Job summary
Managing a caseload of R&I related contracts within the R&I Office between the UHL and the University, UHL and other institutions collaborating or participating in UHL-sponsored studies. This will include development, processing and negotiating research related contracts to enable efficient start up of research projects.
Acting as the main R&I contact on matters related to intellectual property management.
The role includes supporting UHL research groups develop research partnerships and collaborations with industry.
Main duties of the job
Scrutinising and negotiating research-related contracts on behalf of the UHL
Liaising with researchers, clinicians and the relevant administrators to keep them informed and seek their advice as to risks and benefits of the contract terms
After consultation with the research teams, working with the UHL Legal Services and collaborating organisations on the drafting of contractual language to meet the needs of particular negotiations or seeking advice on particular issues
identify the appropriate type of contract required for new projects: g. consultancy; research funding; data registry; clinical trial; medical device research agreements
identify and reduce wherever possible any potential liabilities to the Trust under research and development connected contracts
Identify any modifications from standard contract templates and decide if the changes are acceptable, if not, appropriately deal with this directly with the sponsor, HRA and Senior R&I Managers
Seeking advice from UHL Legal services where appropriate
Answering enquiries about the UHL's research-related policies and procedures, and providing advice to researchers, departmental administrators and sponsors on funding and contractual matters (in relation, for example, to the costing and pricing of research with the R&I Finance team
Liaising with the UHL Research & Innovation team on issues relating to regulation and governance
Ensuring the R&I Database (EDGE) is maintained and updated to track progress of all contracts
About us
We are one of the biggest and busiest NHS trusts in the country, incorporating the General, Glenfield and Royal Infirmary hospitals. We have our very own Children's Hospital and run one of the country's leading heart centres.
Our team is made up of more than 17,000 staff providing a range of services primarily for the one million residents of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.
Our purpose is to provide 'Caring at its best' and our staff have helped us create a set of values that embody who we are and what we're here to do. They are:
- We focus on what matters most
- We treat others how we would like to be treated
- We are passionate and creative in our work
- We do what we say we are going to do
- We are one team and we are best when we work together
Our patients are at the heart of all we do and we believe that 'Caring at its best' is not just about the treatments and services we provide, but about giving our patients the best possible experience.
About the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust: (leicestershospitals.nhs.uk)
The detailed job description and main responsibilities are included as an attachment to this advert.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Contract Review & Management
- Scrutinising and negotiating research-related contracts on behalf of the UHL.
- Liaising with researchers, clinicians and the relevant administrators to keep them informed and seek their advice as to risks and benefits of the contract terms.
- Working with UHL Head of Privacy on research contracts involving use of data to ensure compliance with Trust Data Protection and Confidentiality Policy and GDPR.
- After consultation with the research teams, working with the UHL Legal Services and collaborating organisations on the drafting of contractual language to meet the needs of particular negotiations or seeking advice on particular issues.
- identify the appropriate type of contract required for new projects: g. consultancy; research funding; data registry; clinical trial; medical device research agreements
- identify and reduce wherever possible any potential liabilities to the Trust under research and development connected contracts
- identify any modifications from standard contract templates and decide if the changes are acceptable, if not, appropriately deal with this directly with the sponsor, HRA and Senior R&I Managers.
- instruct external solicitors to draft contracts/precedents or advise on technical legal matters where necessary
- Prepare, co-ordinate and regularly review sub-agreements with the University of Leicester and other academic partners
- ensure Principal Investigators/research staff are aware whenever possible of their responsibilities under the agreements and any contractual and/or financial terms relevant to their research
- Keeping comprehensive records of each stage of the negotiations. Seeking advice from UHL Legal services where appropriate.
- Taking part in regular team meetings to review cases, and monitor caseload and completion times.
- Preparing the final briefing note requesting signature of agreements, setting out key terms and any risks or issues.
- Answering enquiries about the UHLs research-related policies and procedures, and providing advice to researchers, departmental administrators and sponsors on funding and contractual matters (in relation, for example, to the costing and pricing of research with the R&I Finance team.
- Liaising with the UHL Research & Innovation team on issues relating to regulation and governance,
- Working with the R&I Finance team on research grants and specialists on questions relating to research grant applications and the terms/conditions set down by funding agencies.
