As one of Canada's major post-secondary institutions, the University of Alberta (UofA) is committed to pursuing the highest quality research. It ranks among Canada's top four universities in external research funding, and in the 2011-2012 fiscal year, the UofA attracted over $460 million from outside sources for research.
The administration of the UofA's research funding is managed through the Research Services Office (RSO), the largest business unit in the portfolio of the Vice-President (Research). RSO is responsible for the development and submission of all research grant applications to granting agencies, and for the development and submission of service agreements and contracts to sponsoring bodies. Included in these processes is the promotion of funding opportunities, coordination of submissions, responsibility for notification of successful awards and account set-up, ongoing account management and financial reporting.
The University of Alberta is seeking a highly motivated, enthusiastic and talented professional to fill the position of Legal Counsel in the RSO. The position is responsible for providing legal advice and opinions on a variety of contractual and policy matters related to the research administration activities of the RSO, and is dedicated to meeting the legal advisory needs of the RSO and the Vice-President (Research). Ultimate responsibility for the legal work carried out at the UofA rests with the University's General Counsel, so it is expected that the Legal Counsel will be in regular contact with the General Counsel.
Reporting to both the Director of RSO and to the General Counsel for the UofA, the successful incumbent will:
- Provide legal advice on the structure and language of research agreements and contracts
- Negotiate legal aspects of research agreements and contracts with external sponsors of research
- Prepare research agreements when no appropriate template or precedent exists
- Assess and make recommendations on exceptions to UofA policies and procedures to facilitate the negotiation of research agreements and contracts
- Assess legal risk to the institution of actions associated with research activities
- Analyze, review and advise the UofA of disputes between the UofA and sponsors
- Participate as a member of the RSO Management Team
- Determine, develop and implement appropriate training and education measures for RSO staff and the University community clients
- Educate RSO and University community clients on legal issues related to research administration activities
- Recommend appropriate changes to University policy or operational procedures
This position requires a proven professional with: completion of an LLB or JD degree; a member in good standing with the Law Society of Alberta or a member in good standing with another provincial law society with eligibility for admission to the Law Society of Alberta; a minimum of 5 years post call experience in reviewing, drafting and negotiating complex, multiparty and international contracts; experience dealing with and knowledge of intellectual property; experience negotiating licensing terms and conditions; experience reviewing and providing legal advice on compliance with international laws and regulations; ability to identify and distil applicable legal issues and principals from given fact situations and questions; domestic and foreign legal research skills; experience dealing with the Health Information Act an asset; ability to communicate the law and procedures in plain language; ability to draft legal instruments; ability to present, both orally and in writing, legal opinions and arguments; strong negotiating, organizational and time management skills; ability to work under pressure and respond to competing demands; political acuity; computer literacy for effective communication and legal research; strong interpersonal skills; ability to provide effective advice in a variety of areas; and is proven in the areas of professionalism, results orientation, leadership, organizational understanding, teamwork, flexibility/adaptability, problem solving, self-management, and service orientation.
This is a full-time continuing Administrative and Professional Officer position offering a comprehensive benefits plan and a salary range of $71, 586 to $119, 314 per annum.
Please submit a covering letter, Curriculum Vitae, and the names of three references.
For more information, please refer to the following websites:
- Vice-President (Research): www.research.ualberta.ca/en/OfficeoftheVice-PresidentResearch.aspx
- Research Services Office: http://www.rso.ualberta.ca/
- Office of General Counsel: http://www.president.ualberta.
ca/en/General%20Counsel.aspx
All applicants are thanked in advance for their interest. Only those selected for interview will be contacted.
How to Apply
Note: Online applications are accepted until midnight Mountain Standard Time of the closing date.
