Division Counsel - Research

Vanderbilt University Medical Center•Nashville, TN

3d•Remote

About The Position

Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) is seeking a Division Counsel – Research to provide comprehensive legal support to its research enterprise. This role focuses on research regulatory compliance and research-related contracting, requiring the candidate to offer timely legal guidance, review and negotiate various research agreements, and advise on compliance matters impacting sponsored research. The ideal candidate will be a strategic, approachable, and collaborative individual who thrives in a challenging environment and aligns with VUMC’s values.

Requirements

JD degree from an ABA accredited law school.
Employment contingent upon State of Tennessee licensure or registration and receipt of In-House Counsel Practice Certificate.
The successful candidate must also apply for and become licensed in the State of Tennessee within 12 months of employment or, if earlier, the date required under applicable rules of the Tennessee Supreme Court.

Nice To Haves

Five (5) to seven (7) years of progressively responsible legal experience related to clinical research compliance or supporting complex healthcare/life sciences clients.
Demonstrated ability to advise leadership on sophisticated, time‑sensitive research matters.
Strong experience with research-related agreements and research services agreements.
Experience with federal awards and industry-sponsored agreements.
Strong ability to identify, assess, and mitigate legal risks associated with biomedical research.
Experience within an academic medical center or research foundation.

Responsibilities

Provide legal analysis and counsel on federal and institutional research compliance rules and regulations.
Advise on compliance with terms and conditions of federal awards, including the Common Rule, PHS Policies on Research Misconduct, and federal financial conflict-of-interest regulations.
Support development, implementation, and review of internal policies related to Other Support, foreign components, research misconduct, conflict-of-interest management, and research security.
Advise the Office of Sponsored Programs on grant-related matters.
Counsel the Research Security Office, Research Compliance Office, and committees on regulatory interpretation and policy monitoring.
Provide legal support for institutional review committees including IRB, IBC, and IACUC.
Draft, review, analyze, and negotiate a broad range of research-related agreements, including clinical trial agreements, basic research agreements, IP and technology agreements, DUAs, MTAs, NDAs, federal subawards, international research agreements, and large consortium agreements.
Conduct due diligence and provide strategic guidance on ongoing research relationships and proposed collaborations.
Coordinate with and oversee outside counsel as appropriate.
Collaborate with Vanderbilt University’s Office of the General Counsel and the Center for Technology Transfer and Commercialization.