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 

RPI supports agreed University, Faculty and School priorities for research and innovation:  income generation, research excellence, PGR experience, partnership development and  knowledge exchange leading to income and/or impact and commercialisation of IP and  student enterprise. Our focus is on delivering professional, value-add advice and support to  our community of researchers and innovators. We are a well-connected team which  understands the priorities of the organisation and our external stakeholders and customers  and the external environment in which we operate. Team members collaborate, reflect,  develop their skills and have a risk-appropriate mindset of continuous improvement to our  processes, policy and approach. 

The Research Contracts Team provides a specialised and comprehensive research  contracting service. The team review, advise on, draft and negotiate all research related  contracts for and on behalf of the University of Sheffield.

The primary focus of this role is to:  

● Work collaboratively in a small team to provide effective administrative support to the wider Contracts team. 

● Act as the first point of contact for enquiries from all Schools in the University, working proactively to respond in a timely and appropriate manner.

● Set up agreements using our in-house system and to triage/respond to new enquiries in a timely manner, whilst maintaining effective and efficient systems and processes.

● Work cooperatively as part of the broader administrative team, offering support across  Research Operations when needed.

Main duties and responsibilities 

● Set up standard and non-standard contract requests, create and maintain database records. Collate information for inclusion in agreements, update file notes to monitor the progress of agreements and provide detailed information and guidance to colleagues.

● Keep administrative systems, processes and procedures under continuous review, ensuring a pragmatic approach and efficient service is delivered.

● Maintain a wide network of contacts and broad knowledge of the university to provide a signposting service.

● Amend standard agreements and administer variations to agreements, escalating where appropriate and liaising with colleagues across the university to resolve issues such as tax and insurance queries.

● Liaise with third parties and academic departments to ensure agreements are progressed in a timely manner. 

● Prioritise and plan workload according to operational demands and to manage priorities whilst ensuring high levels of customer care are delivered. Work flexibly and share work with colleagues in a small team to ensure seamless handover to cover part-time working and leave. 

● Oversee the approval and signature process, liaising with colleagues and signatories in Research Services, including application of electronic signatures and dissemination of documents.

● Coordinate multi-partner contracts, collating comments and signatures.

● Undertake training and development, where necessary, in areas relevant to main activities and responsibilities. 

● As a member of our Professional staff you will be expected to demonstrate a commitment to the professional behaviours set out in the Technical and Professional Shared Skills Framework

● 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

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place week commencing 21 September 2026.

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 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 Employer. 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. 

DBS check will be needed for this role. More details on the checks can be found on the Government website: gov.uk/criminal-record-checks-apply-role (opens in a new window).

Possession of a criminal record is not an automatic bar to employment at the University of Sheffield. We recognise the value of steady employment in the rehabilitation process and examine each case in its own right. More information can be found on our Information for candidates page:- sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/candidates (opens in a new window).

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

Closing Date : 23/08/2026 

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.