Contracts Advisor

UKCEH is seeking a pragmatic and solutions-focused Research Contracts Advisor to join our highly skilled and dedicated Contracts and Compliance team. 

Our team plays a critical role within the organisation, helping to facilitate research that advances our charitable objectives and driving meaningful environmental impact. Sitting within the wider finance function, we work closely with both scientists and the wider professional services at all levels, providing expert support on all research‑related contractual agreements. We therefore need someone with strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively in a fast‑moving and dynamic environment. 

In this position, you will support the drafting, negotiation and review of a high volume of research contracts, often managing 50 or more agreements You’ll work confidently with key systems such as Workday and our contract management system (Inteum), as well as handle day‑to‑day administrative tasks including setting up jobs, managing a shared mailbox, coordinating queries and ensuring smooth end‑to‑end processes. You’ll also have opportunities to support due diligence and trusted research activities.  

We’re looking for someone who is organised, detail‑focused, proactive and able to prioritise effectively, an individual who communicates clearly, works independently when needed, and engages openly and honestly with the team. Importantly, we also welcome applicants who may not yet have all the skills or experience listed but who are enthusiastic, keen to learn, and excited to grow within a supportive environment. 

Whether solving problems, streamlining processes, or keeping track of multiple moving parts, we rely heavily on teamwork, clear communication and mutual respect. As a team, we look out for each other no one is left to navigate difficulties alone and we are always thinking about how we can improve and add value. Intellectual curiosity and a willingness to challenge the status quo are not just welcomed, they are encouraged, and as an inclusive and welcoming group, we value diverse perspectives and the strengths they bring. 

Your main responsibilities will include:  

• Reviewing, drafting and negotiating research agreements in a timely manner, including but not limited to industry standard collaboration agreements (e.g. Brunswick and Lambert templates), subcontracts, contract amendments, NDAs, MTAs and studentship agreements. 
• Managing your own caseload of circa 50 contracts, once fully trained, and escalating contractual and project risks to Research Contracts Manager, Head of Contracts and Compliance, and Quality and Compliance Manager, as applicable. 
• Co-ordinating and processing framework agreement work order submissions in a timely manner. 
• Undertaking checks on third party organisations including credit checks; checks for insurance and appropriate internal policies which comply with UKCEH standards; completing due diligence risk assessment documents and escalating concerns and risks; assessing project activities, output and intellectual property to ensure compliance with the Trusted Research and Innovation regulations. 
• Liaising with wider UKCEH teams including project accountants, VAT officers, tender support, science project managers, procurement and due diligence, to check and complete contractual information, resolve issues, and ensure that all internal approvals are complete prior to signature of contracts and work orders. 
• Providing  advice to the tender support team on research tenders, bids and grant application submissions, noting external deadlines, and signing relevant documentation in a timely manner subject to any internal approvals. 
• Undertaking administration tasks, including setting up new contract records, file management, archiving, contract close-down handover to relevant stakeholders, briefing the science project team on contractual obligations, and archiving of signed contracts. 
• Signing contracts in line with UKCEH policy up to a value of £250,000 in line with delegated authority permissions. 
• Undertake learning and development in order to keep up to date with best practice. 

For the role of Research Contracts Advisor, we’re looking for the following skills and experience: 

• A common sense and pro-active approach with ability to apply existing knowledge to new circumstances, and to seek out new knowledge and support when necessary. 
• Analytical skills, and someone who is methodical and pays close attention to detail. 
• Experience of following processes and procedures and ability to navigate ERP and CMS systems. 
• The ability to work both independently and as part of a team. 
• The ability to work within and help to manage busy shared mailboxes used by the contracts and due diligence teams. 
• Able to manage and prioritise a varied workload and multiple deadlines, and an understanding of when to escalate. 
• Demonstrable administrative skills, and the ability to use a range of IT software, including Microsoft Outlook, contract management databases, and project management software. 
• First-class written and verbal communication skills, and strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to develop and maintain relationships and collaborate effectively with a range of internal and external stakeholders. 
• Relevant experience in either (i) a legal environment (ii) a research contracts environment or (iii) a complex organisation with multiple departments and stakeholders or similar. 
• Previous experience of one of the following: (i) drafting simple contracts; (ii) completing legal documents using information drawn from a range of sources;  (iii) completing forms and templates for external stakeholders using information drawn from a range of sources. 

Desirable but not essential 

• Able to demonstrate some knowledge or understanding of one or more of the following: (i) scientific research project processes and requirements;  (ii) research outputs/ intellectual property rights (ii) knowledge of different types of research funders and their terms and conditions. 
• If you don’t have this knowledge yet, we’re happy to support your development. We encourage applications from people with the drive to learn and grow, even if they don’t meet every point. 
• A degree in a relevant subject and/or relevant experience in a complex office environment. 

You’ll be joining a leading independent, not-for-profit research institute that’s committed to recruiting talented people like you, progressing your career and giving you the support you need to thrive at UKCEH.  

Our science makes a real difference, enabling people and the environment to prosper, and enriching society. We are the custodians of a wealth of environmental data, collected by UKCEH and its predecessors over the course of more than 60 years.