Head of Research Contracts

Grade UE09: £63,606 to £78,469 per annum

Location: Edinburgh Research Office / Corporate Services Group

Hours: Full-time: 35 hours per week

Contract: Open-ended: permanent

We are seeking an accomplished leader to steer our Research Contracts Team ensuring excellence in delivery of our research contracting services, supporting the University’s research ambitions. This post is full-time, but we are open to flexible working patterns and hybrid working arrangements.

• Experienced leader of large teams providing frontline services, ideally in a higher education research environment
• Demonstrated increasing responsibilities and a recognised legal or research management qualification
• Substantial experience in research contracting in the UK and overseas
• Success in service improvement initiatives, resource planning and workload management
• Highly proactive and creative thinker, skilled in motivating diverse teams and collaborating effectively in large organisations

Please note this is not a procurement related position.

Include the following documents:

• CV
• Cover letter

• A competitive salary.
• An exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work.
• Part of a diverse and vibrant international community.
• Comprehensive Staff Benefits, such as generous holiday entitlement, competitive pension schemes, staff discounts and family‑friendly initiatives.

Working in Edinburgh Research Office you will be part of a professional, supportive and friendly team at the heart of University research support. We collaborate with academics and research support professionals across the institution. The breadth of our remit provides an overview of research support activity while you build your skills in your specialism. We offer colleagues a stimulating working environment based on our values of integrity, expertise, community, and collaboration.

Our work is fast‑paced and intense; you will thrive here if you are motivated, customer‑orientated, and passionate about providing an excellent service to enable our researchers to do amazing work.

Responsible for delivery of a high quality, integrated, user‑focused and resilient service covering applications, contracting, and awards. The Research Contracts team consists of solicitors and contract specialists providing expert legal advice in the research contracting process.

The University of Edinburgh holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. We are members of the Race Equality Charter and are Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champions, actively promoting LGBT equality.

Prior to any employment commencing, you will need to evidence your right to work in the UK. The University is able to sponsor international workers. Successful applicants requiring sponsorship will need to satisfy the UK Home Office’s English Language requirements and secure a Skilled Worker Visa.

Closing date for applications:
23 February 2026 at 11:59pm GMT. Interview dates to be confirmed.

As a world‑leading research‑intensive University, we are here to address tomorrow’s greatest challenges. Between now and 2030 we will do that with a values‑led approach to teaching, research and innovation, and through the strength of our relationships both locally and globally.