Research Contracts Manager

The Christie NHS Foundation Trust is an international leader in cancer research. We aim to be one of the world’s leading centres for research involving patients with cancer. We work to transform the detection of illness and clinical care of patients by undertaking innovative research to improve the outcomes of their care.

Research at The Christie is managed through robust governance measures. At the heart of these is the negotiation of contracts which protect the interests of patients and manage risk. The delivery of contracts in good time is essential for securing sustainable funding from commercial, charitable and public sources.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone with strong contract negotiation and preparation skills who is enthusiastic about offering patients more opportunities to participate in clinical research.

Training will be provided, if required.

Flexible working arrangement requests will be considered, and we support requests for secondment from other roles in patient research in the NHS.

We welcome informal discussion about the role before applying.

The post holder will advise research colleagues on the contracting arrangements needed for clinical trials and other research projects, especially research sponsored by Christie. They will provide advice about where contracts are needed to cover the receipt and payment of funding, appropriate human tissue management, protection of personal data and the development and protection of intellectual property.

The role will provide dedicated contract negotiation requiring close liaison with charitable and commercial funding bodies, other NHS organisations, academic institutions and companies engaged in the development of pharmaceutical or other healthcare products. Advances in technology, especially AI, are moving at pace in cancer research and the contracts managers are expected to keep up to date with the opportunities and pitfalls which accompany such advances.

Our contracts team is at the heart of research projects to share, exchange and combine personal data for increased patient benefit.

The Christie is one of Europe’s leading cancer centres, treating over 60,000 patients a year. We are based in Manchester and serve a population of 3.2 million across Greater Manchester & Cheshire, but as a national specialist around 15% patients are referred to us from other parts of the country. We are also an international leader in research, with world first breakthroughs for over 100 years.

We run one of the largest early clinical trial units in Europe with over 300 trials every year. Cancer research in Manchester, most of which is undertaken on the Christie site, has been officially ranked the best in the UK.

The contracts team is embedded in Christie research in the friendly R&I Office. The team consists of contracts managers who report to the R&I Solicitor Consultant. We meet frequently to find solutions, promote consistency and share updates. Contracts managers have strong relationships with other teams especially those managing sponsored studies, research quality and funding. The primary purpose of the role is to ensure the interests of the Trust are fully protected through effective contracts.

The R&I Office is based in the Paterson Building right next to our specialist hospital. This is where Christie, the University of Manchester and Cancer Research UK work together to improve outcomes for all cancer patients.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Clinical Trial and Other Research Contracts

• Review and negotiate all confidentiality agreements where third parties disclose information to the Trust which may lead to research activity.
• Review…