Costings and Contracts Officer | Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust

Are you experienced in research costing and contracts and looking to take on a more senior, specialist role? We are looking for an enthusiastic, motivated and smart-working Costings and Contracts Officer to provide expertise and leadership to the department including costing clinical research studies. An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Costings and Contracts Officer. The post holder will be expected to provide support to the management team in relation to their R&D responsibilities and undertake a range of research administrative and support tasks that contribute to the effective running of the Research Operations Unit.

The Costing and Contracts Officer will work as an integral part of the Research and Development Department, helping to promote and further research in the NHS and contribute to the Trust's Research Strategy. The post holder will be expected to lead on the costing and contract review of both new research studies and study amendments for both commercial and non-commercial sponsored studies as well as provide expertise and guidance in matters relating to costing and contracts to fellow staff.

This is a key role within the Costings and Contracts Service, with responsibility for leading the development, review, and negotiation of study costings and contracts for NIHR portfolio studies. You will work closely with sponsors, academics, finance teams, and external partners to ensure studies are set up efficiently, in line with national frameworks, and compliant with governance requirements. You will also contribute to expanding research activity across NHS and non-NHS settings and improving access for underserved populations. You will also contribute to Noclor's research funding activity, supporting investigators through grant application processes, helping to maintain the funding pipeline, and assisting with post-award administration in liaison with finance and operational teams.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone with a solid grounding in research contracts or governance who is looking to broaden their experience, work across a complex NHS system, and grow into a more senior role over time.

You will be part of the Noclor NHS Research Support Service based in Kentish Town—a collaborative and high-performing team committed to “promoting the best in research”. We work across the North London Research Delivery Network, partnering with leading academic institutions such as UCL and Imperial College London, alongside GP practices, care homes, and community services. We offer a range of training and development opportunities to support your career progression in research management.

This is a primarily office-based role (Monday to Friday). Home working is not permitted during the first six months; thereafter, one day per fortnight may be worked from home.

You will be responsible for overseeing the costing and contract service identifying NHS Costs for grants led by CNWL and/or partner trusts and therefore providing support to our researchers in costing grant applications, as well as providing support in completing Schedule of Events for Cost Attribution to accompany grant applications. You will work closely with other members of the research office, clinical researchers and multidisciplinary teams, and in collaboration with other research partners, both industry and academic to ensure the highest quality standards are achieved. In addition, you will provide costing and pricing training and advice, and will develop appropriate frameworks and policies at an organisational level.

The post holder will have past experience of costing and contracting within the NHS and with knowledge of AcoRD methodology as well as a sound working knowledge of current UK clinical trials regulations and Good Clinical Practice requirements. They must possess strong problem solving and analytical skills and be able to work to tight deadlines. He/she will be required to work flexibly and to organise their workload and cope with conflicting demands on their time but prioritise their work accordingly.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead on the development, review, and negotiation of research study costings in line with national frameworks (e.g. AcoRD, NIHR guidance).
• Take ownership of research contracts and agreements, liaising with sponsors, legal, and finance teams.
• Provide specialist advice on costing, contracts, and research governance to internal and external stakeholders.
• Oversee financial tracking, forecasting, and reconciliation of study budgets.
• Identify, manage, and resolve issues relating to study set-up, costing, and contracting.
• Contribute to the development and improvement of costing and contracting processes within the service.