Job summary
Research is important and hospitals which are research active have better patient outcomes. Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals 'Caring with PRIDE' Strategy shows research 'as vital to our organization and future care of our patients' and commits to driving world class research and, year on year, delivering measurable increases in research activity and research funding.
This is an exciting time to join the senior team of the research department as many changes and improvements are already underway. Due to expansion, #TeamNNUH is seeking a Senior Contracts Specialist to provide a dedicated R&D contracting service. The post holder will manage their own case load with support and supervision.
Candidates invited to interview will be expected to make a short presentation entitled 'How a dedicated Senior Contracts Specialist can support the NNUH's Research Strategy - challenges and opportunities' and also carry out a contract test based on a contract template issued by the Health Research Authority. Prior to interview, candidates selected for interview will/may be invited to meet informally with the Director of Research Operations either in person or via teams and have opportunity to discuss the background and ask questions. We recognize the commitment candidates will need to make to prepare for the interview and are happy to provide assistance so that candidates can be at their best.
Main duties of the job
This post is key in providing contract management support to internal teams and shaping the way in which NNUH interacts with its research partners and collaborators and placing NNUH on a good footing to fully implement the Research Strategy 2020-2025.
Sitting within the Research and Development (R&D) department, the post holder will provide a dedicated and high-quality core contracts service, being responsible for leading on research contracts, grant agreements, material and data sharing agreements. The post-holder will support the Director of Research Operations on contract management and in developing partnerships with organisations on the Norwich Research Park, in particular the University of East Anglia and Quadram Institute Biosciences, including intellectual property management.
The post would suit a newly qualified solicitor, a lawyer or someone with relevant experience in a contracting environment. The primary purpose of the role is to deliver an efficient and timely contracting service and ensure the interests of NNUH are fully protected through effective research contracts.
The post holder is expected to support a portfolio of research contracts that facilitate research and the Trust's involvement in prestigious research programmes whilst protecting the Trust's interests. Working together with other members of the Research Services team, the post holder is expected to be aware of matters that impact on NNUH's ability to fulfill contractual obligations.
About us
Join us at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital and be part of a workforce of over 10,000 staff!
The NNUH is one of the largest NHS trusts in the UK, providing first-class acute care for around one million people, living in Norfolk and surrounding areas. We are a teaching and research hospital, at the forefront of innovation, home to state-of-the-art facilities, such as the Quadram Institute. We are pleased to work closely with the University of East Anglia, providing teaching opportunities for our staff and placement opportunities for their students. We attract some of the best and leading professionals from across the country and are proud that our workforce represents 94 countries from across the world.
We are a friendly, collaborative hospital, working with local services and home to N&N Hospitals Charity
We can offer you the full range of NHS benefits/discounts and in addition:
- Flexible working hours
- Fast Track Staff Physiotherapy Service
- Multi Faith prayer room
- Discounted gym memberships
- Excellent pension scheme and annual leave entitlement
- Wagestream - access up to 40% of your pay as you earn it
- Free Park & Ride service direct to NNUH site
- Free 24-hours confidential counselling support
- On-site Nursery
- On-site cafes offering staff discounts
- Support in career development
- Flexible staff bank
- Salary Sacrifice schemes including lease cars, Cycle to Work scheme and home electronics
Job description
Job responsibilities
- Ensure appropriate contracts are in place for research conducted by or on behalf of the Trust, that deliverables and risks (including mitigating actions) are communicated to all relevant parties within the Trust prior to and post contract sign off.
- Oversee the planning, negotiation, development and implementation of contracts and agreements within the R&D portfolio, ensuring the appropriate use of nationally agreed template agreements.
- Ensure the Trusts Delegated Scheme of Authority is followed in terms of signatories for authorisation of contracts and agreements and, as new model contracts and agreements emerge, present these for review by Legal Services.
- Highlight to senior colleagues at the earliest opportunity significant factors which potentially impede contract authorisation and where appropriate make recommendations as to how these might be addressed and ensure that agreed mitigating actions are carried out.
- Contribute and lead on behalf of the R&D Department to the development and use of Data Sharing Agreements and Material Transfer Agreements that facilitate the Trusts ability to engage in research and innovation activities with other organisations.
- Propose changes to Trusts policies and procedures connected to research contracting.
- To support the delivery of a high quality, safe and compassionate healthcare service, all staff are expected to act as a role model to others in all aspects of their work and consistently demonstrate NNUHs PRIDE values of People focused, Respect, Integrity, Dedication and Excellence.
Please refer to the Job Description for the full specification of responsibilities and requirements for this post.
Job description
Job responsibilities
- Ensure appropriate contracts are in place for research conducted by or on behalf of the Trust, that deliverables and risks (including mitigating actions) are communicated to all relevant parties within the Trust prior to and post contract sign off.
- Oversee the planning, negotiation, development and implementation of contracts and agreements within the R&D portfolio, ensuring the appropriate use of nationally agreed template agreements.
- Ensure the Trusts Delegated Scheme of Authority is followed in terms of signatories for authorisation of contracts and agreements and, as new model contracts and agreements emerge, present these for review by Legal Services.
- Highlight to senior colleagues at the earliest opportunity significant factors which potentially impede contract authorisation and where appropriate make recommendations as to how these might be addressed and ensure that agreed mitigating actions are carried out.
- Contribute and lead on behalf of the R&D Department to the development and use of Data Sharing Agreements and Material Transfer Agreements that facilitate the Trusts ability to engage in research and innovation activities with other organisations.
- Propose changes to Trusts policies and procedures connected to research contracting.
- To support the delivery of a high quality, safe and compassionate healthcare service, all staff are expected to act as a role model to others in all aspects of their work and consistently demonstrate NNUHs PRIDE values of People focused, Respect, Integrity, Dedication and Excellence.
Please refer to the Job Description for the full specification of responsibilities and requirements for this post.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Educated to Post-graduate degree level in relevant subject or equivalent level qualification or significant experience of working at a similar level in specialist area. Relevant professional qualification
Experience
Essential
- Demonstrable specialist knowledge in a relevant discipline
- Significant experience in the analysis of complex information
Skills
Essential
- Clear communicator with excellent written and presentation skills
- Highly developed skills in relation to influencing, negotiating and conflict resolution
Desirable
- Well-developed knowledge and understanding of contracting in an R&D environment
Attitude, aptitude
Essential
- The ability to understand and behave at all times towards patients, visitors and colleagues according to the Trust's PRIDE values
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Educated to Post-graduate degree level in relevant subject or equivalent level qualification or significant experience of working at a similar level in specialist area. Relevant professional qualification
Experience
Essential
- Demonstrable specialist knowledge in a relevant discipline
- Significant experience in the analysis of complex information
Skills
Essential
- Clear communicator with excellent written and presentation skills
- Highly developed skills in relation to influencing, negotiating and conflict resolution
Desirable
- Well-developed knowledge and understanding of contracting in an R&D environment
Attitude, aptitude
Essential
- The ability to understand and behave at all times towards patients, visitors and colleagues according to the Trust's PRIDE values
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).
