Research Contracts Manager

Salary: £36,636 to £38,784 with progression to £46,049 per annum

Closing Date: 26 July 2026

Newcastle University is a great place to work, with excellent benefits. We have a generous holiday package, the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.

Based in the Research Grants and Contracts Team in Research and Innovation, you will play a key role in supporting the team to ensure a prompt and efficient service in the contracting of research funding.

By possessing excellent communication and interpersonal skills, adopting a pragmatic approach, and having a sound knowledge of the research life cycle within the Higher Education Sector, you will provide professional contracting support and advice to colleagues within Research and Innovation, the wider University and our NHS partners. You will ensure that the University’s interests are protected and that it can meet its contractual and legal obligations, whilst ensuring compliance with funder terms and relevant governance.

Being able to work independently and as part of a team is essential.

Based in the Research Grants & Contracts (RG&C) Team in Research and Innovation, you will play a key role in supporting the team to ensure a prompt and efficient service in the contracting of research funding.

The main focus of the role is to:

• Provide advice on contractual terms, governance requirements and compliance across a range of funders
• Draft, negotiate and manage research agreements, including funding awards, collaboration agreements, sub-contracts and studentships
• Support the development of standard agreements and internal contracting processes
• You will provide more general professional advice and support to colleagues within Research and Innovation, the wider University and NHS research communities on contractual issues in support of their research activities

Within broad parameters, under the line management and direction of the Senior Grants & Contracts Managers, and working with academic and professional colleagues at all levels, you will:

• Effectively advise on, draft, and negotiate research agreements across a broad range of scientific disciplines, including clinical research, ensuring that they protect the academic and commercial interests of the parties we represent
• Advise on issues relating to research agreements and where appropriate, lead on contract negotiations concerning such agreements on behalf of the University and the NHS
• Ensure processes and procedures relating to the interaction with researchers across the University concerning the gathering of information required to negotiate research agreements are followed
• Support the Senior Grants & Contract Managers in monitoring and evaluating the implications of changes in contracting practices introduced by major funding bodies, taking action as appropriate by adapting internal systems and processes to ensure alignment, and, as necessary, alerting the Senior Grants & Contracts Managers where implications may be detrimental to the University whilst maintaining effective business relationships
• Obtain clear and relevant information from researchers and the relevant research support teams on matters relating to the research project, for an assessment to be made of the benefits and risks of entering into specific research agreements
• Support the Senior Grants & Contract Managers in the drafting of research agreements and accompanying guidance notes for use within RG&C, and the provision of training and development in relation to the effective and appropriate use of such research agreements
• Carry out additional activities and responsibilities as deemed appropriate by the Senior Grants & Contract Managers within RG&C

• A sound working knowledge of research contract issues facing the Higher Education Sector, as well as issues surrounding the wider research environment
• Relevant experience of contracting practice, within the Higher Education Sector, an NHS or legal setting
• Experience of working with colleagues at all levels with varying levels of knowledge and expertise
• A sound working…