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- Tasks: Lead clinical research contracting and negotiate high-value agreements.
- Company: UCL, a top global university with a rich history and innovative research.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 41 days holiday, hybrid working, and professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in world-class research that changes lives.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor with extensive experience in clinical research contracting.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team and enjoy excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 92000 - 100000 £ per year.
Location: London
Working Pattern: Full time
Salary: £77,000+
Contract Type: Permanent
Working Type: Hybrid
Closing Date: 11-Jan-2026
UCL is a radically different university. Founded in 1826 in the heart of London, we were the first university in England to welcome students of any religion and the first to welcome women to university education. Today UCL has over 50,000 students and 18,000 staff, is one of the world’s top 10 universities and is recognised as one of the most successful research institutions in the world, consistently ranked as one of the top ten universities in the world and is 2nd in the UK for research power and 1st in London.
UCL is a world-leading research-intensive university with an annual turnover of around £1.8bn. Our research and innovation continue to grow in scale and complexity, with record levels of research income and impact achieved last year.
Playing a key role in supporting the UCL research portfolio of 6,000 active research awards and contracts with an annual research income of £500M, Research and Innovation Services (RIS) supports and advances UCL’s position as a world beating research led University. RIS provides high quality research and innovation support that adds value to the academic mission, improves compliance with terms and conditions, policies and regulation, and showcases the expertise of having a centre of excellence of dedicated research and innovation support professionals.
About the role
We are seeking an outstanding and experienced leader to take on the newly created role of Deputy Director, Contract Services (Clinical Research). This is a senior position at the centre of UCL’s world-leading clinical research enterprise which combines legal and contractual expertise with strategic leadership and collaboration across a complex partnership landscape.
Working closely with the Director of Contract Services, you will provide senior-level advice and leadership across all aspects of clinical research contracting. You will lead negotiations on our most complex and high-value agreements, collaborate with UCLH’s Joint Research Office, the Office of General Counsel, and senior academics to resolve challenging issues, and develop clear institutional standards and governance frameworks that support excellence in research delivery.
You will also play a key role in shaping how UCL delivers its contracting services: leading by example, fostering a culture of professionalism and collaboration, and ensuring that our processes and systems continue to evolve to meet the needs of our researchers and partners. Alongside this, you will deputise for the Director in the leadership of the wider Contract Services team, contributing to strategic planning and representing the function at senior levels within and beyond UCL.
This is an influential and rewarding opportunity for a senior professional who enjoys combining strategic thinking with practical problem-solving, and who is motivated by the chance to support world-class research that changes lives. The role is based at UCL’s Bloomsbury campus, with hybrid working arrangements available.
The salary for this role is from £92,000 per annum, with typical appointment expected up to £100,000 depending on skills and experience.
You will be a qualified solicitor (or equivalent) with extensive experience in clinical research contracting, whether gained in higher education, the health sector, private practice or industry. You will have deep knowledge of clinical trial governance, intellectual property, and the regulatory and ethical frameworks governing human research, as well as experience negotiating with a range of partners including NHS bodies, funders, and industry.
You are an experienced leader, able to inspire and guide a specialist team and to act as a trusted adviser to senior stakeholders. You will bring a collaborative, customer-orientated and solution-focused approach to your work, applying sound judgement and pragmatism to enable high-quality outcomes and the highest standards of service delivery. You will be skilled at building strong working relationships across organisational boundaries and at supporting colleagues and partners through complex contractual discussions with clarity and professionalism.
Equally important will be your commitment to continuous improvement and to modelling a positive, inclusive and service-oriented approach to leadership. You take pride in setting high standards, leading by example, and coaching others to deliver excellent customer care in support of UCL’s research mission.
What we offer
As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents we also offer some great benefits.
Deputy Director, Contract Services (Clinical Research) in London employer: Association of Higher Education Professionals
Contact Detail:
Association of Higher Education Professionals Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Director, Contract Services (Clinical Research) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, attend industry events, and connect with UCL alumni. Building relationships can open doors that you didn’t even know existed.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching UCL’s recent projects and initiatives. Show us that you’re not just interested in the role but also in how you can contribute to our mission of world-class research.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Deputy Director, you’ll need to lead complex discussions. Role-play scenarios with friends or mentors to build your confidence and refine your approach.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Director, Contract Services (Clinical Research) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Deputy Director role. Highlight your experience in clinical research contracting and how it aligns with UCL's mission. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to our team!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: This role is all about leadership, so don’t hold back! Share examples of how you've inspired teams or led successful projects in the past. We’re looking for someone who can guide our Contract Services team with confidence.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point—just like we do in our work!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our amazing team at UCL!
How to prepare for a job interview at Association of Higher Education Professionals
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of clinical research contracting and the specific regulations that govern it. Familiarise yourself with UCL's research portfolio and recent projects to show that you're genuinely interested in their work.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience, especially in guiding teams through complex negotiations. Be ready to discuss how you've fostered collaboration and professionalism in previous roles.
✨Be a Problem Solver
Think of scenarios where you've successfully navigated challenging contractual discussions. Use these examples to demonstrate your strategic thinking and practical problem-solving skills during the interview.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about UCL's approach to clinical research and how the Contract Services team fits into their broader mission. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
