Research Contracts Co-ordinator

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) invites applications for a role within the Research Contracts Team. The post holder will coordinate preparation, negotiation and execution of a range of research contracts, including clinical trial and collaboration agreements, funding awards, and material transfer agreements.

They will liaise with internal teams and external partners to ensure timely execution, compliance with Data Protection Act, UK GDPR and Caldicott principles, and maintenance

Qualifications

• Experience in contract negotiation and execution.
• Experience developing systems for collecting and processing information.
• Experience developing relationships across organisations.
• Knowledge of Data Protection Act, UK GDPR and Caldicott principles.
• Client-oriented approach to achieving objectives.

Responsibilities

• Assist in preparation, negotiation and execution of research contracts (clinical trial, collaboration, funding, MTAs).
• Liaise with MFT colleagues and external parties on contractual obligations.
• Maintain contract templates and advise on proper use.
• Ensure compliance with governance and information governance requirements.

Skills

Contract negotiation

Relationship building

Regulatory awareness

Education

Post-graduate qualification in science/healthcare law

Tools

MS Office

Adobe Acrobat/Sign

DocuSign

Job description

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The Trust sponsors and hosts many research studies, including clinical trials of investigational medicinal products (CTIMPs), medical devices and clinical investigations. The post holder will co-ordinate the preparation, negotiation and execution of contracts. They will be expected to become integral to a streamlined R&D process, ensuring adherence to research governance guidelines and regulations . A key part of the role is to co-ordinate collaboration agreements with external partners and parties; to set them up efficiently and to funder deadlines and keep research teams informed of progress.

Main duties of the job

Main duties and responsibilities will include:

Working within the Research Contracts Team to assist and facilitate in the preparation, negotiation and execution for a range of different research contracts such as clinical trial agreements, collaboration agreements, funding awards and material transfer agreements.

Communicate effectively to liaise with both MFT colleagues and external parties in the negotiation of contractual obligations. Particularly for collaboration agreements which often involve several different parties.

Assist colleagues in the Research Contract Team to maintain a portfolio of contract templates and advise MFT colleagues on their appropriate use.

Contribute to the Research Contract Team remit to ensure staff conducting data driven innovations are given appropriate advice on requirements to comply with the Data Protection Act, UK GDPR, and Caldicott principles.

Ensure correct contract documents are used, agreed and executed in a timely manner enabling the Trust to meet its project performance targets.

Working for our organisation

Join Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT), the largest provider of specialist services, and our Oxford Road Campus in Manchester, the largest health academic campus in Europe – a great place to shape your career.
With a workforce of over 30,000 colleagues, we work together to deliver exceptional care to more than 1 million people every year.
Behind every patient cared for are people like you - keeping services running smoothly, supporting clinical teams, and helping create safe, welcoming environments for patients and our people alike.
At MFT, we believe in the power of teamwork, respect, and inclusion. Our People Plan reflects our commitment to making MFT a place where everyone feels they belong, where your ideas are heard, and your contribution is truly valued. Join us and work smarter with our digital technology and thrive in a collaborative culture that empowers you to deliver your best to ensure that your work behind the scenes creates seamless, high-quality care and exceptional patient outcomes.
Whether you're just starting out or looking to grow, we offer clear pathways for development and a culture that supports your wellbeing, ambition, and success. Everything you do makes a real difference to the lives of others.
At MFT, your role matters, your impact is real, and you’re part of something bigger from day one.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

IMPORTANT CANDIDATE INFORMATION

To find out more about the key responsibilities and the specific skills and experience you’ll need for this role, take a look at the Job Description & Person Specification attachments under the ‘Documents to download’ heading.

Explore ‘Inside MFT – Your Candidate Place’

To help you feel confident, prepared and fully informed before you apply, we invite you to explore Inside MFT – Your Candidate Place. This welcoming one‑stop hub gives you a real sense of who we are, what we stand for, how we reward and support you, and the many ways we care for you as you care for others. You’ll also find practical hints and tips for submitting a great application, along with the essential information you need to know before you apply.

