Managing a caseload of Research & Development related contracts within the Oxford Joint Research Office (comprising the OUH, University of Oxford, Oxford Brookes and Oxford Health) including developing, processing and negotiating research related contracts to enable efficient start-up of research projects.

We are looking to recruit and train an enthusiastic, motivated Research Contracts Specialist to join the Joint Research Office based at OUH Cowley. This position is within a team responsible for the successful execution of contract negotiation and innovation management. This is a fixed-term full-time post of 24 months. The team would consider part-time of 0.8 FTE. it is also the intention to extend the contract beyond 24 months if the successful candidate meets their targets. Opportunities for promotion also arise within the team.

The post holder will liaise with researchers, clinicians and relevant administrators to ensure an effective service is provided to both internal and external service users. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work well in a team are essential. You will be joining a friendly, multidisciplinary team which provides ongoing education, development and support.

This is a great opportunity for someone with a science background who wants to move into a support role for world -class research, or for someone with contracts or legal experience who wants to develop their career in a clinical research setting.

Main duties of the job

Managing a caseload of Research & Development related contracts within OUH, and on behalf of Oxford Health, including developing, processing and negotiating research related contracts to enable efficient start-up of research projects.

Collaborate in supporting research as part of OUH R& D and within the Oxford Joint Research Office (JRO) comprising OUH, University of Oxford, Oxford Health and Oxford Brookes.

Supporting the OUH on matters of research related IP.

Supporting the OUH in developing appropriate management and governance systems so that it can fulfil its responsibilities as an active research partner within Oxford and as a health care provider locally, nationally and internationally.

Supporting the OUH in its commitment to a fully functioning JRO.

About us

Oxford University Hospitals is one of the largest NHS teaching trusts in the country. It provides a wide range of general and specialist clinical services and is a base for medical education, training and research. The Trust comprises of four hospitals - the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, the John Radcliffe and Churchill Hospitals in Headington and the Horton Hospital in Banbury.

Oxford University Hospitals and the University of Oxford are active research partners and have successfully worked together in the Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, and other research networks. The partners have created a broader joint office incorporating Clinical and Regulatory Governance, Grants and Contracts, Partnerships and Business Development. The Oxford Joint Research Office consists of around 100 staff and now includes Oxford Brookes and Oxford Health.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Scrutinising and negotiating research-related contracts on behalf of the OUH.

Liaising with researchers, clinicians and the relevant administrators to keep them informed and seek their advice as to risks and benefits of the contract terms.

After consultation with the Head of IP and Research Contracts, working with the OUH or University of Oxford Legal Services team on the drafting of contractual language to meet the needs of particular negotiations or seeking advice on particular issues.

Keeping comprehensive records of each stage of the negotiations. Seeking advice from Head of IP and Research Contracts and other team members where appropriate.

Taking part in regular team meetings to review cases, and monitor caseload and completion times.

Preparing the final briefing note requesting signature of agreements, setting out key terms and any risks or issues.

Answering enquiries about OUHs research-related policies and procedures, and providing advice to researchers, departmental administrators and sponsors on funding and contractual matters (in relation, for example, to the costing and pricing of research at Oxford, IP management, etc).

Liaising within the OUH Research & Development team on issues relating to finance, regulation and governance, the Universitys Research Grants specialists on questions relating to research grant applications and the terms/conditions set down by funding agencies.

Ensuring the set-up of awards within OUH financial system, working with Research & Development Finance Team on OUH set-up and post-award issues.

Following procedures for the effective management of IP arising out of research contracts, liaising with the Head of IP and Research Contracts and the University of Oxfords IP Rights Management Team, in connection with the commercialisation of research through Oxford University Innovation Limited.

Arranging meetings, preparing agenda papers, recording minutes and producing action notes in connection with the work of the office.

Dealing with enquiries and requests for information and preparing draft correspondence on behalf of the Head of IP and Research Contracts, the Director of R& D or his/her deputies as required.

Contributing to the development of OUH policy as it relates to the external funding of research, and drafting briefing notes for senior officers and/or papers for OUHs governing bodies in this area.

Other duties as assigned by the Head of IP and Research Contracts, or Research Contract Manager when the need arises.

The post is part of a small team working on research related contracts, grants and innovation within OUH R& D as part of the JRO. The team operates a hybrid on-site/off-site approach to working but is based at OUH Cowley when on-site. In addition, face-to-face contact may be required with Oxford University and other Oxford JRO partners at their locations. Work at other OUH sites may also be required from time to time.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• University degree (or equivalent).
• Knowledge of research administration, including an understanding of research grant funding in the UK universities and / or the NHS and ideally experience in the administration of research grants or contracts.

Desirable

• A scientific background or qualification, preferably at the post-graduate level and ideally in the Life or Clinical sciences.

Experience and Skills

Essential

• In depth knowledge of information analysis and research techniques acquired through degree or equivalent plus additional knowledge of project management.
• An ability to analyse, interpret and resolve highly complex problems where they may not be precedence and where opinions conflict.
• An ability to respond effectively to detailed written documentation
• Ability to communicate complex and sensitive information very effectively with team members, clients and senior colleagues as well as external stakeholders in writing and orally in English to a very high standard and to present a coherent argument.
• Experience of working with budgets and (following training) the facility to cost and price research using Full Economic Costing and UKCRN or equivalent methodologies
• Sound IT skills are required, and the successful applicant should be able to use email, word processing packages, spreadsheets, the internet, and computer databases.

Personal Qualitites

Essential

• An organised, unflappable, yet flexible approach to working to deadlines under pressure
• Proven ability to prioritise a heavy and varied workload and to keep track of a large volume of ongoing projects.
• An aptitude for solving problems.
• An ability to work well as part of a small close-knit team.

Employer details

Employer name

Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

OUH Cowley

Unipart Business Centre, Garsington Road

Oxford

OX4 2PG

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