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- Tasks: Manage contracts and support research activities in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join a respected London university making a real impact in research.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid work model with flexibility and autonomy.
- Why this job: Gain valuable skills in contract negotiation while contributing to meaningful research.
- Qualifications: Experience in contracts or research administration is preferred; strong communication skills are essential.
- Other info: This is a 3-6 month role, perfect for those looking to enhance their career.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.
Skilled in contract negotiation and ready to hit the ground running? Enjoy navigating detail, risk, and stakeholder needs with confidence? Looking for a hybrid role where your input makes real impact from day one? Signature Recruitment is looking for a Research Contracts Officer on behalf of a respected London university.
This full-time hybrid role is offered on a 3-6 month basis, requiring three days a week on site and the remainder remote. You’ll step into a high-impact role with autonomy, managing your own contracts portfolio and supporting key research activity. This is an excellent opportunity to strengthen your experience in a fast-paced, research-focused environment. You’ll gain exposure to a wide range of agreements and build valuable skills in contract negotiation, compliance, and research administration.
Key Responsibilities- Draft, review, and negotiate NDAs, Material Transfer Agreements, and Data Sharing Agreements using internal templates
- Provide clear advice on key terms including confidentiality, intellectual property, risk, and licensing
- Liaise with internal teams, legal advisors, and external stakeholders to progress contracts efficiently
- Use contract management systems to track progress and ensure timely completion
- Align agreements with institutional policy and funder terms (e.g. UKRI, charities, industry)
- Support improvements to contract templates, processes, and documentation consistency
- Experience in contracts, legal support, or research administration, ideally in Higher Education
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex terms clearly
- Confident managing multiple agreements independently and meeting deadlines
- Familiarity with research funders such as UKRI, industry partners, or charitable bodies
- Detail-oriented with excellent organisational and time management abilities
- Comfortable using contract management systems and working with established templates
Sound like the right fit? Apply today or reach out to the Signature team to find out more.
Research Contracts Officer employer: Signature Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Signature Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Contracts Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific types of agreements mentioned in the job description, such as NDAs and Material Transfer Agreements. Understanding these documents will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your proactive approach to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the higher education sector, especially those involved in research administration. Engaging with them can provide insights into the role and may even lead to referrals or recommendations.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your knowledge of UKRI and other research funders. Being well-versed in their terms and conditions will show that you are prepared to align agreements with institutional policies, a key responsibility of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Practice articulating complex legal terms in simple language. This skill is crucial for the role, as you'll need to communicate effectively with various stakeholders who may not have a legal background.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Contracts Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and skills required for the Research Contracts Officer position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experience in contract negotiation and research administration.
Craft a Strong CV: Your CV should clearly showcase your experience in contracts, legal support, or research administration. Emphasise your strong written and verbal communication skills, as well as your ability to manage multiple agreements independently.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, explain why you're a great fit for this role. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your familiarity with research funders and your detail-oriented approach. Make sure to convey your enthusiasm for the opportunity.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for the role of a Research Contracts Officer.
How to prepare for a job interview at Signature Recruitment
✨Know Your Contracts
Familiarise yourself with the types of agreements you'll be dealing with, such as NDAs and Material Transfer Agreements. Be prepared to discuss specific terms and how they relate to confidentiality and intellectual property.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Demonstrate your ability to explain complex legal terms in simple language. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly, as strong verbal communication is crucial for liaising with stakeholders.
✨Highlight Your Organisational Skills
Be ready to discuss how you manage multiple contracts and deadlines. Share examples from your past experiences that showcase your attention to detail and time management abilities.
✨Research the Institution and Funders
Understand the university's policies and the requirements of research funders like UKRI. This knowledge will help you align your answers with their expectations and demonstrate your commitment to the role.
