About this role
Job summary
The Trust sponsors and hosts many research studies, including clinical trials of investigational medicinal products (CTIMPs), medical devices and clinical investigations. The post holder will co-ordinate the preparation, negotiation and execution of contracts. They will be expected to become integral to a streamlined R&D process, ensuring adherence to research governance guidelines and regulations. A key part of the role is to co-ordinate collaboration agreements with external partners and parties; to set them up efficiently and to funder deadlines and keep research teams informed of progress.
Main duties of the job
Main duties and responsibilities will include:
Working within the Research Contracts Team to assist and facilitate in the preparation, negotiation and execution for a range of different research contracts such as clinical trial agreements, collaboration agreements, funding awards and material transfer agreements.
Communicate effectively to liaise with both MFT colleagues and external parties in the negotiation of contractual obligations. Particularly for collaboration agreements which often involve several different parties.
Assist colleagues in the Research Contract Team to maintain a portfolio of contract templates and advise MFT colleagues on their appropriate use.
Contribute to the Research Contract Team remit to ensure staff conducting data driven innovations are given appropriate advice on requirements to comply with the Data Protection Act, UK GDPR, and Caldicott principles.
Ensure correct contract documents are used, agreed and executed in a timely manner enabling the Trust to meet its project performance targets.
About us
Join Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT), the largest provider of specialist services, and our Oxford Road Campus in Manchester, the largest health academic campus in Europe - a great place to shape your career.With a workforce of over 30,000 colleagues, we work together to deliver exceptional care to more than 1 million people every year.Behind every patient cared for are people like you - keeping services running smoothly, supporting clinical teams, and helping create safe, welcoming environments for patients and our people alike.At MFT, we believe in the power of teamwork, respect, and inclusion. Our People Plan reflects our commitment to making MFT a place where everyone feels they belong, where your ideas are heard, and your contribution is truly valued. Join us and work smarter with our digital technology and thrive in a collaborative culture that empowers you to deliver your best to ensure that your work behind the scenes creates seamless, high-quality care and exceptional patient outcomes.Whether you're just starting out or looking to grow, we offer clear pathways for development and a culture that supports your wellbeing, ambition, and success. Everything you do makes a real difference to the lives of others.At MFT, your role matters, your impact is real, and you're part of something bigger from day one.
Job description Job responsibilities
IMPORTANT CANDIDATE INFORMATION
To find out more about the key responsibilities and the specific skills and experience youll need for this role, take a look at the Job Description & Person Specification attachments under the Documents to download heading.
Explore Inside MFT Your Candidate Place
To help you feel confident, prepared and fully informed before you apply, we invite you to explore Inside MFT Your Candidate Place. This welcoming onestop hub gives you a real sense of who we are, what we stand for, how we reward and support you, and the many ways we care for you as you care for others. Youll also find practical hints and tips for submitting a great application, along with the essential information you need to know before you apply.
To access Inside MFT Your Candidate Place, simply click on the relevant PDF document under the Documents to download heading and once opened, you can either scan QR code or click on the link provided.
Closing vacancy listings early
We welcome applications from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.To help us manage applications fairly and give each one the time it deserves, our adverts may close early if we receive a high level of interest. Early applications are therefore encouraged.
Diversity MattersMFT is committed to promoting equality of opportunity, celebrating and valuing diversity and eliminating any form of unlawful discrimination across our workforce, ensuring our people are truly representative of the communities we serve. All individuals regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation are encouraged to apply for this post. As an inclusive employer, we are here to support you. If you have any special requirements to help you with your application, please contact the manager named below.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in your application
Here at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, were proud to be ALL HERE FOR YOU, for our patients, our communities, and each other.As part of our commitment to fairness, transparency, and personal integrity, we ask all applicants to ensure that their job applications reflect their own experiences, skills, and motivations. While AI tools can support spelling, grammar, or formatting, we expect that the content of your application, especially personal statements and responses to role specific questions is written by you. This helps us get to know the real you and ensures that our recruitment process remains equitable and meaningful for everyone.
Thank you for helping us uphold the values that make our Trust a place where people belong, grow, and thrive. We look forward to receiving your application.
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
As part of our commitment to safeguarding patients and staff, many roles at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) require a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. This is a standard process across the NHS and helps us ensure a safe environment for everyone.
What is a DBS Check?
A DBS check is a background check that reveals any criminal convictions, cautions, reprimands, or warnings. The level of check required depends on the role:
Standard DBS: Checks for spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and final warnings.
Enhanced DBS: Includes the above, plus any additional information held by local police thats considered relevant to the role.
Enhanced with Barred Lists: Includes all of the above, plus checks against the childrens and/or adults barred lists.
Who Needs a DBS Check
Most roles involving direct patient contact, working with children or vulnerable adults, or access to sensitive information will require a DBS check. The job advert and recruitment team will let you know if this applies to your role.
The Costs for a DBS
At Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT), roles that require a DBS check are subject to a cost recovery policy. This means that the cost of submitting and processing a DBS application if you are successful and join us, will be deducted from your salary within the first three months of employment. If, however, you withdraw from a conditional offer after the DBS process has begun, you will still be liable for the cost incurred.
For more information about the cost of the various types of DBS, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/dbs-fees-are-changing-in-december
DBS Update Service
Candidates are also expected to register with the DBS Update Service which must be completed within 30 days of the certificate being issued. This helps streamline future employment checks and supports safer recruitment practices. For more information, please visit the DBS Update Service.
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
Honours Degree, or equivalent relevant experience or qualification.
Desirable
Post-graduate qualification, for example a postgraduate degree in science or experience in healthcare related discipline, or in Law (or related to Law) in context of the same.
Knowledge Essential
Knowledge of national process of research contracts in the NHS or clinical trials in general. Knowledge of the regulatory framework and research processes in the NHS.
Desirable
Understanding financial management procedures. Knowledge of Information Governance in relation to research.
TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE Essential
Experience in contract negotiation and execution. This could be as part of experience as a clinical research coordinator. Experience of developing and maintaining comprehensive systems for collecting and processing information. Experience of developing relationships across organisations. Proficient in IT skills with a good working knowledge of standard office software, particularly MS and Adobe (using Adobe Acrobat, Adobe sign) and DocuSign.
Desirable
Previous NHS or research environment experience. A client orientated approach to completing tasks and achieving objectives. Contract performance monitoring. Knowledge and experience of using research LPMS (eg. R-Peak, EDGE) and Florence eBinders.
SKILLS AND ABILITIES Essential
Excellent organisational skills, with a systematic approach and ability to pay attention to detail and accuracy. Ability to work as part of a productive and efficient team. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to prioritise own workload and practice effective time management. Ability to work under pressure and to tight and unexpected deadlines. Able to demonstrate initiative and judgement particularly in identifying key issues.
Desirable
Project management skills. Research study coordination/administration.
ATTRIBUTES Essential
Analytical and time managed approach to completing tasks and achieving objectives. Able to work independently with minimal day-to-day supervision. Enthusiastic, resolute and flexible approach to work. Innovative and positive approach. Approachable
OTHERS Essential
Flexibility to work across all hospital sites, in person and remotely.
Certificate of Sponsorship 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).
Employer details Employer name Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust
Address Oxford Road Campus
Manchester
M13 9WL
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://mft.nhs.uk/careers/ (Opens in a new tab)