Research Contracts Manager

The Pirbright Institute

The Pirbright Institute delivers world-leading research to understand, predict, detect and respond to viral disease outbreaks. We study viruses of livestock that are endemic and exotic to the UK, including zoonotic viruses, by using the most advanced tools and technologies to understand host-pathogen interactions in animals and arthropod vectors. Our major strength in understanding the immune systems of livestock provides a platform to control current diseases and respond to emerging threats. This important research would not be possible without the proportionate use of animals, which are integral to the development of new disease control measures such as vaccines and diagnostics. We have an establishment-wide commitment to the 3Rs (replacement, reduction and refinement), high standards of animal welfare, a culture of care and openness.

Our Institute is made up of a dynamic and vibrant community of staff covering a diverse set of chosen fields, backgrounds and experience. We all play a crucial role in furthering the Institute’s aspirations, advancing the frontiers of science and knowledge through our excellent scientific research, knowledge sharing and contribution; with a real focus in improving the world in which we live. Our outlook is always balanced by our strong sense of purpose, values and behaviours and an unwavering commitment to a ‘one Institute’ approach.

Organisation position and purpose

Embedded within the Business Development team, an integral part of the Research and Innovation department, the Research Contract Manager will act as a maternity cover within the Knowledge Exchange and Commercialisation (KEC) team.

The postholder will line manage a small team of research contracts professionals, comprising administrators and a Research Contracts specialist, and will oversee daily operations of the full breadth of research and knowledge exchange contracts, including drafting and negotiating, and supporting positive relationships with industrial and other partners. The postholder will be a key contact to provide advice and support to researchers and other internal stakeholders on all matters related to contracts. The postholder will also play a key role in training newer members of the team.

We pride ourselves on our collaborative and agile approach, with a strong focus on delivering a high standard of service to our internal stakeholders. The Institute has a strong culture of supporting the professional development of employees, and all team members are actively supported through appropiate training and development opportunities where gaps in skills or knowledge are identified. Please feel free to contact us to arrange an informal discussion with the Head of Business Development to discuss the requirements of the role prior to application.

Main duties and responsibility

Management and leadership, which will include:

• Managing the operations related to research contracts, including identifying opportunities for optimisation and efficiency within a busy team environment.
• Building effective relationships, to work collaboratively and share pertinent information with internal stakeholders such as the Grants Administration and Finance teams, etc.
• Coordinating internal reporting on contracts.
• Managing and providing training and mentoring as needed to a small team of contracts professionals, ensuring client-focussed service delivery and communicating effectively with other teams such as Grant Administration, Finance etc.

Managing research contracts, which will include:

• Leading on drafting, reviewing and negotiating all types of research contracts, including advising other team members on contract negotiations.
• Advising researchers and other internal stakeholders on contractual strategies and risks.
• Maintaining and updating as necessary contract templates, and ensuring templates are used correctly.
• Ensuring contracts are recorded and tracked in the appropriate software.
• Keeping up to date with changes in legal and regulatory frameworks affecting research agreements such as Trusted Research and Innovation and the Nagoya Protocol, and ensuring contracts align with such requirements and Institute policies .          

Industry and partnership engagement, which will include:

• Maintaining existing, and building new, relationships with industry and other strategic partners to enable effective contract negotiations.

This job description is only an outline of the tasks, responsibilities and outcomes required of the role. The jobholder will carry out any other duties as may be reasonably required by his/her line manager. The job description and personal specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of The Pirbright Institute.

Personal specification

• The ability to form effective professional relationship, both within the organisation and externally.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• An ability to manage competing priorities effectively
• Proactive and adaptable solution-oriented approach
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• A understanding of the use and value of databases and data, and how it may be interpreted in reporting.

Specific requirements

Essential

• Educated to degree level in a relevant discipline
• Proven experience of drafting and negotiating research contracts within the science sector
• Solid understanding of relevant contract requirements for research organisations and charities

Desirable

• Line management experience
• An understanding of compliance requirements such as Trusted Research  and Innovation and the Nagoya Protocol
• Experience working in a research organisation, university or similar public body
• The ability to grasp the context and understand the background of research projects in order to best advise on contract management and provide support for engaging with partners

Due to the nature of the work carried out by Pirbright, all successful applicants will be required to go through a comprehensive screening process including reference and qualification checks, financial and security clearances.

What we offer

• Generous Group Personal Pension Scheme and life cover (subject to age and earnings)
• 25 days annual leave per annum, pro rata, plus public and privilege days
• Buy and sell annual leave
• Option to carry over up to two weeks annual leave
• Pirbright gym with membership 
• Pirbright social club
• Pirbright Lifestyle Hub (employee discount site)
• Cycle to work
• Subsidised staff restaurant
• Childcare allowance
• Free onsite parking
• Electric Car charging facilities