Admin/Support
Are you a Research Contracts Specialist who thrives in a role where your communication and negotiation skills make a real impact? Join our dynamic Research, Funding and Contracts team at the University of Oxford and help support world-class research, education, and operations in a globally respected institution.
Location: 5 Worcester Street, Oxford, OX1 2BX; hybrid
Salary: £39,424 - £47,779per annum
Contract: Fixed Term Contract (until 29 July 2030)
About Us
The University of Oxford has been ranked the world’s leading university for nine consecutive years. A place where centuries of tradition meet world-changing innovation, we offer you the chance to shape the future while working in an inspiring environment that promotes excellence. Here, you’ll contribute to ground-breaking research that tackles global challenges - from advancing sustainability to pioneering healthcare solutions - and join a diverse, inclusive community that champions your wellbeing, development, and aspirations. Apply now to become part of our extraordinary legacy.
The Research Services Department plays a vital role in supporting the University’s world-leading research community. Working across all divisions, the department provides expert advice and comprehensive administrative support throughout the entire research lifecycle — from identifying funding opportunities and developing grant proposals to managing awards, contracts, and compliance. With a focus on fostering collaboration, innovation, and excellence, Research Services ensures that Oxford’s researchers have the resources and guidance they need to deliver impactful research that advances knowledge and benefits society. Joining the department means contributing to a dynamic, professional team that underpins the success of one of the world’s foremost research institutions.
The department’s work is guided by a set of core values that reflect its commitment to integrity, professionalism, and service. Research Services values collaboration and open communication, recognising that the best outcomes arise from strong partnerships within and beyond the University. The team strives for excellence in everything it does, delivering high-quality, transparent, and responsive support to researchers. Inclusivity, respect, and continuous improvement are central to its culture — ensuring that all staff are empowered to contribute, develop, and innovate in a supportive and forward-thinking environment.
The research contracts function within the Research, Funding and Contracts team reviews, negotiates and drafts research contracts through the full lifecycle of research projects and across all academic disciplines in the University, working with researchers and administrative staff to facilitate ground-breaking research.
What We Offer
Working at the University of Oxford offers several exclusive benefits, such as:
- 38 days of annual leave (inclusive of public holidays) to support your wellbeing, with the option to purchase up to 5 extra days and additional leave after long service.
- One of the most generous family leave schemes in UK higher education, offering up to 26 weeks of full-pay maternity and adoption leave, plus 12 weeks of full-pay paternity/partner leave.
- A commitment to hybrid and flexible working.
- An excellent contributory pension scheme.
- Affordable and sustainable commuting options, including a cycle loan scheme, discounted bus travel, and season ticket loans.
- Access to a vibrant community through our social, cultural, and sports clubs.
About the Role
Research Contracts Specialists work closely with researchers and administrative staff across the full life cycle of research projects to review, negotiate and draft research contracts as needed. This could be in relation to projects in any academic discipline although this role is expected to focus predominantly on medical sciences research including clinical trials. The role will entail advising on a range of contracts such as confidentiality agreements, funding agreements, material/data transfer agreements and clinical trial agreements. The successful candidate will be expected to independently manage their own portfolio of approximately 70 cases following comprehensive induction training and with ongoing support. The position gives the opportunity to liaise with top experts in their academic field and gain early insights into innovative research.
About You
You will be able to evidence that you:
- are educated to University degree level (or equivalent).
- are able to analyse and accurately interpret detailed legal, contractual, and other written documentation.
- are well-organised, and have a proven ability to manage and prioritise a heavy and varied workload, keeping track of a large volume of ongoing projects. You have an unflappable and flexible approach to working on competing demands under pressure.
- have the ability to communicate effectively, in writing and orally, with team members, researchers, academics, and colleagues of all levels of seniority within the University as well as representatives of external organisations, such as multi-national companies which sponsor research at the University. You must be able to present a reasoned and coherent argument and convey complex information to a non-specialist audience, communicating with persuasiveness, decisiveness and diplomacy as appropriate.
- have an ability to solve problems in a timely and pragmatic manner and think creatively about solutions.
- have the ability to work well as part of a small close-knit team but also independently and proactively as appropriate.
Application Process
To apply, please upload:
- A covering letter/supporting statement
- The details of two referees
Please do not use AI tools to support drafting of your application.
The closing date for applications is 12 noon on 24 September.
First Interviews will take place on 13 October and will be held online.
Interviewees may be asked to a second in-person interview soon after.
