Costings and Contracts Officer in London

• Job overview
• Costing & Contracts Officer (Band 6) – Noclor NHS Research Office, North London

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.

The role involves supporting the management team in relation to R&D responsibilities and undertaking a range of research administrative and support tasks that contribute to the effective running of the Research Operations Unit.

As part of the Research and Development Department, the post holder will lead on the costing and contract review of new research studies and amendments for both commercial and non‑commercial sponsored studies, and provide guidance and expertise in costing and contract matters to fellow staff.

Main duties of the job

This key role carries responsibility for leading the development, review and negotiation of study costings and contracts for NIHR portfolio studies.

It also involves working closely with sponsors, academics, finance teams and external partners to ensure studies are set up efficiently and in line with national frameworks and governance requirements.

Key duties include

• Leading the development, review and negotiation of research study costings in line with national frameworks (e. g. Aco RD, NIHR guidance)
• Owning research contracts and agreements, liaising with sponsors, legal and finance teams
• Providing specialist advice on costing, contracts and research governance to internal and external stakeholders
• Overseeing financial tracking, forecasting and reconciliation of study budgets
• Identifying, managing and resolving issues relating to study set‑up, costing and contracting
• Contributing to the improvement of costing and contracting processes within the service
• Working for our organisation

Part of the Noclor NHS Research Support Service based in Kentish Town, the role offers a collaborative and high‑performing team environment.

The organisation partners with leading academic institutions, GP practices, care homes and community services, and offers training and development opportunities to support career progression in research management.

Benefits include a generous relocation package (subject to eligibility assessment) and flexible working options.

• Primarily office‑based role (Monday to Friday)
• Home working not permitted during the first six months; thereafter one day per fortnight may be worked from home
• Knowledge and experience
• Significant experience in a healthcare research support environment
• Working knowledge of national research contract templates (m CTA, m NCA, MTA, DTA) and costing frameworks (ACo RD, So ECAT, FEC)
• Strong knowledge of the UK clinical research landscape including NIHR, HRA, MHRA, and ICH GCP
• Experience of grant application procedures and major funding bodies’ terms and conditions
• Experience reviewing, drafting and amending research contracts and legal agreements
• Good knowledge of contracting issues including intellectual property, confidentiality, publications and liability
• Experience managing research project finances, monitoring income and expenditure, and fund flows
• Experience of multi‑stakeholder management across complex organisations
• Experience of working with or within the pharmaceutical industry or CRO sector
• Experience of negotiating research contracts in the NHS, HEI or similar context
• Knowledge of specialist R&D databases (e. g. EDGE, CPMS)
• Experience of NHS finance systems and processes

Skills & abilities

• Ability to interpret and analyse complex scientific and financial information
• Excellent communication and customer service skills; able to liaise effectively at all levels
• Ability to prepare and deliver presentations and reports to a high standard
• Strong interpersonal skills to work with clinical and management colleagues across organisations
• Strong problem‑solving skills and ability to exercise sound judgement
• Good IT skills including MS Office, Excel and web‑based applications
• Ability to plan, manage and deliver multiple projects to tight deadlines
• Able to maintain accurate, detailed records and data entry
• Capable of working independently and managing own workload effectively
• Experience with LPMS, EDGE or similar portfolio management systems
• Values
• Initiative and drive to achieve results
• Attention to detail and conscientious approach
• Highly motivated with a commitment to continuous professional development
• Flexible approach; willing to adapt to changing priorities
• Demonstrable performance‑focused and results‑driven attitude
• Ability to work under pressure and to deadlines
• Ability to deal with conflict and resist change
• Eligibility and sponsorship

The vacancy does not meet the criteria for Skilled Worker sponsorship, unless the applicant meets the criteria by temporary exemption from changes to immigration rules announced on 22/07/2025.

If you do not meet the Transitional Provision, we are unable to consider your application unless you can provide documentary evidence of your right to work in the United Kingdom.

Please provide full details of your immigration status in the Pre‑Screening Immigration section of your application form.

Eligibility also depends on whether the role meets the salary threshold for the relevant occupational code (SOC CODE).

• Degree in a science, health, IT or related subject, or equivalent experience in an NHS or commercial research environment
• NCVR principles and commercial research finances in NHS
• Application information
• Due to high response levels, vacancies may expire before the advertised closing date; please submit early.
• Applications from job seekers who require sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications.
• Our Agenda for Change employment contracts are subject to a contractual 13‑week probationary period.
• If you are offered a job, information will be transferred to the national NHS Electronic Staff Records system.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) usage policy

AI can be used as a support tool, not a replacement for the applicant’s own work.

Applications must remain personal, accurate and reflective of the candidate’s real experience.

AI‑generated content must not misrepresent skills, qualifications or experience.

Over‑reliance on AI is discouraged and may diminish the applicant’s chances of success.

The use of AI is prohibited during the interview process.

Employer certification / accreditation badges

The postholder will have access to vulnerable people and must comply with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) and Order 2020.

A Disclosure and Barring Service check will be required to confirm no previous criminal convictions.

We are committed to advancing equality for LGBT+, BME and people with disabilities, and pride ourselves on an inclusive workplace.

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