Research Contracts Officer

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

The Research Contracts Officer is a critical member of the Knowledge Exchange and Commercialisation (KEC) team, and will support the Institute’s strategy by drafting, reviewing, and negotiating a variety of contracts related to our research. The role will be responsible for ensuring that contracts meet the expectations of academic staff, and external collaborators, while protecting the Institute’s interests and obligations. The position plays a key role in the Institute’s reputation externally.

The role is well suited to a confident self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced environment, managing competing priorities and multiple demands.

Main duties and responsibility 

• Drafting contracts using Institute templates, tailored as appropriate to the specific research project
• Reviewing contracts drafted by external partners
• Ensuring that contracts support the academics’ overall research programme
• Ensuring that contracts do not breach or otherwise contradict previous agreements, including funding agreements
• Understanding and protecting the Institute’s legal interests
• Ensuring contracts comply with Institute policies                                                                                                                                  

Responsible for maintaining and building relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including but not limited to:

• Internal research teams
• Internal support services, such as Finance and Grants Administration
• External contracts or legal teams, which may be based in the UK or abroad, and within commercial, academic, or charitable organisations

Responsible for updating and maintaining the KEC team’s agreements and projects database:

• Ensuring the database contains complete and accurate information relating to contracts
• Setting up appropriate alerts to manage contractual milestones
• Communicating payment schedules, reporting schedules, and other necessary information to the appropriate internal teams.

Supporting the Institute’s compliance with legal frameworks, such as Trusted Research and Innovation and the Nagoya Protocol:

• Ensuring that contracts are aligned with Trusted Research and Innovation requirements
• Determining access and benefit sharing requirements of biological material used by research groups, and taking the necessary actions to comply, e.g. negotiating benefit sharing agreements
• Supporting internal cross-team processes for the Institute’s compliance with legal frameworks

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. 

Specific requirements

Essential:

•  Bachelor’s degree in biosciences, or equivalent relevant professional experience
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate clearly with a range of audiences
•   Highly organised, with the ability to prioritise a varied workload and work to strict deadlines
• Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively, including as part of a multidisciplinary team
•   Ability to use standard office IT systems, including word processing, spreadsheets, and databases, to record, manage, and maintain accurate information 

Desirable:

• Experience of drafting, reviewing, or negotiating contracts, ideally in a research or commercial context
• Experience working within the public, academic, or charitable sector
•  Understanding of intellectual property concepts relevant to research, such as ownership, licensing, and confidentiality
•  Understanding of Trusted Research and Innovation and the Nagoya Protocol, or similar regulatory or compliance frameworks 

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 subsidised 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