PGR Legal, Governance & Regulatory Lead

About The University

Swansea University is a research-led university that has been making a difference since 1920. The University community thrives on exploration and discovery and offers the right balance of excellent teaching and research, matched by an enviable quality of life.

About The Role

We are seeking an experienced and strategic professional to join the Research & Knowledge Exchange Service as our new PGR Legal, Governance and Regulatory Lead.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a central role in the governance, regulatory oversight, and contractual management of postgraduate research (PGR) activity across the University.

Working closely with senior academic and professional services colleagues, you will help shape institutional policy, strengthen research governance, and support the continued development of an excellent and inclusive research environment.

Based primarily at our Singleton Campus, with activity across both campuses, the role sits within the newly integrated Research & Knowledge Exchange Service, a collaborative and forward-looking structure designed to deliver responsive, efficient, and sustainable support for our research community.

You will lead a small specialist team responsible for:

• Coordinating and supporting institutional PGR governance structures, including the Postgraduate Research Board, viva panels, progression and awards processes
• Leading the development and implementation of PGR regulations, policies, and governance frameworks
• Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating complex studentship, doctoral training, and partnership agreements
• Providing expert advice on contractual risk, funding terms, intellectual property, and regulatory compliance
• Supporting Faculties, Principal Investigators, and doctoral training programmes in delivering compliant and effective PGR activity
• Managing stakeholder relationships with funding bodies, industrial partners, and collaborating institutions
• Leading task and finish groups and contributing to strategic projects across the PGR landscape

This is a varied and influential role requiring excellent judgement, strong negotiation skills, and the ability to work confidently across legal, regulatory, and operational environments.

We are looking for someone with:

• Significant experience drafting and negotiating complex agreements and contracts
• Experience working within governance, regulatory, legal, or research support environments
• Strong influencing and stakeholder management skills
• Experience of line management and team leadership
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• The ability to interpret and apply complex regulations and procedural guidance
• Knowledge of intellectual property issues within a research or innovation setting
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities effectively

A law degree, LPC/SQE qualification, or equivalent relevant professional experience is essential.

Experience within higher education, research funding, doctoral training partnerships, or collaborative research environments would be advantageous.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

The University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity in all its practices and activities. We aim to establish an inclusive environment and welcome diverse applications from the following protected characteristics: age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race (including colour, nationality, ethnic and national origin), religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation.

As an inclusive and welcoming workplace, we value people for their skills regardless of their background. Applications are welcome in Welsh and will not be treated less favourably than those submitted in English.

To apply for this role, please click on the 'Apply' button above.