Position Summary
The Counsel for Research Transactions and IP supports the organization's research enterprise by providing legal review, drafting, and negotiation assistance for a broad range of research-related agreements. This role also includes foundational intellectual property (IP) exposure, allowing the attorney to support research and innovation activities while developing expertise at the intersection of scientific research, IP, and healthcare regulation.
The position is designed for an early-career attorney seeking to grow in academic medical center research and technology-enabled innovation under the guidance of senior research and IP counsel.
Job Responsibilities
Research Transactions Support
- Draft, review, and negotiate routine and moderately complex research agreements, including:
- Sponsored research agreements
- Data use and data sharing agreements
- Material transfer agreements (MTAs)
- Confidential disclosure agreements (CDAs)
- Identify, analyze, and escalate legal, regulatory, or IP-related issues for senior-level review.
Intellectual Property Support
- Support senior research and IP attorneys on matters involving:
- Ownership and allocation of intellectual property in research agreements
- Publication rights, background IP, and licensing-related contract terms
- Confidential information, trade secrets, and data protection provisions
- Assist with review of agreements that interface with technology transfer, commercialization, and innovation initiatives.
- Partner with Innovation / Technology Transfer teams to support consistent application of institutional IP policies.
Legal Research & Regulatory Analysis
- Research and analyze issues related to:
- Data privacy and security in research collaborations
- Regulatory compliance affecting research and innovation.
- Prepare summaries, issue analyses, and contracting guidance for internal stakeholders.
Stakeholder Engagement
- Work directly with investigators, research administrators, and business leads to explain contract terms and IP-related concepts in a practical, accessible manner.
- Participate in cross-functional meetings supporting research and innovation programs.
Process Support
- Build familiarity with institutional research and IP policies, model agreements, and standard positions.
- Assist in maintaining contract templates, clause libraries, and internal guidance that integrate IP considerations.
Job Qualifications
Required:
- Juris Doctor
- 2+ years of experience practicing law
- Maintain licensure to practice law in the State of Ohio
Preferred:
- Exposure to intellectual property issues through:
- Law firm practice, clinical programs, or coursework
- Research, healthcare, or technology-focused clients
- Familiarity with academic research or technology commercialization environments
- Contract drafting and negotiation specifically in healthcare, life sciences, or research-related matters
- Demonstrated interest in developing a practice in research, innovation, and IP-adjacent healthcare law
- Strong legal writing, analytical, and organizational skills
