Job Description

We are looking for enthusiastic and motivated self-starters for the position of Contracts Manager in the Research Office. The Research Office works in partnership with the University's academic community to support its excellent research. The post holder will act on behalf of the researcher and the University to negotiate agreements ranging from material transfers to multi-party research collaborations, funded by a range of sponsors including Research Councils, charities, the European Commission and a wide range of industrial sponsors.


As a Contracts Manager, you will ensure both the researchers' and the University's interests are protected by agreeing terms that safeguard both the researchers' need to publish results and pursue further research and the University's charitable and academic position. You will also consider protection of results for potential commercialisation, and appropriate access to intellectual property rights for sponsor and collaborators.


You will have a pragmatic approach to drafting terms that facilitate the partnership between the University's academic community and research collaborators, whilst assessing and managing inherent risks. You will need to liaise and interact with researchers to ensure agreements are appropriate to the research context. You will ideally have gained extensive experience of drafting and negotiating agreements through working in either a university or a research-intensive organisation, including industry. Project management experience and a legal and/or Higher Education background would be an advantage. An understanding of the research environment would also be desirable.


You must be well organised and able both to prioritise and work to deadlines. You must also be able to work well independently and in a team and have a positive, can-do approach. You will have excellent verbal and written communication skills with an aptitude for developing positive working relationships. In particular you will have the ability to communicate complex issues clearly and concisely to a wide range of people, including the highest levels of academic, corporate and government representatives. Diplomacy, tact, attention to detail and a calm approach are essential. You will be proficient in using Microsoft IT packages. You will be educated to degree level or equivalent.


Please see the Further Particular document for more details. Your application should clearly set out how you meet the criteria listed in the person specification (the skills and experience required for the role) along with relevant examples. Candidates will be shortlisted based on these criteria.


The University is supportive of hybrid working, where some work is undertaken on University premises and some in a remote working environment. The aim of our approach is to enable as many staff as possible to work in a hybrid way if they wish and where their role allows. This role requires onsite attendance at Greenwich House for a minimum of 2 days per week with additional onsite working according to business need.


Closing Date: 12th February 2026


We welcome applications from individuals who wish to be considered for part-time working (min 85%) or other flexible working arrangements.



Please ensure that you upload a covering letter and CV in the upload section of the online application. The covering letter should outline how you match the criteria for the post and why you are applying for this role. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.


Please include details of your referees, including email address and phone number, one of which must be your most recent line manager. If you have questions about the application process, contact CROrecruitment@admin.cam.ac.uk.


Please quote reference EW48499 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.


The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.


The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.



Key information

Department/location

Cambridge Research Office

Salary

42,254-56,535

Reference

EW48499

Category

Academic-related

Date published

13 January 2026

Closing date

12 February 2026