Deputy Head of (Research) Contracts (CC13124)

We are seeking a skilled and dedicated legal professional to join the University of Bath’s Research and Impact Services (RIS) as our Deputy Head of (Research) Contracts. 

About us

The University of Bath’s research is helping to change the world for the better. We work in partnership to create a healthier, more sustainable and connected future for us all. 

Our Research and Impact Services (RIS) department supports the full research lifecycle – from funding applications and project delivery to knowledge exchange, impact, and commercialisation. As the Deputy Head of (Research) Contracts, you’ll be in a pivotal role at the heart of this work, enabling our research to reach, inform and influence policymakers nationally and internationally.

It is an exciting time to join RIS as the research portfolio is growing in terms of the number, complexity, and variety of applications being submitted, including funding from national and international sources and from both public and private entities.

About you

Working closely with the Head of Team you will support them in leading and managing a specialist Research Contracts Team in support of the University’s ambition to continue to grow and diversify its research and innovation portfolio. 

You will take a leading role in co-managing the development of an efficient service for the management of a broad portfolio of research and research-related contracts. 

We are looking for someone with:

A relevant professional legal qualification and a Legal Practicing Certificate (or equivalent) with expert knowledge of contract lawExperience of drafting and negotiating complex research collaborations between academia and non-university organisationsThe ability to manage a large and diverse turnover of contract negotiationsProactive management experience, managing and developing an effective, professional team.Further information

For an informal discussion about this role, please contact Amy Charles Persson (acp84@bath.ac.uk) after 04 November 2025.

We consider ourselves to be a university where difference is celebrated, respected and encouraged. We have an excellent international reputation with staff from over 60 different nations and have made a positive commitment towards gender equality and intersectionality receiving a Silver Athena SWAN award. We truly believe that diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds will lead to a better environment for our employees and students and encourage applications from all genders, backgrounds, and communities, particularly from under-represented groups, and value the positive impact that will have on the university. We are committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for our students, staff, and community by reinforcing our Safer Recruitment commitment.

We're very proud to be a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant. an accredited Disability Confident Leader; autism friendly university, committed to building disability confidence and supporting disabled staff. 

                                               What we can offer you

We're continually expanding our benefits package to better support you and enhance your experience with us and the below is just an example of some of the many great benefits we offer:

Free counselling services through Health AssuredCycle to work schemeElectric vehicle salary sacrifice schemeStaff discount at Team Bath gymStaff discounts on postgraduate tuition feesStaff discount on language coursesGenerous employer contributory pension schemesGenerous annual leave allowance with an additional 5 discretionary days so that you can enjoy a positive work life balanceA wide range of personal and professional development opportunities including Apprenticeships, LinkedIn Learning and moreFree entry to the Holburne Museum in BathLocal discounts and moreA family-friendly workplace An excellent reward package that recognises the talents of our diverse workforceRelocation allowanceVisa reimbursement and Interest-Free Loan to help with the cost of some immigration expenses

Find out more about our benefits and watch the video to hear from our staff about what makes the University of Bath a great place to work as well as following us X and LinkedIn.

Closing Date: 16 Nov 2025

Department: Management, Specialist and Administration

Salary: £47,389 to £56,535 plus a market supplement up to £60,000, could be added dependent on skills and experience.