Contracts Associate

Closing date 23:59 18th January 2026.
Part-time (28 hours per week), fixed-term contract (1 year).

Due to the complexity of the Skilled Worker Visa route and eligibility criteria, applicants requiring sponsorship are recommended to check their eligibility on the Home Office website. We cannot provide advice to candidates at the application stage and will only discuss visa routes with candidates who are invited to interview.

We are looking to recruit a Contracts Associate to join our Research Contracts and Projects team, within the wider Research Engagement and Innovation Office (REIO). We aim to empower research, engagement and innovation by providing efficient high-quality contract management and project solutions, supporting University policies, global strategy and charitable aims, by taking responsibility for the negotiation and management of a portfolio of research and research-related contracts.

Contract Associates contribute to the success of the University’s research and innovation portfolio by contract preparation, negotiation, and review. You will work alongside lead Contract Managers in managing a growing portfolio of diverse research income and knowledge exchange relationships, concentrating on Confidentiality, Technical Services, Material Transfers and Amendment agreements, but with opportunities to support more complex research and innovations projects as well, at an exciting time as we look to implement new systems and services as part of our aim to continuously improve our offering.

This is a fixed-term role available from 1st March 2026 until 1st March 2027.

You will have:

• Demonstrable contract drafting experience, preferably in a higher education, public sector or commercial research environment.
• An ability to work under pressure, both individually and as part of a team, to prioritise and simultaneously progress multiple projects towards deadlines.
• The ability to communicate clearly and effectively in order to explain contract contents, to obtain relevant background information and to agree actions with colleagues.
• A demonstrable knowledge of contract law.
• A desire to succeed and make a positive contribution to the work of the department.

Interviews will be held in the week commencing 26th January. The interview will include a short, written assessment

Contact:
Rob Glenn, Senior Contracts Manager, r.j.glenn@reading.ac.uk.

We welcome applications from both external and internal candidates. As part of the University’s ongoing commitment to professional development, this role can be considered on a seconded basis for existing staff members. Internal candidates should discuss this with their line manager prior to applying.

The University is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and the Race Equality Charter, and champions LGBT+ equality. We are a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2). Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.

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