Research Contracts Manager

Are you a Research Contracts Manager passionate about facilitating ground-breaking research? Join the University of Oxford’s Research Funding and Contracts team and help support world-class research.

Location: 5 Worcester Street, Oxford, OX1 2BX; hybrid
Salary: £49,119–£58,265 per annum
Contract: Full Time, Fixed Term until 31st July 2031

About Us

The University of Oxford has been ranked the world’s leading university for nine consecutive years. Combining tradition with innovation, we offer an inspiring, inclusive environment where you can contribute to ground-breaking research, develop professionally and help address global challenges.

The Research Services Department supports Oxford’s research community throughout the research lifecycle, providing expert advice on funding, contracts and compliance. Guided by our core values, we champion integrity, collaboration, excellence, inclusivity and continuous improvement.

Our research contracts function reviews, drafts and negotiates agreements across all academic disciplines, enabling researchers to deliver world-leading research.

What We Offer

Working at Oxford offers excellent benefits, including:

• 38 days’ annual leave, including public holidays, with additional leave options.
• Generous family leave, including up to 26 weeks’ full-pay maternity/adoption leave and 12 weeks’ full-pay paternity/partner leave.
• Hybrid and flexible working.
• An excellent contributory pension scheme.
• Sustainable commuting options, including discounted travel and loans.
• Access to social, cultural and sports clubs.

About the Role

This exciting opportunity supports industry research contracting within the Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences Division, working closely with Business Partnership colleagues and supporting a high-profile Engineering Sciences project.

Reporting to a Research Contracts Lead, you will manage a substantial portfolio of research contracts, drafting, reviewing and negotiating agreements covering research funding, collaborations, subcontracting, consultancy, confidentiality, materials and data transfer, and clinical studies.

About You

You will demonstrate:

• A degree or equivalent qualification.
• Proven experience negotiating research/IP contracts with industry and external partners in a research-intensive environment, alongside knowledge of research management, costing, compliance and technology transfer.
• Knowledge of UK public research funding and university collaborations.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, client liaison and teamwork skills, with the ability to provide clear advice, build relationships and handle confidential matters discreetly.
• Ability to manage complex workloads, prioritise effectively and meet deadlines under pressure.
• A flexible, solution-focused approach, with the ability to work independently and establish priorities for yourself and others.
• Strong leadership qualities, a service-focused attitude and the ability to motivate colleagues and deliver results.
• Excellent analytical skills and the ability to interpret complex documentation.
• Sound IT skills.

Sponsorship and Right to Work

This role meets Skilled Worker visa sponsorship criteria. The University will cover visa and NHS surcharge costs for applicants requiring sponsorship.

Please indicate if you require sponsorship.

Application Process

Please upload:

• A covering letter/supporting statement (maximum one page).
• Your CV.
• Details of two referees.

Please do not use AI tools to draft your application.

Closing date: 12 noon, 23rd November 2026.

Interviews: 7th December 2026, face-to-face.

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