Job summary
The Research and Development (R&D) Department manages many research applications every month for the set-up of research studies, the majority of which require multiple contracts to be negotiated and implemented by the R&D Legal Team.
We require an experienced Senior Contracts Manager to join the R&D Legal Team to strengthen our in-house expertise and initiate and review research related contracts and negotiate with other Trusts, Universities and research organisations (both nationally and internationally) on any potential problems, so that the Trust's interests are protected.
You will also review other contracts relating to research, such as those issued by the Department of Health, and advise on legal issues relating to research in the Health Service.
The role is full time, but part time hours or a job share will also be considered.
Main duties of the job
Draft, review and negotiate highly complex contracts and agreements for research studies that involve the Trust and ensure those agreements protect the Trust's interests and those of its patients.
Analyse complex contractual and legal obligations in the light of available guidance and potentially conflicting evidence.
Research and advise on the interpretation and compliance with statutory or regulatory matters and the interpretation of Trust policies and procedures to members of the R&D Department and to Researchers.
Actively keep up to date with all changes to relevant research guidance and legislation and pro-actively provide updates and training on the statutory and regulatory framework to Researchers and to members of the R&D Department.
Make sure that key contractual obligations have been highlighted to the Research staff.
In the case of potential non-compliance with the statutory framework, provide clear guidance to Researchers and the Trust about their respective legal obligations.
Contribute to regular reviews of the Trust's policies and procedures for research and research related themes.
You will be required to communicate difficult decisions to the Research Community.
About us
Our Trust
Cambridge University Hospitals (CUH) NHS Foundation Trust comprises Addenbrooke's Hospital and the Rosie Hospital in Cambridge. With over 13,000 staff and over 1100 beds the priorities of the Trust focus on a quality service which is all about people - patients, staff and partners. Recognised as providing 'outstanding' care to our patients and rated 'Good' overall by the Care Quality Commissioner, is testament to the skill and dedication of the people who work here. CUH's values - Together - Safe, Kind, Excellent - are at the heart of patient care, defining the way all staff work and behave. The Trust provides accessible high-quality healthcare for the local people of Cambridge, together with specialist services, dealing with rare or complex conditions for a regional, national and international population.
CUH is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community - a place where we can all be ourselves. We value our differences and fully advocate and support an inclusive working environment where every individual can fulfil their potential. We want to ensure our people are truly representative of all the communities that we serve. We welcome applications for all positions in the organisation irrespective of people's age, disability, ethnicity, race, nationality, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marriage and civil partnership status, or pregnancy and maternity status or social economic background.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please see the attached Applicant Information Pack (combined Job Description and Person Specification) for key duties and responsibilities.
Due to Home Office immigration rules, a full time permanent vacancy cannot be filled by individuals on a Student visa. Therefore, please be advised that if you are a Student visa holder, we will not be able to offer you a full time permanent contract unless you have:
- applied for a Graduate visa
- or you will have successfully completed your course and have applied for a Graduate visa before the anticipated start date of your employment
- or the Trust has agreed that they will Sponsor you as a Skilled Worker and you will complete your studies within 3 months of the anticipatedstart date of employment
For NHS Cambridgeshire and Peterborough based roles, all applicants from NHS Cambridgeshire and Peterborough who have identified that they are at risk of redundancy will be prioritised over those not at risk. However, interviews cannot be guaranteed.
The advert will close at midnight on 14 October 2025.
Interviews are due to be held on 24 October 2025.
Benefits to you
At Cambridge University Hospitals, we want to do all we can to support good working days. We offer development opportunities and a wide range of benefits, including on-site leisure facilities, shopping concourse and day nurseries. Our good work programme currently includes providing reduced cost Stagecoach bus travel to and from Cambridge University Hospital site. Park and Ride bus journeys between Babraham Road and Trumpington sites are free, as is the route to and from Cambridge train station and our hospitals. We also subsidise the cost of parking on site for eligible staff.
On CUH campus, hot food is available 24/7 and at a reduced cost for colleagues. Recently we launched the first of our staff pod break spaces. Located in the Deakin Centre, we have a purpose-created colleague-only caf, with free tea and coffee, a break space and private outside area for colleagues to rest, refuel and recharge. Just one of the ways we are working hard to support good working days at CUH.
CUH is committed to assisting employees in achieving a good work-life balance irrespective of role or personal circumstances. Flexible arrangements may include, but are not limited to, part-time working, job-share, term-time working and flexible start and finish times.