- Working with R&I Finance team with set-up of awards on the Trusts financial system, working with research managers and accountants as appropriate on set-up and post-award issues.
- Arranging meetings, preparing agenda papers, recording minutes and producing action notes in connection with the work of the office.
- Attending research governance meetings and deputising for the chair when required
- Contributing to the development of Trust strategy as it relates to the external funding of research, and drafting briefing notes for senior officers and/or papers for the Trusts governing bodies in this area.Other duties as assigned by senior R&I management
- Wider training with UHL staff
- Ensuring the R&I Database (EDGE) is maintained and updated to track progress of all contracts
Planning and Organisational
- Ability to plan, manage and deliver highly complex contracts, involving multiple agencies and individuals and a range of tasks
- Ability to manage time effectively, prioritise work and to deliver results consistently to tight timelines
- Convene and lead regular meetings to ensure key issues are communicated and understood by all relevant stakeholders
Physical Dexterity
- Keyboard skills
- Good IT skills, particularly in use of Web applications and MS Office applications
KEY RESULT AREAS
Intellectual Property
- Following procedures for the effective management of IP arising out of research contracts
- Acting as the main point of contact within R&I for enquiries and requests for information related to intellectual property and preparing draft correspondence on behalf of the R&I Department and senior R&D staff as required.
- Liaise with the UHLs partner innovation hub on the support and management of the Trusts intellectual property
Patient / Client Care
- Assist patients/clients during incidental contacts
To develop and establish research relationships with commercial partners
Policy and Service Development
- Responsible for policy implementation and development for service.
- Ensure compliance with the corporate policies.
Financial and Physical Resources
- No Budget holder responsibilities.
Human Resources
Management
- Line management responsibility for the R&I Contract team. This will include recruitment, sickness absence, employee relations and performance management, including appraisal and addressing underperformance in conjunction with other line managers
- Interpretation of Trust policy and procedures in accordance with the Trust guidelines
Education
- Involved in training/support for staff.
- Undertake training needs analysis as required by R&I and support delivery of education and training to meet business needs.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Contract Review & Management
- Scrutinising and negotiating research-related contracts on behalf of the UHL.
- Liaising with researchers, clinicians and the relevant administrators to keep them informed and seek their advice as to risks and benefits of the contract terms.
- Working with UHL Head of Privacy on research contracts involving use of data to ensure compliance with Trust Data Protection and Confidentiality Policy and GDPR.
- After consultation with the research teams, working with the UHL Legal Services and collaborating organisations on the drafting of contractual language to meet the needs of particular negotiations or seeking advice on particular issues.
- identify the appropriate type of contract required for new projects: g. consultancy; research funding; data registry; clinical trial; medical device research agreements
- identify and reduce wherever possible any potential liabilities to the Trust under research and development connected contracts
- identify any modifications from standard contract templates and decide if the changes are acceptable, if not, appropriately deal with this directly with the sponsor, HRA and Senior R&I Managers.
- instruct external solicitors to draft contracts/precedents or advise on technical legal matters where necessary
- Prepare, co-ordinate and regularly review sub-agreements with the University of Leicester and other academic partners
- ensure Principal Investigators/research staff are aware whenever possible of their responsibilities under the agreements and any contractual and/or financial terms relevant to their research
- Keeping comprehensive records of each stage of the negotiations. Seeking advice from UHL Legal services where appropriate.
- Taking part in regular team meetings to review cases, and monitor caseload and completion times.
- Preparing the final briefing note requesting signature of agreements, setting out key terms and any risks or issues.
- Answering enquiries about the UHLs research-related policies and procedures, and providing advice to researchers, departmental administrators and sponsors on funding and contractual matters (in relation, for example, to the costing and pricing of research with the R&I Finance team.
- Liaising with the UHL Research & Innovation team on issues relating to regulation and governance,
- Working with the R&I Finance team on research grants and specialists on questions relating to research grant applications and the terms/conditions set down by funding agencies.
- Working with R&I Finance team with set-up of awards on the Trusts financial system, working with research managers and accountants as appropriate on set-up and post-award issues.
- Arranging meetings, preparing agenda papers, recording minutes and producing action notes in connection with the work of the office.
