Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: As a Research Contracts Officer, you'll draft, negotiate, and manage contracts for impactful research projects.
- Company: Join Edinburgh Napier University, renowned for its world-leading research that benefits society.
- Benefits: Enjoy 41 days of annual leave, flexible working, and a generous pension scheme.
- Why this job: This role offers a chance to make a real impact while enjoying a great work-life balance.
- Qualifications: You need a degree in Business Administration or Law and significant contract management experience.
- Other info: We value diversity and are a Disability Confident employer.
The predicted salary is between 31700 - 45400 £ per year.
Research at Edinburgh Napier University is creating high-quality knowledge that benefits the social, cultural and economic life of the society we serve. In the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 assessment of every UK university, over two-thirds of all our research was judged to be either world leading or internationally excellent, providing the best possible confirmation that Edinburgh Napier delivers excellent research with substantial real impact, nationally and internationally.
As such, we are opening a vacancy to individuals from a legal or business management background, offering an opportunity for hybrid/flexible working and excellent work-life balance as a Research Contracts Officer, who will take responsibility for providing a comprehensive research contract review and approval support service for research and knowledge exchange projects.
The Role: As Research Contracts Officer, you will have the remit to use your substantial experience of drafting and negotiating contracts to assess projects for contractual, financial and reputational risk and deal with any high-risk elements, in liaison with colleagues across Research, Innovation and Enterprise and the wider University. Your sound knowledge of contract law and experience of drafting and negotiating contracts will serve you well as you assist with risk assessment and facilitation of contracts for projects with external partners, funders, clients and sub-contractors.
A key aspect of the role involves reviewing the IP arrangements within contracts and working with colleagues to identify opportunities and protect the University’s intellectual and commercial assets, so this post will allow you to really capitalise on your accumulated knowledge (particularly in relation to your experience of large-scale (>£500K) contract management) and handle contract matters at all stages from initial drafting and negotiation through to dealing with completion.
Further to this, you will assist the Research Contracts Manager with drafting, negotiation and completion of more complex contracts and projects, and ensure the delivery of a consistent and professional customer-led service to all staff, support departments and clients involved in external income activities.
This is an excellent opportunity for you to move from a similar role in the Higher Education sector, or make a move from private practice in the interest of work-life balance. Either way, if you have the relevant experience and would like to join an organisation that values high standards, collaborative working and a positive working environment, then we would love to hear from you.
What we will need from you:
- Degree in Business Administration, Law or equivalent relevant work experience with contracts
- Significant experience of contract management
- Recent relevant experience of large-scale (>£500K) contract management
- Sound knowledge of contract law and intellectual property management
- Experience of monitoring and reporting contracts to satisfy audit requirements
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with confidence in communicating at all levels
- Strong negotiating skills
Benefits we offer:
- 41 days annual leave (includes bank holidays)
- A generous pension scheme (17.6%)
- Flexible working and professional development opportunities
Additional information:
- Salary: £37,174 - £45,413 per annum
- Contract: Permanent, Full Time 35 hrs p/w
- Application Closing date: 20th July 2025
- Interviews: Week commencing 28th July 2025
The University holds Disability Confident, Carer Positive and Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champion status. We are a flexible Employer.
Contracts Officer in Edinburgh employer: Edinburgh Napier University
Contact Detail:
Edinburgh Napier University Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Contracts Officer in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Edinburgh Napier University's research projects and their impact. Understanding the specific areas of research they focus on will help you tailor your conversations and demonstrate your genuine interest in their work during networking opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn to gain insights into the company culture and the specifics of the Contracts Officer role. This can provide you with valuable information that you can use to highlight your fit for the position.
✨Tip Number 3
Attend relevant industry events or webinars focused on contract management and higher education. Networking at these events can lead to connections that may refer you to the position or provide insider tips on the application process.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience with large-scale contract management in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully navigated complex negotiations, as this will be crucial in demonstrating your suitability for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Contracts Officer in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in contract management, particularly with large-scale contracts. Emphasise your knowledge of contract law and any specific achievements that demonstrate your skills.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, explain why you are interested in the Research Contracts Officer position at Edinburgh Napier University. Mention how your background in law or business management aligns with the role's requirements and express your enthusiasm for contributing to their research initiatives.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Clearly outline your excellent communication and negotiation skills in your application. Provide examples of how you've successfully managed contracts and dealt with high-risk elements in previous roles.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for a role involving contract review and negotiation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Edinburgh Napier University
✨Know Your Contracts
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of contract law and the specifics of large-scale contract management. Be prepared to discuss your previous experiences in drafting and negotiating contracts, especially those over £500K.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Research Contracts Officer, you'll need to communicate effectively with various stakeholders. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, as well as demonstrating your interpersonal skills during the interview.
✨Understand the University's Mission
Familiarise yourself with Edinburgh Napier University's research goals and how they impact society. Being able to relate your role to their mission will show your genuine interest in the position and the institution.
✨Prepare for Risk Assessment Questions
Expect questions about assessing contractual, financial, and reputational risks. Think of examples from your past work where you successfully identified and managed high-risk elements in contracts.
