Contracts Coordinator

Most of the research groups at MRC Harwell attract external funding from a variety of sources, and/or engage in collaborative research, exchange materials or data, or undertake studies requiring ethical approval. All such activities bring a need for formal contracts and agreements, which serve both to facilitate the research, and to protect the interests of the MRC and the research staff. Support in these areas is provided through working relationships with the Head of Finance, the Business Support Manager, and colleagues at other Institutes, working closely with colleagues from UKRI and LifeArc, MRC’s technology transfer partner.

Key to the success of this role will be the ability to combine an understanding of the research undertaken here at MRC Harwell, and of the potential and implications for collaboration or exploitation, with extensive experience in research contract and Materials Transfer Agreement negotiation and management in this fast-paced environment. Some of our facilities operate a fee-for-service model as well as academic support; therefore ensuring that agreements are in line with expectations is paramount.

**Main Duties/Key Responsibilities**:
Management of the research grants and contracts advisory service
- and post-award issues and the management of registrations with electronic grant submission systems.

To work with the Head of Biological Services and their team on the transfer of research materials from and to MRC Harwell.

To identify and support due diligence and contractual issues associated with the transfer into or out of MRC Harwell of individual research leaders/groups.

To develop a knowledge of the research portfolio of MRC Harwell including the requirement for evaluation and protection of intellectual property. This requires a good knowledge of the various forms of intellectual property rights common to a research environment.

To work closely with and enhance the interactions between the MRC technology transfer service provider LifeArc and lead scientists at MRC Harwell.

The following agreements would generally fall within the Contracts Coordinator’s responsibilities:
Collaborative research agreements - mainly with universities and public sector bodies/not-for-profit institutions. Negotiation will include consideration of the appropriateness of the funding body; the nature of the collaboration; complementarity with the remit of Harwell; compliance with MRC policy and legislation; and the possibility of conflict with other research programmes within the field of science. Terms requiring special consideration relate to intellectual property (IP), publication, ethics/research governance, warranties, liability, and indemnity, and the post-holder will be expected to present a risk-based analysis to the Head of Finance for approval.

In support of the close working relationship between the MRC and other institutions, establish and maintain an efficient working relationship with counterpart staff at these other institutions. Such interactions address the clinical and research governance requirements of joint projects, ensure the sharing of best practices, and reduce risks from partnership working.

Material Transfer Agreements and Material Release Agreements - transfer materials both into and out of the MRC (including when staff leave), for which an agreement is necessary to protect MRC intellectual property (IP) from misuse and the MRC from unacceptable liabilities.

Licence agreements - mainly for unpatented material. The post-holder will assist in discussions about licence agreements, to support the inventor/scientist, Head of Operations and LifeArc.

Consultancy agreements - mainly held by senior scientists with industry. The post-holder will ensure that MRC interests and policy are protected both at corporate and establishment level and that there are no conflicts of interest between consultant/company/MRC. Advice will be given to prospective consultants on appropriate fees and implications in terms of their own liabilities.

Confidentiality agreements - including drafting (based on template) and negotiation to ensure that, e.g., Freedom of Information Act provisions are included.

Other contracts/agreements as required on a case-by-case basis.

**Support and Representation**

Provide general support, guidance and training to research staff in respect of agreements and the requirements for the protection of IP. This may include contributing to staff inductions and the development of internal guidance and training material.

**Other duties**

Research Ethics/Governance - keep abreast of the ethical and research governance requirements relating to MRC Harwell’s research, including being proactive and elevating concerns to MRC Head Office and advising research staff on mechanisms to ensure compliance with MRC policy; e.g., in accepting MRC Sponsorship for studies.

Management Information - overseeing the effective and efficient administration of all contractual records