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- Tasks: Lead negotiations and manage research agreements to support high-quality research.
- Company: Join a prestigious university with a focus on innovative research.
- Benefits: Flexible working patterns, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in research by ensuring smooth contractual processes.
- Qualifications: Experience in contract management and a strong understanding of research funding.
- Other info: Collaborate with diverse teams and enhance your career in a dynamic environment.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
The Senior Research Contracts Manager will provide expert leadership in the negotiation, drafting and management of research agreements, ensuring that the University's interests are protected while enabling high quality research activity to proceed efficiently. Acting as a senior point of escalation for complex or high risk contractual matters, the post holder will offer authoritative advice on contractual terms, governance requirements and compliance obligations across a diverse range of funders and partners.
The role will involve drafting and negotiating a wide variety of research agreements, including collaboration agreements, contract research agreements, framework agreements, subcontracts, sub awards and studentships, working with a broad range of UK and international sponsors and collaborators. The post holder will also contribute to the smooth running of the research contracts function, including coordinating the development of standard agreements and supporting the design and implementation of robust internal contracting processes and workflows, ensuring continuous enhancement of research contracting across the institution.
You will work alongside two other Senior Research Contracts Managers who provide leadership and oversight for the University's research contracting function, ensuring consistent practice, effective workload management and a coordinated, high quality service. The post holder will build strong working relationships with academic colleagues, Professional Services teams and external partners, providing clear guidance and negotiation leadership that balances institutional risk with enabling research activity.
This role is central to ensuring contractual readiness, robust risk management and the effective transition of projects into delivery. A thorough understanding of the UK HEI research funding landscape is essential. Reporting to the Head of Research Operations, you will be a key member of the Senior Management Team.
The post holder must be highly organised, detail focused and proactive in solving problems, with the ability to prioritise and manage a busy and varied workload. You will be comfortable working across multiple concurrent projects at different stages of development. As a confident communicator, you will form close working relationships with colleagues across the Operations Team, the Research Development Team, Faculty Offices, Heads of Department, Directors of Research, Department Managers and other Professional Support Staff.
Subject to business need, the working pattern can be arranged to suit the successful applicant. Dependent on experience, the successful applicant may need to work on campus for the majority of the time for the first three months.
Senior Research Contracts Manager in North East employer: Durham University
Contact Detail:
Durham University Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Research Contracts Manager in North East
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the research and academic sectors. Attend relevant events or webinars where you can meet potential colleagues or partners. Building relationships can often lead to job opportunities that aren't even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by knowing your stuff! Research the university's recent projects and partnerships. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially around negotiation and contract management. Show them you’re the expert they need!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview or networking event, drop a quick thank-you email. It keeps you on their radar and shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s a great way to reiterate your key points.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got a streamlined process that makes it easy for you to showcase your skills. Plus, it helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any updates. Let’s get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Research Contracts Manager in North East
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in negotiating and managing research agreements. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your expertise!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: As a Senior Research Contracts Manager, you'll need to communicate effectively with various stakeholders. Use your application to demonstrate your ability to convey complex information clearly and concisely. We love a confident communicator!
Highlight Your Organisational Skills: This role requires juggling multiple projects, so be sure to mention your organisational prowess. Share examples of how you've managed busy workloads and prioritised tasks in previous roles. We appreciate a proactive problem-solver!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Let’s get started!
How to prepare for a job interview at Durham University
✨Know Your Contracts Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on different types of research agreements, like collaboration and contract research agreements. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you understand the nuances of the role and can handle complex contractual matters.
✨Demonstrate Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves providing leadership and guidance, think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led negotiations or managed a team. Be ready to share how you balanced institutional risk while enabling research activities.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the UK HEI Research Funding Landscape
Understanding the funding landscape is crucial for this position. Do some research on current trends and challenges in UK higher education institutions. This knowledge will help you answer questions more effectively and demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a confident communicator, you'll need to build strong relationships with various stakeholders. Prepare to discuss how you've effectively communicated complex information in the past, and be ready to engage in a mock negotiation during the interview to showcase your skills.