Contracts Officer

We are currently looking for a Contracts Officer to join our Standards Lifecycle Function within the Science, Research & Innovation group.

This is a full-time opportunity, on a permanent basis. The role will be based in South Mimms, Hertfordshire. Please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas. 

Government departments and agencies are working towards implementing a minimum 60% attendance in office sites.

We are currently implementing a flexible, hybrid way of working, with a minimum of 8 days per month working on site to enable the collaboration and contact with partners and stakeholders needed to deliver MHRA business. Attendance on site is driven by business needs so depending on the nature of the role, this can flex up to 12 days a month, with the remainder of time worked either remotely or in the office. Some roles will need to be on site more regularly. 

Who are we?

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency enhance and improve the health of millions of people every day through the effective regulation of medicines and medical devices, underpinned by science and research.  

The Scientific, Research & Innovation group delivers public health impact, world-leading research innovation. The South Mimms campus of the MHRA delivers statutory scientific functions such as the provision of biological reference materials that enable the global harmonisation of vaccines, therapeutic medicines and diagnostic tests as well as the independent batch release biological products. These activities are under pinned by a strong global research and development program.

The post is based within the Standards Lifecycle function which is responsible the scientific delivery, manufacture and global distribution of biological reference materials that enable the global harmonisation of vaccines, therapeutic medicines and diagnostic tests. However, the role will serve all scientific teams across the Science Campus.

What’s the role?

The postholder will work closely with both scientific project leaders to gain further insight into the scientific objectives of the project and with the legal experts to review and draft associated legal agreements. Legal agreements may take the form of research contracts, specialist commercial contracts, collaboration agreements, confidentiality agreements, material transfers and intellectual property agreements to facilitate the scientific delivery of stator functions and underpinning research.

Key responsibilities:

• Research Contract Management (inc review, drafting and negotiation) 

• Developing and maintaining stakeholder relationships 

• Clear communication 

• Document Control and traceability 

Who are we looking for?

Our successful candidate will demonstrate the following: 

• Communicating and Influencing 

• Making effective decisions 

• Experience in research contract drafting and negotiation 

• Professional business, legal or paralegal qualification 

• Team working 

If you would like to find out more about this fantastic opportunity, please read our Job Description and Person Specification! 

Please note: The job description may not open in some internet browsers. Please use Chrome or Microsoft Edge. If you have any issue viewing the job description, please contact [email protected]

The selection process:

We use the Civil Service Success Profiles to assess our candidates, find out more here. 

• Online application form, including questions based on the Behaviour, Experience and Technical Success Profiles. Please ensure all application questions are completed in full; your application may not be considered if any responses are left blank. Our applications are CV blind, and our Hiring Managers will not be able to access your CV when reviewing your application.

• Interview, which can include questions based on the Behaviour, Experience, Technical and Strengths Success Profiles.

In the instance that we receive a high number of applications, we will hold an initial sift based on the lead criteria of: Applicants must have professional business, legal or paralegal qualification and/or equivalent proven contract drafting and negotiation experience, preferably gained in a research environment in academia or industry. 

Applicants are assessed on whether they meet any mandatory requirements as well as the necessary skills and experience for the role. Applications are scored based on the competency-based answers provided- ensure you have read these thoroughly and allow sufficient time. You can view the competencies for this role in the job description. 

Use of AI in Job Applications

Applicants must ensure that anything submitted is factually accurate and truthful. Plagiarism can include presenting the ideas and experience of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own.

If you require any disability related adjustments at any point during the process, please contact [email protected] as soon as possible.

Closing date: 03 October 2025 

Shortlisting date: 06/07 October 2025

Interview date: 23/24 October 2025

Candidates will be contacted within a week of the sift and the interviews completed to inform them of the outcome.

If you need assistance applying for this role or have any other questions, please contact [email protected]

Candidates will be subject to UK immigration requirements as well as Civil Service nationality rules. Further information on whether you are able to apply is available here. 

Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check as well as animal rights and pro-life activism checks. People working with government assets must complete basic personnel security standard checks.

Certain roles within the MHRA will require post holders to have vaccinations, and in some circumstances, routine health surveillance. These roles include:

• Laboratory-based roles working directly with known pathogens

• Maintenance roles, particularly those required to work in laboratory settings

• Roles that involve visiting other establishments where vaccination is required

• Roles required to travel overseas where specific vaccination may be required.

Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant’s details held on the IFD will be refused employment. A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government. 

Any move to the MHRA from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility here.

Successful candidates may be subject to annual Occupational Health reviews dependent on role requirements. If you have any queries, please contact[email protected].

In accordance with the Civil Service Commissioners’ Recruitment Principles our recruitment and selection processes are underpinned by the requirement of selection for appointment on the basis of merit by a fair and open competition. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles and you wish to make a complaint, you should firstly contact Florentina Oyelami, Head of Talent Acquisition, [email protected].  

If you are not satisfied with the response you receive, you can contact the Civil Service Commission at: civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk

[email protected]

Civil Service Commission 

Room G/8 

1 Horse Guards Road 

London 

SW1A 2HQ