Research Contracts Associate

The role

The Research Contracts Team is looking for an organised individual to work closely with the Contract Manager to deliver and manage legal solutions intended to advance the University’s strategic research objectives.

The University of Bristol is regularly ranked as a world leader in research with a ‘research income’ of circa £160m per annum.  As a University we value and take pride in our research outcomes and this is an opportunity to be part of a process that is intended to create real impact both globally and locally.

As a Contracts Associate you will be visible to a range of members of the Research & Enterprise Division as well as to academic members of the relevant faculties.

The Research Contract Team is a progressive and pro-active team that is always looking to improve its systems and processes.  We look to create a positive experience for the academic clients and a friendly and collaborative work environment for the Research Contract Specialists.

What will you be doing?

Reporting to the Contract Manager, you will be expected to: (1) eventually working fully independently; (2) as part of a small, professional and busy team; (3) organise a substantial case load; and (4) provide initial draft, review, and negotiating certain contracts with the assistance of team members and within written guidance.

The type of contracts that you might be expected to negotiate/advise on are, Material Transfer Agreements, Non-Disclosure Agreements and eventually Grant Funding Agreements.

A key aspect of the role will be to build relationships, negotiate and influence effectively.  You will need to be able to think laterally to develop a legal solution and work collaboratively with the Academic Staff to deliver it - as such being a calm, confident and able communicator is key to success in this role.

Knowledge and understanding of the Higher Education sector would also be an advantage.

You should apply if

The team are keen to receive applications from a diverse pool of applicants including:

• you are currently a paralegal in private practice looking to make a move in-house;
• an in-house paralegal looking for a new opportunity; or
• a research contracts professional in the HEI sector, or work with contracts elsewhere.

We are happy to consider hybrid working arrangement.

If you have the skill and determination to step into a role within a busy team then we’re keen to hear from you.

Additional information

The role start date is 1st April 2023.

For any informal enquiries please contact Rajive Sharma Rajive.sharma@bristol.ac.uk

We recently launched our strategy to 2030 tying together our mission, vision and values.

The University of Bristol aims to be a place where everyone feels able to be themselves and do their best in an inclusive working environment where all colleagues can thrive and reach their full potential. We want to attract, develop, and retain individuals with different experiences, backgrounds and perspectives – particularly people of colour, LGBT+ and disabled people - because diversity of people and ideas remains integral to our excellence as a global civic institution.

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