Research Contracts Manager

University of Oxford; Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

38 days annual leave

Maternity and adoption leave

Hybrid working

Contributory pension

Cycle loan

Discount bus travel

Social clubs

Job summary

University of Oxford's Research Services Department seeks a senior Contracts professional to draft, review and negotiate research agreements across funding, collaborations, sub‑contracts, and data transfers. You will support researchers and partners, ensuring compliance and clear guidance throughout the lifecycle.

Reporting to the Research Contracts Lead, you will manage a large portfolio, provide specialist advice on costing, pricing, and technology transfer, and help foster collaboration

Qualifications

• A degree or equivalent is required.
• Proven track record negotiating research/IP‑related contracts with industry funders or external partners.
• Knowledge of public funding of UK research and collaboration between UK universities and external parties.
• Excellent communication, client liaison and teamwork skills; ability to present complex ideas clearly, both written and verbally.
• Ability to prioritise and manage a very large and complex workload under deadlines.
• Flexible approach and the ability to address problems and generate solutions.
• Be a strong role model promoting a service ethos within the team, with a can‑do attitude.
• Excellent analytical skills and ability to interpret detailed written documentation.
• Sound IT skills.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review and negotiate research contracts (funding, collaborations, sub‑contracting, consultancies).
• Support researchers and administrative staff across the full contract lifecycle.
• Advise on costing, pricing, compliance, data transfer and technology transfer processes.
• Interact with internal stakeholders and external partners to facilitate agreements.
• Maintain and develop strong relationships with customers and colleagues.

Skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Negotiation

Analytical skills

IT literacy

Prioritisation

Problem solving

Education

A degree or equivalent

Job description

The Research Services Department plays a vital role in supporting the University's world-leading research community. Working across all divisions, the department provides expert advice and comprehensive administrative support throughout the entire research lifecycle - from identifying funding opportunities and developing grant proposals to managing awards, contracts, and compliance. With a focus on fostering collaboration, innovation, and excellence, Research Services ensures that Oxford's researchers have the resources and guidance they need to deliver impactful research that advances knowledge and benefits society. Joining the department means contributing to a dynamic, professional team that underpins the success of one of the world's foremost research institutions. The department's work is guided by a set of core values that reflect its commitment to integrity, professionalism, and service. Research Services values collaboration and open communication, recognising that the best outcomes arise from strong partnerships within and beyond the University. The team strives for excellence in everything it does, delivering high-quality, transparent, and responsive support to researchers. Inclusivity, respect, and continuous improvement are central to its culture - ensuring that all staff are empowered to contribute, develop, and innovate in a supportive and forward-thinking environment. The research contracts function within the Research, Funding and Contracts team reviews, negotiates and drafts research contracts through the full lifecycle of research projects and across all academic disciplines in the University, working with researchers and administrative staff to facilitate ground‑breaking research.

This role provides a new and exciting opportunity to support research contracting with industry for the Mathematical Physical and Life Sciences Division working closely with Business Partnership colleagues as well as supporting a high profile project for the Department of Engineering Sciences. As a senior member of the Research Services, Research Funding & contracts Team, the successful candidate will be responsible for managing and negotiating a large portfolio of research related contracts. Reporting to a Research Contracts Lead the successful candidate will be a senior member of a team that facilitates research funding and collaboration by primarily drafting, reviewing and negotiating research related contracts (such agreements cover research funding, multi‑party collaborations, sub‑contracting arrangements, external consultancies, receiving / disclosing confidential information, materials and data transfer, and clinical trials/studies).

Qualifications and Responsibilities

• A degree or equivalent.
• A proven track record of negotiating research/IP‑related contracts with industry funders and other external partners in a university or similar research‑intensive environment, and providing related specialised advice on issues such as research management, costing and pricing of research, collaboration arrangements, compliance, project management, and the technology transfer process.
• Demonstrable knowledge of major issues in the public funding of research in the UK and in research funding and collaboration between UK universities and external parties.
• Excellent communication, client liaison and teamwork skills, including the ability to discuss ideas and seek advice from academic and administrative staff; communicate complex ideas with a clear, concise writing and presentational style; provide clear advice verbally; represent the University externally; exercise tact and discretion when dealing with confidential matters; and develop positive relationships both with the team's customers and with colleagues in Research Services
• Ability to prioritise and manage a very large and complex workload and to work calmly to deadlines and under pressure in a team context
• Flexible approach and the ability to address problems and generate solutions
• Ability to set your own work and priorities, plus that of others, within the wider institutional context, including the academic divisions, departments and the national context.
• Ability to be an excellent role model and set the highest standards, to promote a service ethos within the team, have a can‑do attitude, help bring fresh thinking to tasks, achieve results with and through others, and inspire and motivate people.
• Excellent analytical skills and the ability to interpret and respond effectively to detailed written documentation.
• Sound IT skills.

The University of Oxford has been ranked the world's leading university for nine consecutive years. A place where centuries of tradition meet world‑changing innovation, we offer you the chance to shape the future while working in an inspiring environment that promotes excellence. Here, you'll contribute to ground‑breaking research that tackles global challenges - from advancing sustainability to pioneering healthcare solutions - and join a diverse, inclusive community that champions your wellbeing, development, and aspirations.

Benefits

• 38 days of annual leave (inclusive of public holidays) to support your wellbeing, with the option to purchase up to 5 extra days and additional leave after long service.
• One of the most generous family leave schemes in UK higher education, offering up to 26 weeks of full‑pay maternity and adoption leave, plus 12 weeks of full‑pay paternity/partner leave.
• A commitment to hybrid and flexible working.
• An excellent contributory pension scheme.
• Affordable and sustainable commuting options, including a cycle loan scheme, discounted bus travel, and season ticket loans.
• Access to a vibrant community through our social, cultural, and sports clubs.