Head of Research Contracts

Heriot-Watt University Student Union

. Direct and deliver the University's research contracting function globally .

Posted 11/6/2026full-timeEdinburgh • United KingdomLead💰 £59,390 - £70,878 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates extensive expertise in negotiating complex commercial and research contracts, with a strong focus on Trusted Research and Secure Innovation principles. Proven ability to lead and develop a team while embedding legal functions within institutional strategy and ensuring compliance with export control and national security regulations.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Qualified SolicitorNegotiation of Complex ContractsTrusted Research and Secure InnovationIntellectual Property RightsTeam Leadership and Development

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Commercial Contracts LawResearch Contracts LawExport Control ComplianceDue DiligenceContract NegotiationIntellectual Property DocumentationResearch Partnership AgreementsGDPR ComplianceClinical Research AgreementsHorizon Europe Framework

Soft Skills

Interpersonal SkillsInfluencing SkillsPresentation SkillsCommunication SkillsFlexibility

Certifications & Qualifications

Membership of Relevant Professional Body

Industry Keywords

Higher EducationResearch-Intensive EnvironmentNational SecurityConsultancy ContractsContinuous Improvement

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Direct and deliver the University's research contracting function globally
Provide strategic and operational leadership to the Research Contracts team, including line management, supervision, induction, mentoring and professional development
Design and evolve the Research Contracts global service model
Lead negotiation and conclusion of complex commercial and research contracts, including collaboration, partnership, consortium, grant, confidentiality, studentship, consultancy, contract research and industry sponsorship agreements
Act as the University's principal expert on Trusted Research and Secure Innovation
Ensure due diligence, export control compliance and national security considerations are embedded in international research collaborations
Deliver training on Trusted Research and Secure Innovation where required
Act as Legal Entity Authorised Representative (LEAR) and Project Legal Signatory (PLS) in EC-funded projects
Develop and articulate the team's vision in support of the University's Strategy 2035
Embed continuous improvement in service standards, processes and team capability
Draft, review and advise on software licences, patents, know-how licences and intellectual property documentation
Support the University's consultancy process through negotiation and execution of academic consultancy contracts
Advise senior University leadership on contractual, financial and reputational risk, intellectual property and legal matters
Develop and maintain research contracting policies, standards, precedents and playbooks
Provide contractual advice and support to Business & Enterprise, Finance, Governance & Legal Services and other directorates
Liaise with the General Counsel team and central Legal Services
Represent the University in sector and professional networks, benchmark best practice and horizon-scan emerging legal and regulatory issues
Undertake other duties required by the Director of Research Engagement Directorate

Requirements

What you’ll need

Qualified solicitor or equivalent legal professional (LLB or equivalent), with extensive equivalent experience in commercial/research contracts law
Extensive, senior-level experience negotiating complex commercial and research contracts within Higher Education or a comparable research-intensive environment
Demonstrable knowledge and practical experience of Trusted Research and Secure Innovation principles, export control regulation, and national security due diligence in international research collaborations
Proven track record negotiating and establishing research partnership agreements with international institutions, including jointly supervised and awarded PhD programmes
Strong knowledge and understanding of intellectual property rights and their application to research commercialisation
Strategic vision for embedding a legal/contracts function within institutional strategy
Commitment to continuous service improvement and leadership through organisational and strategic change
Proven experience managing, developing and motivating a team of legal or contracts professionals
Excellent interpersonal, influencing and presentation skills
Ability to communicate complex legal issues clearly to academic, professional services and senior stakeholders
Ability to work quickly, flexibly and accurately in a dynamic, changing and pressured environment
Ability to work without supervision and manage priorities
Experience working within a Scottish or wider UK research-intensive university (desirable)
Membership of a relevant professional body (desirable)
Experience of international research funding frameworks such as Horizon Europe, UKRI and Innovate UK (desirable)
Experience advising on GDPR issues, MTAs, and clinical or health-related research agreements (desirable)
Proficiency in undertaking further development and training in unfamiliar areas of legal work as necessary (desirable)

Benefits

Comp & perks

Hybrid working is possible
Flexible working patterns, including part-time working and job share options
Total rewards benefits provided by Heriot-Watt University