Contracts Officer

University of Southampton - Research Contracts & Compliance

Location: Southampton

Salary: £36,636 to £44,746 per annum

Hours: Full Time

Contract Type: Permanent

Placed On: 15th October 2025

Closes: 5th November 2025

Job Ref: 3241925TW

One of the top-ranked universities globally, the University of Southampton is an exceptional place where people achieve remarkable things. Outward looking and research intensive, Southampton has gained prestigious recognition for its wide-ranging successes and history of world-changing achievements.

Research represents the lifeblood of the University of Southampton. It powers everything we do, from our innovative teaching to our growing portfolio of spin-out companies, enabling the development of products and services for the benefit of individuals, businesses and the wider economy.

Research and Innovation Services (RIS) provides expert advice and assistance for research funding and contracts, research integrity and governance, technology transfer and the commercialisation of intellectual property, collaboration with industry, and public engagement with research.

We are now recruiting a Contracts Officer to join the Research Contracts team. This post is offered on a full-time, permanent basis.

You will be part of a team of contract officers within a wider contracts team that is responsible for the drafting, review and negotiation of research contracts for the University. With a strong focus on systems and customer service, you will advise and support academic staff throughout the contract pre-award process. You will facilitate collaborations with external partners by ensuring the use of appropriate research agreements are put in place taking responsibility of your own portfolio of contracts.

Educated to degree level or equivalent, you will have excellent communication skills, be well-organised with the ability to multi-task and to work well as part of a busy team. You will be a self-starter and enjoy the challenge of making things happen in a fast-moving environment. You will have strong office experience in a customer-focused environment. Experience in working in a research support capacity within the Higher Education sector would be advantageous, together with drafting various Research Agreements.

Our vision and mission at the University of Southampton is to have a community where staff and students feel welcome, supported and valued. RIS fosters a culture of inclusion, respect and equality of opportunity, encouraging applicants from diverse backgrounds, with the belief that excellence will be achieved through recognising the value of every individual. Our flexible working practices, including an emerging hybrid working model, where employees can split their working time between the office and home, support our belief that this balance brings long-lasting benefits for our institution as well as our people. For this role candidates will need to be on campus regularly and to be available to attend meetings and events externally as required.

For an informal discussion about this post, please contact Doug Akins, Head of Research Contracts, Research and Innovation Services – P-A.S.Durrant@soton.ac.uk