Solicitor Consultant

Cambridge University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust ("the Trust") is involved with exciting clinical research. In partnership with the University of Cambridge, we host the NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) and we have recently been awarded funding to host one of NHS England's sub-national secure data research environments.

The Trust's Research & Development Department ("R&D") is seeking to appoint a solicitor to join the R&D legal team. The R&D legal team provides a dedicated, professional legal service to the wider R&D team as well as Trust researchers, to support research from early ideas through to patient benefit and commercialisation.

The role is varied and involves leading on the review, negotiation and implementation of agreements relating to clinical research as well as providing legal advice on issues concerning clinical research including data protection. You will work closely with colleagues from across clinical-academia (including our partner organisation, the University of Cambridge), professional scientists, and other partner organisations.

Main duties of the job

1. Prepare, review, negotiate and advise on all contracts relating to the NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre.
2. Provide a professional legal service to the R&D Department and Trust researchers to support research from early ideas through to patient benefit and commercialisation. Liaising with researchers, heads of departments and other staff across the Trust, the University of Cambridge, partner organisations and external organisations.
3. Liaise with the University of Cambridge legal team, clinical school, research services division and other University departments for matters relating to research within both organisations.
4. Research and advise independently on particular points of law relating to research including data protection law and ICO guidance.
5. Advise on compliance with statutory or regulatory matters or the interpretation of Trust policies and procedures relating to research.
6. Contribute to regular reviews of and updates of the Trust's policies and procedures for research.
7. Instruct and liaise with external lawyers and counsel as and when necessary.
8. Liaise with key stakeholders on all issues relating to Trust research including data protection law and management of intellectual property.

About us

Our Trust

Cambridge University Hospitals (CUH) NHS Foundation Trust comprises Addenbrooke's Hospital and the Rosie Hospital in Cambridge. With over 13,000 staff and over 1100 beds the priorities of the Trust focus on a quality service which is all about people - patients, staff and partners. Recognised as providing 'outstanding' care to our patients and rated 'Good' overall by the Care Quality Commissioner, is testament to the skill and dedication of the people who work here. CUH's values - Together - Safe, Kind, Excellent - are at the heart of patient care, defining the way all staff work and behave.

Date posted

31 January 2025

Band

Band 8b

£62,215 to £72,293 a year p.a. pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Reference number

180-RD-255039

Job locations

Addenbrookes Hospital-Division Corporate

Hills Road

Cambridge

CB2 0QQ

Person Specification Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor.
• With post graduate diploma in legal practice, SQE or equivalent.

Experience

• A practising solicitor with significant post qualification experience.
• Background of studying or working in life sciences (desirable).

Knowledge

• Excellent knowledge of contract law.
• Excellent knowledge of Data Protection legislation and ICO guidance.
• Experience of commercial contracts (desirable).
• Working knowledge of procurement law (desirable).
• Familiarity with the administration of clinical trials and studies (desirable).
• A demonstrable understanding of NIHR Biomedical Research Centres (desirable).
• Project management (desirable).
• An understanding of the healthcare system or a willingness to learn about the healthcare system and clinical research within the NHS (desirable).

Skills

• Negotiating skills.
• Interpretation of complex legal documents.
• Excellent interpersonal skills - ability to communicate effectively with different stakeholders.
• Ability to work under pressure balancing conflicting workloads, including a range of tasks, to tight deadlines whilst maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to use Microsoft Office suite.
• Highly motivated, committed and effective team member able to take lead on areas responsible for.
• Analytical and problem solving skills.
• Proven ability to influence at the highest level.

Additional Requirements

• The ability to understand and behave at all times, towards patients, visitors and colleagues according to the Trust values of safe, kind, excellent.