You will support Cardiff University research by working in partnership with its academic community to engage with research funders, sponsors and collaborators. The post holder will provide contracts support through the drafting, review, negotiation and completion of a range of research and research related contracts. Such contracts may include, funding agreements, collaboration and consortium agreements, framework agreements, clinical trial agreements, studentship agreements, data sharing/processing agreements (UK and international), material transfer agreements and non-disclosure agreements. The role will involve identifying, assessing and resolving contractual issues pertinent to the conduct of research and highlighting areas of risk to senior management and stakeholders. In providing research contracts support, the post holder will ensure that the interests and requirements of both the University and its researchers are appropriately recognised and protected and will facilitate legal and regulatory compliance.,

• To review, draft, negotiate and complete research and research related contracts with a wide range of external organisations; ensuring that the interests of the University and its researchers are protected by agreeing terms which further the University's research, charitable and academic interests and meet its legal and regulatory responsibilities (both internal and external).
• Provide professional advice and guidance on the contracts required to enable the performance of Cardiff University research and on the content, implementation and execution of those contracts.
• Competently review, analyse and risk assess new contract requests to identify the action required and to enable effective progression. This may include appropriate selection and use of template agreements or escalation to more senior colleagues or other professional services experts for assistance with more complex matters.
• To independently prioritise workload, manage time and use available resources effectively to progress an individual work portfolio which will be varied and deadline driven.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships and communications with internal stakeholders, professional services colleagues and external third parties to effect and enable the delivery of a professional research contracts service.
• Ensure that research contracts are drafted pragmatically to facilitate good relations between the University's academic community and research funders/collaborators, whilst assessing, managing and mitigating inherent risks.
• Develop and deliver training and/or guidance on contractual issues pertinent to research contracts.
• Develop or assist in the development of model agreements and clauses for research and research related contracts.
• Keep and maintain good administrative records and undertake a variety of administrative duties as required to enable effective research contract management.
• To establish and maintain good understanding of legal and regulatory requirements pertinent to research including those in respect of data protection, human tissue, UK Subsidy Control, copyright and licensing, Trusted Research, export and security, financial and other University policies and procedures..
• Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement, supporting the development and implementation of best practices and efficient processes to ensure effective service delivery.
General Duties
• Ensure that an understanding of the importance of confidentiality is applied when undertaking all duties.
• Abide by University policies on Health and Safety and Equality and Diversity.
• Perform other duties occasionally which are not included above, but which will be consistent with the role.
  
  1. Law degree qualification or other relevant legal qualification e.g. CPE, SQE, LPC, CILEX, BVC, GDL or equivalent.
2. A comprehensive understanding of the principles of contract law and key contract terms and principles (e.g. performance, confidentiality, warranties, liability and indemnity, governing law and jurisdiction) with evidence shown. 3. Relevant experience of advising internal and external clients on commercial contract and/or intellectual property matters and ability to demonstrate and clearly convey professional knowledge within the specialist discipline. 4. Evidenced ability to competently and independently draft, negotiate and advise on a range of contracts including templates and precedents and more complex bespoke agreements. 5. Excellent organisational skills to manage heavy and varied workload with proven ability to self-manage, independently prioritise and meet deadlines. 6. Excellent IT skills including Microsoft packages and Adobe and aptitude for use of differing software. 7. Excellent interpersonal, written and oral communication skills with strength in communicating detailed and complex information clearly, concisely and in a professional manner to a wide range of people including non-legal experts. 8. Proven ability to explore and assess client needs and to respond appropriately and helpfully to support efficient and effective service delivery. 9. Evidence of ability to solve expansive problems using initiative and creativity to identify and propose practical and appropriate solutions. 10. Enthusiasm for continuous professional development and self-directed learning and evidenced ability to translate theoretical knowledge into day to day working practice. Desirable Criteria 1. Good understanding of some or all of the following: intellectual property law and practice, data protection/privacy laws, UK export control laws, UK Subsidy Control laws 2. Commercial and/or research contracts experience. 3. Experience of working in a university or other research institution / environment. 4. Project management experience or experience of providing contracts support for large and/or complex projects. 5. Fluency in Welsh, written and oral.

Cardiff University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We believe this can be achieved through attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds. We therefore welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of sex, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, trans identity, relationship status, religion or belief, caring responsibilities, or age. In supporting our employees to achieve a balance between their work and their personal lives, we will also consider proposals for flexible working or job share arrangements., Applications may be submitted in Welsh, and an application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English., Cardiff is an ambitious and innovative university located in a beautiful and thriving capital city. Our world-leading research was ranked 5th for quality amongst UK universities in the 2014 Research Excellence Framework and we provide an educationally outstanding experience for our 30,000 students. With an annual budget in excess of £500 million and around 6,000 staff, Cardiff is a member of the Russell Group of the 24 leading UK research-intensive universities. The University has 24 academic schools grouped into three colleges: Biomedical & Life Sciences, Physical Sciences & Engineering and Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences. The University's ambition is to rank consistently among the top 100 universities in the world. Cardiff is also developing its Innovation System through a focused programme of investment in people and infrastructure. Research funding secured from competitive, external sources exceeds £100 million annually and the University aims to grow this further through winning grants from a wide range of national and global sources. The Research Service supports the University's research community in initiating and delivering research and innovation activities. Led by the Director, Vanessa Cuthill, we provides services via over 100 expert staff organised in five specialist teams: Research Grants Office; Research Integrity, Governance and Ethics; Research Development; Research Commercialisation and Impact; Research Strategy and Operations and Business Engagement and Partnerships. The Department works closely with academic and professional services staff from all areas of the institution.