Contracts Associate(UK Visa Sponsorship)

Job Description

About the Role

As a Contracts Associate, you will support the negotiation, drafting, and management of a varied portfolio of research and research-related agreements. Working closely with senior Contract Managers, you will help facilitate research income and knowledge exchange activity across the University.

While your primary focus will be on Confidentiality Agreements, Technical Services Agreements, Material Transfer Agreements, and contract amendments, there will also be opportunities to support more complex research and innovation projects as your experience grows.

This is a part-time, fixed-term role running from 1 March 2026 to 1 March 2027.

What You’ll Be Doing

In this role, you will:

• Draft, review, and negotiate a range of research and research-related contracts
• Support lead Contract Managers in managing a growing and diverse contract portfolio
• Work collaboratively with academic colleagues, professional services staff, and external partners
• Help ensure contracts align with University policies, charitable objectives, and strategic priorities
• Manage multiple pieces of work simultaneously, meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Contribute to service improvements as the team introduces new systems and processes

Your work will reflect best practice in public-sector and research contract management, consistent with UK government guidance on contractual standards:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/model-services-contract

What We’re Looking For

You’ll be well suited to this role if you bring:

• Demonstrable experience drafting or reviewing contracts, ideally within higher education, the public sector, or a research-driven organisation
• A sound understanding of contract law and contractual principles
• The ability to prioritise competing deadlines and work effectively under pressure
• Clear and confident communication skills, with the ability to explain contract terms to non-specialists
• A proactive mindset and a genuine interest in supporting research and innovation

Visa & Right to Work Information

Due to the complexity of the Skilled Worker visa route, applicants who require sponsorship are strongly encouraged to review their eligibility before applying. Visa options will only be discussed with candidates invited to interview.

Official guidance is available via:

Skilled Worker visa overview:
https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa

Right to work checks for employers and applicants:
https://www.gov.uk/check-job-applicant-right-to-work

Interviews & Assessment

• Interviews will take place week commencing 26 January 2026
• The interview process will include a short written assessment

Internal Applications & Secondments

Applications are welcomed from both external and internal candidates. As part of the University’s commitment to professional development, this role may be considered as a secondment opportunity for existing staff. Internal applicants should discuss this with their line manager before applying.

Equality, Inclusion & Flexible Working

The University of Reading is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and supportive workplace. We proudly support:

• The Athena SWAN Charter (gender equality)
• The Race Equality Charter
• LGBT+ equality
• Disability Confident Employer status (Level 2)
• We welcome applications for job-share, part-time, and flexible working arrangements, considered in line with business needs.

Why Join the University of Reading?

You’ll be part of an organisation that values professionalism, collaboration, and continuous improvement—while directly supporting research that delivers real-world impact.