To access ‘Inside MFT – Your Candidate Place’, simply click on the relevant PDF document under the ‘Documents to download’ heading and once opened, you can either scan QR code or click on the link provided.

We welcome applications from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.
To help us manage applications fairly and give each one the time it deserves, our adverts may close early if we receive a high level of interest. Early applications are therefore encouraged.

Diversity Matters
MFT is committed to promoting equality of opportunity, celebrating and valuing diversity and eliminating any form of unlawful discrimination across our workforce, ensuring our people are truly representative of the communities we serve. All individuals regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation are encouraged to apply for this post. As an inclusive employer, we are here to support you. If you have any special requirements to help you with your application, please contact the manager named below.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in your application

Here at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, we’re proud to be ALL HERE FOR YOU, for our patients, our communities, and each other.
As part of our commitment to fairness, transparency, and personal integrity, we ask all applicants to ensure that their job applications reflect their own experiences, skills, and motivations. While AI tools can support spelling, grammar, or formatting, we expect that the content of your application, especially personal statements and responses to role specific questions is written by you. This helps us get to know the real you and ensures that our recruitment process remains equitable and meaningful for everyone.

Thank you for helping us uphold the values that make our Trust a place where people belong, grow, and thrive. We look forward to receiving your application.

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check

As part of our commitment to safeguarding patients and staff, many roles at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) require a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. This is a standard process across the NHS and helps us ensure a safe environment for everyone.

What is a DBS Check?

A DBS check is a background check that reveals any criminal convictions, cautions, reprimands, or warnings. The level of check required depends on the role:

Standard DBS: Checks for spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and final warnings.

Enhanced DBS: Includes the above, plus any additional information held by local police that’s considered relevant to the role.

Enhanced with Barred Lists: Includes all of the above, plus checks against the children’s and/or adults’ barred lists.

Who Needs a DBS Check

Most roles involving direct patient contact, working with children or vulnerable adults, or access to sensitive information will require a DBS check. The job advert and recruitment team will let you know if this applies to your role.

The Costs for a DBS

At Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT), roles that require a DBS check are subject to a cost recovery policy. This means that the cost of submitting and processing a DBS application if you are successful and join us, will be deducted from your salary within the first three months of employment. If, however, you withdraw from a conditional offer after the DBS process has begun, you will still be liable for the cost incurred.

Candidates are also expected to register with the DBS Update Service which must be completed within 30 days of the certificate being issued. This helps streamline future employment checks and supports safer recruitment practices. For more information, please visit the DBS Update Service.

Person specification

Qualifications

• Post-graduate qualification, for example a postgraduate degree in science or experience in healthcare related discipline, or in Law (or related to Law) in context of the same.

Knowledge

• Knowledge of national process of research contracts in the NHS or clinical trials in general.
• Knowledge of the regulatory framework and research processes in the NHS.
• Understanding financial management procedures.
• Knowledge of Information Governance in relation to research.

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

• Experience in contract negotiation and execution. This could be as part of experience as a clinical research coordinator.
• Experience of developing and maintaining comprehensive systems for collecting and processing information.
• Experience of developing relationships across organisations.
• Proficient in IT skills with a good working knowledge of standard office software, particularly MS and Adobe (using Adobe Acrobat, Adobe sign) and DocuSign.
• Previous NHS or research environment experience.
• A client orientated approach to completing tasks and achieving objectives.
• Contract performance monitoring.
• Knowledge and experience of using research LPMS (eg. R-Peak, EDGE) and Florence eBinders.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Excellent organisational skills, with a systematic approach and ability to pay attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to work as part of a productive and efficient team.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to prioritise own workload and practice effective time management.
• Ability to work under pressure and to tight and unexpected deadlines.
• Able to demonstrate initiative and judgement particularly in identifying key issues.

ATTRIBUTES

• Analytical and time managed approach to completing tasks and achieving objectives.
• Able to work independently with minimal day‑to‑day supervision.
• Enthusiastic, resolute and flexible approach.
• Innovative and positive approach.
• Approachable

OTHERS

• Flexibility to work across all hospital sites, in person and remotely.

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