Contracts Manager/Senior Contracts Manager (depending on experience): The Rosalind Franklin Institute
The Rosalind Franklin Institute is a new national institute, funded by the UK government through UK Research and Innovation, dedicated to bringing about transformative changes in life science through interdisciplinary research and technology development. The institute is based at our “hub” at the Harwell Campus in South Oxfordshire and at our “spokes” in our ten University Members throughout the UK.
Our work is focused into complementary themes, which together will produce technologies to allow us to see the biological world in new ways, from single molecules to entire biological systems. This insight will speed up drug design and development, and push forward our understanding of human health and disease.
A collaborative approach is critical to realise the Rosalind Franklin’s ambitions. No one organisation can achieve what we want to deliver and each of our research programmes is a collaborative effort with academia and industry.
To support our ambitions we are looking for an experienced Contracts Manager who will work to ensure suitable contracts are in place to protect the Rosalind Franklin’s interests across all of its scientific and operational activities . Contracts work will include collaboration agreements, licenses to the Franklin’s intellectual property rights, supply agreements and service contracts.
This is a part-time role at 22.5 hours per week (0.6 FTE) although we may consider a full-time appointment. The salary will depend on experience and be within the range £21,000 – £30,000 per annum for 22.5 hours per week (full time equivalent of £35,000 – £50,000 per annum). More may be available for an exceptional candidate.
About the role:
This is an exciting time to join the Rosalind Franklin’s team, with multiple transformative scientific research programmes underway and more due to begin in 2020 as our research teams grow and our new research hub building opens in Harwell.
Reporting to the Head of Partnerships and Business Development, you will be at the heart of enabling the translation of the Rosalind Franklin’s ground-breaking discoveries into new technologies that will transform life science and medical research by reviewing, drafting and negotiating a broad range of research-related contracts with our industry and academic collaborators, service providers, government and other funding bodies.
You will have a broad understanding of research and development and expertise in crafting the agreements required to support successful and sustainable technology transfer. This role (based at the Harwell campus) is an excellent opportunity to further develop your career in contracts management in a growing not-for-profit organisation within an innovative research environment.
Responsibilities:
• Review, draft, and negotiate on a timely basis a broad range of contracts independently and/or in collaboration with the Head of Partnerships and Business Development
• Establish best practice to support the research teams to understand and comply with contractual obligations
• Manage key internal and external stakeholder relationships
• Manage the overall risk profile of contracts entered into, including maintaining the relevant sections of the risk register
• Manage input and advice from external legal counsel, focusing on value for money
• Proactively maintain accurate contract activity records in the Franklin’s innovation management database
• Work across all teams at the Rosalind Franklin to contribute to other projects or activities as the need arises
Person specification:
Essential:
• Relevant degree or professional qualification or equivalent experience
• Experienced in negotiating contracts, ideally within a research organisation, the Higher Education sector, start-up environment or similar context
• Sound knowledge of contracting issues such as intellectual property, confidentiality, publications, liabilities and other related issues
• Results-orientated, self-starter with a proven track record of managing a diverse caseload
• Excellent customer focus and customer relationship skills
• Diplomatic and pragmatic with excellent attention to detail
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal) with the ability to articulate complex issues clearly and concisely to a wide audience of varying levels of knowledge and expertise
• Proven ability to effectively prioritise workload and meet deadlines across multiple projects
• Ability to work well independently and as part of multidisciplinary teams
• Strong data management experience
Desirable:
• Scientific research experience
• Experience in working in a start-up environment
• Commitment to personal development and training
• Experience of using the WellSpring Sophia knowledge management system or similar systems
In return we offer:
• 25 days holidays (pro-rated for a part-time role)
• Generous pension scheme (employer’s contribution currently up to 18%)
• Training and development opportunities for staff at all levels
• Bus pass discount scheme
• Access to employee discount platform
• Subsidised canteen
• Free on-site parking
• Campus location in beautiful countryside with social and sports clubs open to staff
If you would like to discuss this role with Roisin NicAmhlaoibh, Head of Partnerships and Business Development, please email hr@rfi.ac.uk to arrange a call.
Closing date: 26th June 2020, 9:00am