Legal Counsel

The Research Services Office (RSO) is looking for a highly motivated and organized self-starter to fill the position of Legal Counsel. Reporting to the Director of RSO, this position is responsible for providing a variety of legal services, primarily to RSO, to meet the needs of the University of Alberta (UofA) in the area of research administration.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Provides legal research and advice, as appropriate, on UofA's policies and procedures and its operations with regard to research administration, with a focus on sponsored research terms and contracts, intellectual property, and privacy matters including personal and human health information
• Assesses UofA's risk of legal liability with respect to its research-related contracts, policies and procedures and its operations, and recommends appropriate steps in order to manage such risks
• Coordinates legal projects including reviewing and drafting research-related agreement templates and UofA policies and procedures
• Negotiates, drafts and reviews research-related contracts and other legal documents
• Liaises with external counsel regarding research-related litigation proceedings and other matters as appropriate
• Provides legal education to the RSO and UofA community on research-related issues
• Develops legal initiatives at RSO to drive efficiency and best practices
• Actively participates in various committees and meetings both within RSO and UofA at large

Qualifications:

• Completion of LLB or JD degree and professional designation by the Law Society of Alberta are required
• Minimum of three years' experience
• Ability to identify and distill applicable legal issues and principles to given fact situations and questions
• Understanding of legislation applicable to research administration, including use of personal and health information, and issues regarding multinational research and funding
• Legal research skills
• Ability to communicate the law and procedures in plain language
• Ability to present, both orally and in writing, legal opinions and arguments
• Excellent drafting and negotiating skills
• Excellent 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 communication and interpersonal skills and ability to effectively interact and build relationships with individuals at all levels
• Ability to provide effective advice in a variety of areas
• Must be practical, efficient and able to meet client needs

In accordance with the Administrative and Professional Officer Agreement, this full-time continuing position offers a comprehensive benefits package which can be viewed at www.hrs.ualberta.ca and an annual salary range of $75,826 to $126,370.