- Attending research governance meetings and deputising for the chair when required
- Contributing to the development of Trust strategy as it relates to the external funding of research, and drafting briefing notes for senior officers and/or papers for the Trusts governing bodies in this area.Other duties as assigned by senior R&I management
- Wider training with UHL staff
- Ensuring the R&I Database (EDGE) is maintained and updated to track progress of all contracts
Planning and Organisational
- Ability to plan, manage and deliver highly complex contracts, involving multiple agencies and individuals and a range of tasks
- Ability to manage time effectively, prioritise work and to deliver results consistently to tight timelines
- Convene and lead regular meetings to ensure key issues are communicated and understood by all relevant stakeholders
Physical Dexterity
- Keyboard skills
- Good IT skills, particularly in use of Web applications and MS Office applications
KEY RESULT AREAS
Intellectual Property
- Following procedures for the effective management of IP arising out of research contracts
- Acting as the main point of contact within R&I for enquiries and requests for information related to intellectual property and preparing draft correspondence on behalf of the R&I Department and senior R&D staff as required.
- Liaise with the UHLs partner innovation hub on the support and management of the Trusts intellectual property
Patient / Client Care
- Assist patients/clients during incidental contacts
To develop and establish research relationships with commercial partners
Policy and Service Development
- Responsible for policy implementation and development for service.
- Ensure compliance with the corporate policies.
Financial and Physical Resources
- No Budget holder responsibilities.
Human Resources
Management
- Line management responsibility for the R&I Contract team. This will include recruitment, sickness absence, employee relations and performance management, including appraisal and addressing underperformance in conjunction with other line managers
- Interpretation of Trust policy and procedures in accordance with the Trust guidelines
Education
- Involved in training/support for staff.
- Undertake training needs analysis as required by R&I and support delivery of education and training to meet business needs.
Person Specification
Training & Qualifications
Essential
- University degree (or equivalent).
- A scientific background or qualification, preferably at the post-graduate level and ideally in the Life or Clinical sciences.
- Knowledge of research administration , including an understanding of research grant funding in the UK universities
- Experience in the administration of research grants or contracts
Desirable
- Research Contracts training course
Experience
Essential
- An ability to analyse, interpret and resolve highly complex problems
- Line management experience
- Experience of working with research contracts and legal agreements
- Knowledge of the medicines for Human use (clinical trials) regulations; Data protection Act; Human Tissue Act; law of confidence; UK Policy Framework for Health and Social Care Research
- Experience in developing, implementing and following standard procedures
Desirable
- Previous budgetary experience
- Experience within the NHS
Communication and relationship skills
Essential
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills (both written and verbal).
- Negotiating and influencing skills
- Problem solving/decision making skills
- Evidence of successful change management.
Analytical and Judgement skills
Essential
- Able to collate and compile complex information into written reports.
- Strong organisational skills and clear self-motivation.
Skills
Essential
- Good IT skills, particularly in use of Web applications and MS Office applications
- Self Motivated, with ability to manage own work load
- Self confidence and ability to cope under pressure.
Person Specification
Training & Qualifications
Essential
- University degree (or equivalent).
- A scientific background or qualification, preferably at the post-graduate level and ideally in the Life or Clinical sciences.
- Knowledge of research administration , including an understanding of research grant funding in the UK universities
- Experience in the administration of research grants or contracts
Desirable
- Research Contracts training course
Experience
Essential
- An ability to analyse, interpret and resolve highly complex problems
- Line management experience
- Experience of working with research contracts and legal agreements
- Knowledge of the medicines for Human use (clinical trials) regulations; Data protection Act; Human Tissue Act; law of confidence; UK Policy Framework for Health and Social Care Research
- Experience in developing, implementing and following standard procedures
Desirable
- Previous budgetary experience
- Experience within the NHS
Communication and relationship skills
Essential
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills (both written and verbal).
- Negotiating and influencing skills
- Problem solving/decision making skills
- Evidence of successful change management.
Analytical and Judgement skills
Essential
- Able to collate and compile complex information into written reports.
- Strong organisational skills and clear self-motivation.
Skills
Essential
- Good IT skills, particularly in use of Web applications and MS Office applications
- Self Motivated, with ability to manage own work load
- Self confidence and ability to cope under pressure.
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).
