Contracting Specialist - Clinical Study Start-Up

Role summary

Written by MyIslandJob from the job title and employer. See the employer's page for the full description.

The Contracting Specialist supports clinical study start-up by preparing, reviewing, negotiating, and finalising contracts with research sites, investigators, vendors, and other study partners. Requirements typically include experience in clinical research contracting, contract negotiation, budgeting, purchase orders, and working with legal, procurement, and clinical operations teams. Familiarity with clinical trial regulations, confidentiality agreements, payment terms, and contract-management systems is valuable. Novartis would expect strong communication, attention to detail, commercial awareness, organisation, and the ability to manage several studies and stakeholders across different countries. Experience in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, CRO, or healthcare sectors, together with good understanding of UK and international research requirements, would be advantageous.

About the employer

Novartis is a global medicines company headquartered in Switzerland, focused on discovering and delivering innovative treatments for serious and complex diseases. Its work spans pharmaceuticals, clinical research, drug development, regulatory affairs, manufacturing, and patient access. The company operates internationally and invests heavily in research areas such as oncology, immunology, neuroscience, cardiovascular disease, and rare diseases. Novartis employs professionals across science, medicine, technology, operations, commercial functions, and corporate services. Its culture generally emphasises innovation, ethical business conduct, collaboration, inclusion, and data-driven decision-making. In the United Kingdom, Novartis supports clinical development, healthcare partnerships, market access, medical affairs, and commercial operations, while working with the NHS, research institutions, healthcare professionals, and patient organisations.

Working in United Kingdom

The United Kingdom offers opportunities in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, healthcare, clinical research, technology, finance, engineering, and professional services, with major employment centres in London, Cambridge, Oxford, Manchester, Edinburgh, and other regional cities. Workplace culture is generally professional, relatively informal, and respectful of personal time, with diversity and flexible working increasingly common. Lifestyle ranges from busy urban living to quieter coastal and rural communities, supported by strong public transport, cultural attractions, and the National Health Service. Visa requirements depend on nationality; many skilled overseas workers need employer sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route, while eligible applicants may use routes such as the Global Talent visa. Candidates should check current UK government rules, confirm sponsorship availability with the employer, budget for housing and healthcare-related costs, and arrange accommodation, banking, tax registration, and a National Insurance number after arrival.