Contracts and Portfolio Manager (Fixed Term)

About the role

The Cambridge Research Office is recruiting a Contracts and Portfolio Manager for a fixed-term post of three years, leading the UK Pre-clinical Translational Models Hub funded by UKRI. The Hub brings together the University of Cambridge, research institutes, NHS organisations and other partners to turn innovative human disease models into better healthcare. The post holder provides contractual leadership for the Hub's portfolio of collaboration, partnership and project agreements.

Key responsibilities

• Negotiate research-related contracts such as research funding agreements, collaboration agreements, studentships, confidentiality agreements, material transfer agreements and software licences, with single-party and multi-party sponsors and collaborators.
• Protect the researchers' and the University's interests by agreeing terms that safeguard academic publication rights, support future research activity and protect intellectual property where appropriate.
• Advise on costing and pricing, carry out risk assessments and liaise with Cambridge Enterprise on intellectual property matters.
• Support the delivery of Hub projects through stakeholder coordination and project management.

Required profile

• Degree level education or equivalent.
• Ideally experience drafting and negotiating agreements in a university or research-intensive organisation; project management experience and a legal and/or scientific background are an advantage.
• Well organised, able to prioritise and work to deadlines, and able to work independently.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, able to explain complex issues clearly to academics, professional services colleagues and external partners.
• Diplomacy, tact, attention to detail and a calm approach are essential.

Required skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft IT packages.
• An understanding of the research environment is desirable.

The role requires onsite attendance for a minimum of four days per week, split between West Cambridge and the Cambridge Biomedical Campus. Applications are made online quoting reference EW51473, with referees including a current line manager.