Research Legal Counsel - Limited Term

ontariotechu•Oshawa, ON

6d•CA$126,500 - CA$157,300•Onsite

About The Position

The Office of the Vice-President, Research and Innovation is the central administrative support unit at Ontario Tech University, administering more than $26M annually in external research funding. The University is ranked as Canada’s Research University of the Year, as designated by Research Infosource for the second consecutive year. The Research Legal Counsel position is vital to the research enterprise overseeing research legal matters for the University and advising researchers and the team within the Office of the Vice-President, Research and Innovation, including the Office of Research Services, Brilliant Catalyst, Automotive Centre of Excellence and Brilliant Energy Institute.

Requirements

A proven track record demonstrating effective leadership ability and project management skills and an ability to set priorities and manage multiple ongoing projects
Consultation and relationship management skills to provide legal advice and successfully implement policies and best practices
Excellent communication skills to listen to and consult with a range of internal and external stakeholders and prepare effective reports and presentations
Team player with a willingness to pitch in and support colleagues as required
Strong analysis and problem-solving skills
Understanding of research security and other research regulations and compliance requirements
The ability to exercise judgment, tact, diplomacy and confidentiality.
Ability to manage people
Minimum 3-5 years of experience in a combination of an in-house legal counsel role, preferably in a post-secondary environment, and private practice focused on commercial law
Alternatively, minimum 3-5 years of experience in private practice focused on commercial law
Completion of a Master’s Degree in a Specialized or Occupational Field or Completion of an Undergraduate Degree plus Professional Certification
Law degree in good standing preferred

Nice To Haves

A knowledge of intellectual property law and/or experience in intellectual property licensing would be an asset
Experience in the management of legal affairs would be an asset

Responsibilities

Reviewing and providing legal and policy advice on a variety of issues including the drafting and reviewing of a variety of research agreements, including research grants, non-disclosure agreements, licenses and assignments for intellectual property, privacy agreements, research procurement agreements, industry collaboration agreements, and other agreements into which the University proposes to enter for research and other related purposes
Negotiating legal aspects of research agreements and general contract matters
Identifying, assessing and using creative problem solving to mitigate, legal risk to the University, as it relates to research and other general matters
Analyzing, reviewing and advising on internal disputes and/or disputes with third party sponsors
Reviewing and developing research agreement templates and research policies and procedures in accordance with all applicable policies, practices, legislation, institutional risk thresholds and other related guidelines, when no acceptable template or precedent exists
Delivering educational sessions and providing recommendations and advice to internal stakeholders on a variety of legal matters including intellectual property issues, risk mitigation, compliance with University policies and procedures, privacy, compliance with applicable provincial and federal laws and regulations, and other legal topics
Retaining and liaising with external counsel, as required
Providing functional advice to the Executive Director of Research Services and the Vice-President, Research and Innovation
Preparing internal communications to summarize material rights and obligations within research agreements
Managing and mentoring a team of contracts officers
Working with the Office of Research Services team to advise on new funding opportunities
All other related duties as required and assigned by the Executive Director, Office of Research Services