Contracts Associate

Job details

Job category/type: Professional and Managerial

Job description

Part Time (0.8 FTE), Fixed Term (12 months)

Closing date: 23:59 10th November 2026

Interviews will be held: Friday 20th November 2026

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. 

There may be costs associated with a visa application, including the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which are not paid for by the University of Reading and cannot be claimed back. For further information on potential costs please visit: Healthcare Surcharge Information GOV.UK

Research Engagement and Innovation Office are currently seeking to recruit a part-time Contracts Associate to provide additional support for research income generation, to work alongside lead Contract Managers in managing a growing portfolio of diverse research income and knowledge exchange relationships.

As part of an experienced and specialist contracts management group based in our Research Engagement and Innovation Office, Contracts Associates contribute to contract preparation, negotiation, review and authorisation as part of our service to support and enable research, knowledge exchange and impact generating activity across the University. 

This provides an exciting opportunity for you to contribute to the success of the University.

Interviews for this post will be held on 20th November2026. The interview will include a pre-interview task shared on the day before the interview.

You will have:

• An undergraduate degree or equivalent experience or qualifications, and a demonstrable knowledge of contract law.
• Demonstrable contracts drafting and negotiation experience, preferably in a higher education, public sector or commercial research environment.
• The ability to think clearly and logically, with a keen eye for detail, in reviewing and producing contract documents to a high standard.
• 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, external parties, academic colleagues and management at all levels.
• A service and solution oriented approach

Contact details:

Frosso Tsapanidou, Head of Research Contracts e.tsapanidou@reading.ac.uk

Anne-Marie van Dodeweerd, Director of Research Services a.vandodeweerd@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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