Commercial Research Officer (Pre-Contract)

The role

Are you passionate about bringing together commercial funders and the University?  Join us as a Commercial Research Officer (Pre-Contract) and help us support impactful research projects that benefit the University, its partners, and the wider world.

In this role, you will be a key member of the Commercial Research (Pre-Contract) team. The team handles a diverse portfolio of research projects across the whole University, funded by industrial partners of all types (from large global corporations to local companies in various sectors, including energy, pharmaceuticals, space....). With a focus on the first phase of good contracting practice, the "Pre-Contract Negotiation", you will play a pivotal role in laying the foundations for a smooth and efficient contract journey for both internal and external stakeholders.

With the Commercial Research (Pre-Contract) Manager, you will work alongside academic research teams, financial and legal experts, and others, driving forward each proposed project from outline plan to final proposal, and negotiating an “agreed” position to be formalized in a contract by our legal specialists.

This is an opportunity to thrive in a dynamic, intellectually stimulating environment at a top UK university, contributing to groundbreaking research and making a real impact. We offer a hybrid work environment, competitive salary, flexible working arrangements, a generous pension scheme, and attractive perks, along with opportunities for professional development and career progression.

What will you be doing?

Reporting to the Commercial Research Manager (Pre-Contract) you will:

• Be the initial contact for academics planning to do commercial research and will work closely with academics and colleagues across the University to progress new opportunities.
• Ensure a seamless process by providing advice to key stakeholders, assisting with negotiation, and ensuring that the team maintains an accurate record of each case’s development.
• Provide essential support to the Commercial Research Manager (Pre-Contract) and assist in refining our processes and systems to provide an efficient service.
• Work across different internal areas, often with competing priorities, helping colleagues to work together transparently, as “One Team” to achieve the best outcomes for UoB and our partners.

You should apply if

You have:

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal, and can engage with different audiences.
• Outstanding administration and organisation skills with the ability to prioritise your workload and deal with competing priorities.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• An understanding and appreciation of both industrial and academic cultures and environments and are passionate about supporting research.
• Some experience in negotiating prices and key terms and conditions applicable to research activities.

These are our ideal requirements, but we know some people are less likely to apply for the role unless they are 100% qualified. The University promotes a supportive and empowering culture, please apply if you meet the majority of these competencies.

Additional information

For informal queries about the role, please contact Jennifer Arosio, jennifer.arosio@bristol.ac.uk

Interviews are expected to take place on Tuesday 25th June.

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