Research Contracts Manager

TPP Recruitment; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Specialisation in research funding

Development of specialised knowledge

41 days off annually

Competitive pension

Job summary

A leading UK higher education institution based in London is seeking a Research Contracts Manager to support world-class academic research. You will manage research agreements, provide advice to stakeholders, and negotiate optimal terms with collaborators. The role requires excellent communication skills and the ability to prioritize multiple projects. This full-time role offers a sector-leading salary and 41 days off a year, with a mix of onsite and remote work.

Qualifications

• Experience as a Research Contracts Manager ideally within the Higher Education sector.
• Ability to articulate complex issues clearly to a wide range of stakeholders.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple projects.
• Autonomous worker who collaborates effectively in a team.
• Attention to detail and diplomacy in negotiations.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality research contract advice to academic and administrative staff.
• Prepare draft research agreements considering specific project requirements.
• Review research agreements and negotiate with sponsors for optimal terms.
• Support pre-contractual processes and maintain records.
• Ensure compliance with charitable status, publication rights and IP handling.

Skills

Research contract negotiations

Excellent communication skills

Ability to prioritize workload

Customer-focused skills

Autonomy and teamwork

Job description

Business Manager - Education at TPP Recruitment

A leading UK higher education institution is seeking a Research Contracts Manager to support a world‑class science faculty known for pioneering research across the physical, mathematical and life sciences. In this role you will enable high‑impact academic research by drafting, reviewing, negotiating and approving a broad range of research agreements. You will collaborate with partners including industry sponsors, start‑ups, charitable organisations, government bodies and international academic institutions.

Working closely with internal academic and professional services colleagues, you’ll advise on contractual matters relating to externally‑funded research and ensure agreements protect the institution’s charitable status, future research freedom, publication rights and appropriate handling of intellectual property.

This is a full‑time, open‑ended contract (permanent) based in London, working three days on‑site with reduced days during holiday periods.

Responsibilities

• Providing high‑quality research contract advice to academic and administrative staff across a variety of funders and collaborators.
• Preparing draft research agreements in discussion with academic and departmental staff, taking into consideration specific project requirements.
• Reviewing research agreements and efficiently negotiating with a range of sponsors to achieve the best possible contractual terms within their policies.
• Being familiar with university administration processes to facilitate pre‑contractual arrangements.
• Maintaining computerised records and ensuring that management information is accurate and up‑to‑date.

Benefits

• The opportunity to specialise in research funding opportunities in the University sector.
• The opportunity to develop specialised knowledge in research contracts for scientific research.
• The opportunity to continue your career at a world‑leading institution.
• Sector‑leading salary and remuneration package (including 41 days off a year).
• Competitive pension.

Qualifications

• Experience as a Research Contracts Manager with proven understanding and meaningful experience of research contract negotiations, ideally within the Higher Education sector.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex issues clearly to a wide range of stakeholders.
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced environment and prioritise workload to ensure timely delivery across multiple projects.
• Comfortable working autonomously and as part of a dynamic team.
• Passion for providing a quality service; strong attention to detail, tact and diplomacy; customer‑focus skills.

Closing date: 19th January