Contracts Manager

About the role

The University of Cambridge's Research Office is looking for an enthusiastic, motivated self-starter to act as Contracts Manager. The Research Office partners with the University's academic community to support its research, and the post holder negotiates agreements on behalf of researchers and the University, ranging from material transfers to multi-party research collaborations funded by Research Councils, charities, the European Commission and industrial sponsors.

Key responsibilities

• Negotiate agreements that protect both the researchers' and the University's interests, safeguarding the right to publish results and pursue further research while protecting the University's charitable and academic position.
• Consider protection of results for potential commercialisation and appropriate access to intellectual property rights for sponsors and collaborators.
• Draft terms pragmatically that facilitate partnerships between the academic community and research collaborators, while assessing and managing inherent risks.
• Liaise with researchers so that agreements fit the research context.

Required profile

• Ideally extensive experience drafting and negotiating agreements in a university or research-intensive organisation, including industry.
• Project management experience and a legal and/or scientific background would be an advantage; an understanding of the scientific research environment is desirable.
• Well organised, able to prioritise and work to deadlines, and able to work independently and in a team.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, able to explain complex issues clearly to academics, corporate and government representatives.
• Diplomacy, tact, attention to detail and a calm approach are essential.
• Degree level education or equivalent.

Required skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft IT packages.

Candidates apply online through the University's recruitment system, quoting reference EW51474, and must provide referee details including a current line manager. Applications are shortlisted against the person specification.