UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH)
Research Contracts Advisor
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Salary - £40,754 - £41,384
Permanent
Remote working, with the option to work from one of our sites in Wallingford, Lancaster, Bangor or Edinburgh. The majority of the team work remotely, and other flexible working arrangements can be considered.
We reserve the right to close this advert early if we find the right candidate, so we encourage you to apply early.
About UKCEH
UKCEH is a leading independent research institute with over 600 scientists studying how the natural world works. We take a connected approach across land, water and air to understand environmental systems and build resilience for people and the planet.
About This Role
At UKCEH, our research helps decode the complexities of environmental systems and strengthens resilience for people and the planet. As our Contracts Advisor, you will help make this work possible by supporting the contractual arrangements behind our research collaborations. You will help colleagues navigate agreements, manage risk and progress projects effectively, enabling valuable environmental research while protecting UKCEH’s interests.
You will join our supportive Contracts and Compliance team within the wider Finance function, working closely with scientists, project managers and colleagues across professional services. Collaboration is central to how we work. While you will take ownership of your own portfolio, you will have the support of experienced colleagues to work through challenges, share knowledge and continuously improve how we work.
Managing a varied caseload of around 50 research contracts, you'll support agreements from initial review and negotiation through to approval, signature and close-down. You will bring together information from different sources, identify and escalate risks, coordinate input from stakeholders and support research tenders, bids and grant submissions. Your work will also include due diligence and consideration of intellectual property, research outputs and Trusted Research and Innovation requirements.
Your Main Responsibilities Will Include:
- Manage and prioritise a caseload of around 50 contracts, identifying and escalating contractual or project risks appropriately.
- Complete third-party due diligence, including relevant credit, insurance, policy and risk assessment checks.
- Review, draft and negotiate research agreements, including but not limited to collaboration agreements (e.g. Brunswick and Lambert templates), subcontracts, NDAs, MTAs, amendments and studentship agreements.
- Coordinate framework agreement work orders, ensuring submissions and internal approvals progress efficiently.
- Assess project activities, research outputs and intellectual property against relevant Trusted Research and Innovation requirements.
- Collaborate with our scientists and professional services colleagues (project accountants, VAT officers, tender support, science project managers, procurement) to resolve contractual issues and secure required approvals.
- Advise Tender Support colleagues on contractual aspects of research tenders, bids and grant applications, taking account of submission deadlines.
- Maintain accurate contract records and support agreements through signature, project handover and eventual close-down and archiving.
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The role also includes authority to sign contracts valued up to £250,000, in accordance with UKCEH policy and delegated authority permissions.
This varied role offers plenty of opportunity to build your knowledge of research contracting and develop your commercial and contractual judgement. You do not need to know every answer from day one. We are looking for someone with a practical approach, good judgement and attention to detail who is comfortable seeking support when needed and keen to learn from experienced colleagues.
We want you to feel confident bringing your own perspective to the team. We value different experiences and ways of thinking, and encourage intellectual curiosity, thoughtful questions and constructive challenge as we continually look for better ways to work.
Essential Criteria:
- Previous experience of either drafting straightforward contracts or completing documents (such as but not limited to legal documents, using information drawn from a range of sources).
- Demonstrable administrative and IT skills, with experience using a range of software such as Microsoft SharePoint and Outlook, contract management databases and project management software.
- Strong workload management and prioritisation skills, with the ability to manage varied work and multiple deadlines, and good judgement about when to escalate an issue.
- An investigative approach, with strong attention to detail and the ability to identify issues or inconsistencies.
What Will Help You Stand Out:
- A relevant degree or equivalent experience in a complex office environment.
- An understanding of scientific research, intellectual property, or research funders and their requirements.
- Experience working in a legal, research contracts or other complex organisation.
- Experience using ERP or contract management systems.
- Confident working within and helping to manage busy shared mailboxes, ensuring enquiries are prioritised and handled accurately and efficiently.
- Strong analytical skills.
How to Apply and What Happens Next
If you’re interested in joining us, we’d love to hear from you. Apply through our Workday portal by uploading your CV and answering the three questions below. A separate cover letter is not required.
Please keep each response to 150 words or fewer, using clear examples that highlight your own contribution and relevant experience.
Q1. Contracts and documentation: Tell us about your experience of either drafting straightforward contracts or completing documents using information gathered from several different sources. How did you make sure the information you provided was complete and accurate?
Q2. Administration and systems: Give an example that demonstrates your administrative skills and your experience of using different IT systems or software to organise, track and complete work effectively.
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Q3. Prioritisation: Tell us about a time when you had to manage a varied workload with several competing deadlines. How did you prioritise your work, and how did you decide whether or when to escalate an issue?
What happens next?
Our panel will review your application, and we are committed to providing an outcome to all applicants.
Working at UKCEH is Genuinely Rewarding
You’ll be joining a leading independent, not-for-profit research institute, where your work will have real impact. Our science helps people and the environment to prosper and informs decisions that benefit society as a whole. We’re proud to be custodians of over 60 years of environmental data, and just as proud of the people behind it. You’ll be supported to develop your career, grow your skills and thrive in a collaborative, purpose-driven environment.
What We Offer
At UKCEH, we recognise your dedication and provide a comprehensive benefits package designed to support you both at work and at home. When you join us, you’ll benefit from:
- Generous annual leave - 27 days (rising to 29 days after 5 years) +3 for Christmas closure
- 10% employer pension contribution
- Financial protection through life assurance and income protection
- Enhanced family-friendly policies
- Flexible and hybrid working options (depending on your role)
- Lifestyle perks including dental, gym, retail and cycling discounts
- A commitment to wellbeing, supported by a range of internal initiatives
- Employee Assistance Programme and health benefits, including 24/7 support with remote GP access, mental health, physiotherapy and lifestyle services
- Peer recognition and rewards that celebrate your contribution
- Salary sacrifice agreement benefits including Electric & Plug-in Hybrid vehicle and Cycle2Work schemes
- Interest-free annual travel season ticket loans (terms apply)
Our Commitment to Inclusion
At UKCEH, we believe everyone should feel welcome and able to be themselves at work. We warmly encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences and identities. As a Disability Confident employer, we’re happy to support you with any adjustments you may need throughout the recruitment process.
Our Approach to AI and Applications
We understand that candidates may use AI tools to support their application. We encourage you to ensure your submission reflects your own experience, skills and suitability for the role. Every application that meets the essential criteria will be reviewed by our recruitment panel.
A Note on Sponsorship
Unfortunately, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role and this does not qualify for endorsement to support a Global Talent Visa application. If you are considering pursuing self-sponsorship, please indicate this in your application so we can take it into account during the recruitment process.
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