Please note if you would like to discuss the required hours of this role further, you should approach the contact given. In some cases, alternative working hours will be considered.
We welcome applications from the Armed Forces.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please see the attached Applicant Information Pack (combined Job Description and Person Specification) for key duties and responsibilities.
Due to Home Office immigration rules, a full time permanent vacancy cannot be filled by individuals on a Student visa. Therefore, please be advised that if you are a Student visa holder, we will not be able to offer you a full time permanent contract unless you have:
- applied for a Graduate visa
- or you will have successfully completed your course and have applied for a Graduate visa before the anticipated start date of your employment
- or the Trust has agreed that they will Sponsor you as a Skilled Worker and you will complete your studies within 3 months of the anticipatedstart date of employment
For NHS Cambridgeshire and Peterborough based roles, all applicants from NHS Cambridgeshire and Peterborough who have identified that they are at risk of redundancy will be prioritised over those not at risk. However, interviews cannot be guaranteed.
The advert will close at midnight on 14 October 2025.
Interviews are due to be held on 24 October 2025.
Benefits to you
At Cambridge University Hospitals, we want to do all we can to support good working days. We offer development opportunities and a wide range of benefits, including on-site leisure facilities, shopping concourse and day nurseries. Our good work programme currently includes providing reduced cost Stagecoach bus travel to and from Cambridge University Hospital site. Park and Ride bus journeys between Babraham Road and Trumpington sites are free, as is the route to and from Cambridge train station and our hospitals. We also subsidise the cost of parking on site for eligible staff.
On CUH campus, hot food is available 24/7 and at a reduced cost for colleagues. Recently we launched the first of our staff pod break spaces. Located in the Deakin Centre, we have a purpose-created colleague-only caf, with free tea and coffee, a break space and private outside area for colleagues to rest, refuel and recharge. Just one of the ways we are working hard to support good working days at CUH.
CUH is committed to assisting employees in achieving a good work-life balance irrespective of role or personal circumstances. Flexible arrangements may include, but are not limited to, part-time working, job-share, term-time working and flexible start and finish times.
Please note if you would like to discuss the required hours of this role further, you should approach the contact given. In some cases, alternative working hours will be considered.
We welcome applications from the Armed Forces.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- A postgraduate or a graduate with relevant practical experience of contract law
Desirable
- A degree in law or a diploma in legal practice, SQE or equivalent
- GCP Training
Experience
Essential
- Considerable experience as a contracts manager gained in a city or leading regional practice or in-house or in industry
Desirable
- An understanding of the monitoring process of research in the NHS
- Experience of commercial contracts
- Experience in a life science or research setting
Knowledge
Essential
- Excellent knowledge of contract law
- Excellent Knowledge of contractual provisions relating to data protection and ICO guidance
Desirable
- Knowledge of current government policy and relevant legislation relating to clinical research such as the UK Policy Framework for Health and Social Care Research and the regulations relating to clinical trials and medical devices in the UK as well as the Human Tissue Act
- Working knowledge of procurement law
- An understanding of the healthcare system in the UK or a willingness to learn about the healthcare system and clinical research within the NHS
Additional Requirements
Essential
- The ability to understand and behave at all times, towards patients, visitors and colleagues according to the Trust values of Safe, Kind, Excellent.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- A postgraduate or a graduate with relevant practical experience of contract law
Desirable
- A degree in law or a diploma in legal practice, SQE or equivalent
- GCP Training
Experience
Essential
- Considerable experience as a contracts manager gained in a city or leading regional practice or in-house or in industry
Desirable
- An understanding of the monitoring process of research in the NHS
- Experience of commercial contracts
- Experience in a life science or research setting
Knowledge
Essential
- Excellent knowledge of contract law
- Excellent Knowledge of contractual provisions relating to data protection and ICO guidance
Desirable
- Knowledge of current government policy and relevant legislation relating to clinical research such as the UK Policy Framework for Health and Social Care Research and the regulations relating to clinical trials and medical devices in the UK as well as the Human Tissue Act
- Working knowledge of procurement law
- An understanding of the healthcare system in the UK or a willingness to learn about the healthcare system and clinical research within the NHS
Additional Requirements
Essential
- The ability to understand and behave at all times, towards patients, visitors and colleagues according to the Trust values of Safe, Kind, Excellent.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Employer details
Employer name
Cambridge University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Addenbrookes Hospital-Division R&D
Hills Road
Cambridge
CB2 0QQ
Employer's website
https://www.cuh.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)