application process—please don’t hesitate to reach out. So, if you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every requirement, we’d love to hear from you anyway. You may be just the right fit for this role or another within our wider team.

Please note:

Unfortunately, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role and this does not qualify for endorsement to support a Global Talent Visa application. If you are considering pursuing self-sponsorship, please indicate this in your application so we can take it into account during the recruitment process.