Associate Counsel, Research Transactions

Job Description
The Broad Institute stands on the leading edge of biomedical research, with a mission to broadly disseminate discoveries and information to the scientific community and general public. The Broad's research is pursued through a blend of academic and industrial-scale production of genetic, biological and chemical outputs, with scientists from Broad, MIT, Harvard, and Harvard-affiliated hospitals working side-by-side.
The Broad Institute's Office of Strategic Alliances & Partnering (OSAP) strives to extend the impact of the Institute's research by developing translational partnerships that preserve researchers' academic freedoms and generate financial support for future research, and advance Broad's innovations and intellectual property. The legal team within OSAP consists of 15+ law professionals.
OVERALL RESPONSIBILITY
Reporting to the Director, Research Transactions Counsel, the Associate Counsel position works in OSAP's Research Transactions Team to negotiate a wide range of research-related agreements including: non-disclosure, material transfer, data transfer, collaboration and industry sponsored research agreements. In addition, the position is a legal resource to address internal client group's issues relating to agreements. Working collaboratively with other members of OSAP as well as other Broad administrative departments, the Associate Counsel manages the contract needs for a portfolio of research departments.
As a primary contact for departments, laboratories, investigators, and external collaborators regarding contractual issues, the Associate Counsel interprets the requirements associated with both incoming and outgoing research contracts. These responsibilities include the review and negotiation of research-related contracts in accordance with internal policies and applicable law, as well providing support to internal scientific and administrative teams with the agreement interpretation throughout the lifecycle of a contract. The Associate Counsel will act both independently and as a collaborative member of a dynamic legal team to achieve the goals of OSAP and the Institute. The volume and complexity of the work is commensurate with experience and the opportunity for career advancement with successful performance.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage an assigned portfolio of research labs and serve as the primary resource for all contract needs within the portfolio.
• Draft, negotiate and obtain final execution of Non-disclosure Agreements, Material Transfer Agreements, Data Transfer Agreements, Speaker Agreements, and agreement amendments while ensuring compliance with Broad's standard positions for such agreements.
• Responsible for timely contract execution, and appropriate escalation of stalled contract negotiation.
• Manage individual workload, including tracking, following up and reporting on status of projects.
• Respond to inquiries regarding the status of legal documents.
• Draft and propose updates to Broad's standard templates and negotiation guidelines.
• Work within the contracts management database (Converge), including:
  
  • process contracts through execution (i.e obtaining signatures, filling in routine information missing from contracts);
  • update existing records with final documentation and key information, including personnel, term and expiration dates; and
  • log relevant correspondence into contract records.

• Educate internal client groups on Converge and the contracting process.
• Provide guidance to internal client groups to promote understanding and resolve issues relating to research contracts.
• Work proactively with Broad investigators to make the negotiation process user friendly by providing transparency and highlighting potential roadblocks.
• Build positive trusting working relationships within OSAP and the Broad as well as with counterparts at Broad-affiliated institutions.
• Assist colleagues with the resolution of problems related to contract terms and conditions, compliance with institutional policy, and any other contract related issues.
• Assist with special projects as needed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree and J.D.
• Academic/non-profit experience supporting researchers.
• Preferred 1-3- years related experience drafting and negotiating research contracts in industry, university or nonprofits.
• Track record of producing high-quality work in a dynamic, fast-paced work environment with frequent deliverables.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, drafting, collaboration, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to provide proactive, creative problem solving support related to contract review, negotiation and execution.
• Ability to work independently and proactively with minimal supervision.
• Ability to work with colleagues at all levels.
• Meticulous attention to detail.
• Comfortable juggling and building relationships with multiple stakeholders at varying levels; and discretion and sound judgment with confidential information.
• Must be able to set priorities, juggle multiple activities simultaneously, and meet tight deadlines; adjust easily to shifting priorities; and resolve complex problems in a thorough and timely manner.
• High-level proficiency with Google Suite, PowerPoint, Word, and Excel.
• Knowledge of academic and/or non-profit research principles and intellectual property law, a plus.

The Broad Institute will not offer visa sponsorship for this opportunity.
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All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.
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