Research Contracts Manager

University of Oxford; Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave 38 days

Maternity and adoption leave up to 26/

Hybrid working

Cycle loan scheme

Bus travel discounts

Social clubs

Job summary

The University of Oxford’s Research Services, Research Funding & Contracts Team seeks a senior Research Contracts Manager to drive a large portfolio of research-related contracts. You will draft, review and negotiate agreements with industry partners, supporting funding, collaboration, and compliance across divisions, reporting to a Contracts Lead.

This hybrid role sits within a world-renowned research ecosystem, offering opportunities to influence policy, build strategic partnerships, and

Qualifications

• A degree or equivalent.
• 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 specialized 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.

Responsibilities

• Drafting, reviewing and negotiating research related contracts (e.g. funding, multi-party collaborations, sub-contracting, external consultancies, confidential information transfers, data transfer, clinical trials).
• Support research contracting with industry for the Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences Division and higher profile projects, working with Business Partnership colleagues.
• Report to a Research Contracts Lead as a senior member of a team that enables funding and collaboration across divisions.
• Provide specialist advice on costing, pricing, collaboration, compliance, project management, and technology transfer processes.

Skills

Contract negotiation

Communication skills

Project management

Analytical skills

Teamwork and collaboration

Prioritisation and time management

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Job description

UK date and time: 05-November-2026 13:57

5 Worcester Street, Oxford, OX1 2BX and Tinsley Building, Mansfield Road, OX1 3TA

Are you a Research Contracts Manager passionate about facilitating ground-breaking research? Join our dynamic Research Funding and Contracts team at the University of Oxford and help support world-class research, education, and operations in a globally respected institution.

Location: 5 Worcester Street, Oxford, OX1 2BX; hybrid.

Contract: Full Time, Fixed Term Contract until 31st July 2031

About Us

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.

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.

What We Offer

Working at the University of Oxford offers several exclusive benefits, such as:

• 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.
• 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.

About the Role

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).

About You

You are able to demonstrate that you have:

• 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 specialized 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.

Sponsorship and Right To Work

This role meets the criteria for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa. The University will meet the cost of the Skilled Worker visa and NHS surcharge for applicants that require a visa.

Please let us know in your application if you require sponsorship.

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on 23rd November 2026.

Interviews will take place on 7th December 2026 and will be held face-to-face.