The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university.

We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more. Find out more about our benefits (opens in a new window) and join us to become part of something special.

Overview

Are you looking for an opportunity to play a key role in negotiating contracts in a world-class university setting? We’re seeking someone, with demonstrable legal experience and knowledge of English law, to join our supportive team. This is an ideal role for someone who is pragmatic, collaborative, and detail-focused, with excellent communication skills and a strong grasp of risk management. 

You’ll draft and review a diverse portfolio of contracts across a range of research and innovation projects with commercial, charity and government partners. You will act as a vital bridge between our academic community and external partners, ensuring that every agreement is robust, clear, and strategically aligned. We provide ongoing training and professional development and actively promote an inclusive and supportive working culture.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Draft, review and negotiate research contracts (e.g. collaboration, funding, data/material transfer, IP licences, consultancy).
• Offer guidance and recommendations to researchers on risk, IP protection and contractual obligations.
• Serve as a key contact for a faculty or schools and external parties.
• Act as a proactive communicator for assigned contracts, ensuring all stakeholders are kept informed of progress and potential bottlenecks are addressed early.
• Maintain comprehensive and up-to-date case files, ensuring the "audit trail" for every negotiation is accurate, accessible, and compliant with institutional standards.
• Collaborate with research support and professional service teams, both internally and externally, to streamline agreements and promote good practice.
• Stay up to date with relevant legal knowledge and contribute to the development of effective team processes.
• Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.

Person Specification 

Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.

Further Information

Next steps in the recruitment process

The selection process will take place in the weeks following the advert closing. This will consist of an interview and assessment task. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage the week following the closing date of the advert. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact Stephanie Riley (stephanie.riley@sheffield.ac.uk).

Our vision and strategic plan

We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in new window).

What we offer

• A minimum of 38 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
• Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
• Generous pension scheme.
• A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
• A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
• Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
• A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes; integrated with our Professional Services Shared Skills Framework 
• A range of generous family-friendly policies
  • paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
  • support for those going through the menopause
  • paid time off and support for fertility treatment
  • and more

More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).

We are a Disability Confident Leader (opens in a new window). If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.

Baseline personnel security standard 

This role requires the postholder to undertake a Government baseline personnel security standard (BPSS) check as a condition of employment.

We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision (www.sheffield.ac.uk/vision) outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.