Associate Legal Officer

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston is one of the world's most respected centers focused on cancer patient care, research, education and prevention. It was named the nation's No. 1 hospital for cancer care in U.S. News & World Report's 2022-2023 rankings. It is one of the nation's original three comprehensive cancer centers designated by the National Cancer Institute.
Summary:
The primary purpose of the Associate Legal Officer, Research Integrity position is (1) to serve as in-house legal and regulatory counsel on research integrity matters and (2) to assist the Senior Legal Officer & Executive Director, Research in providing the strategic vision for the research integrity program throughout the organization. To that end, the Associate Legal Officer will: (a) serve as in-house legal and regulatory counsel on matters related to research integrity (including NIH, CPRIT, FDA, NSF, PHS and other federal and state authorities' laws and rules governing research integrity); (b) work closely with the Senior Legal Officer & Executive Director, Research Compliance, and the Research Integrity Officer on research integrity matters; (c) support various research misconduct committees; (d) prepare research misconduct assessment, inquiry, and investigation reports; (e) assist with, and support, research misconduct proceedings and assist with determining appropriate corrective actions related to research integrity and related federal and/or state law violations; (f) assist with reporting and communications related to research integrity and research misconduct matters; (g) assist in the development of policies and procedures and training related to research integrity matters.
The Associate Legal Officer may supervise other staff as assigned.
The Associate Legal Officer will also assist the AVP, Research Integrity Officer, AVP, Deputy Chief Compliance Officer (DCCO) and VP, Chief Compliance and Ethics Officer (CCO) with the overall planning and direction of the institutional research integrity program.
JOB SPECIFIC COMPETENCIESServing as Legal and Regulatory Counsel Provide legal research, analyses, and guidance on research integrity and research misconduct issue and other federal and state authorities' laws and rules governing research integrity.
Provide legal research and legal analysis for research integrity-related issues including appropriate and compliant handling of research misconduct allegations.
Provide legal and regulatory advice and counsel on research integrity to stakeholders including research misconduct inquiry and investigation committees, and MD Anderson's Research Integrity Officer.
Prepare research misconduct assessment, inquiry, and investigation reports.
Assist with, and support, the conduct of research misconduct proceedings and assist with determining appropriate corrective actions related to research integrity and related federal and/or state law violations.
Assist with research integrity and research misconduct related reporting and communications with external and internal parties.
Apply legal knowledge, analysis and judgment to address research misconduct and research integrity matters with minimal supervision and oversight.
Maintain knowledge of laws and standards impacting MD Anderson's research and research integrity related obligations.
Monitor and analyze new legislation/regulations/initiatives/enforcement environment for purposes of ensuring MD Anderson's and its researchers' compliance with legal requirements, education and to serve as a resource to the Senior Legal Officer & Executive Director, the Research Integrity Officer, the Chief Scientific Officer, or the President.
Research Integrity Program Activities and Assistance
Assist the Senior Legal Officer & Executive Director, Research in matters related to the research integrity program, as well as preparing and delivering training programs, curriculum projects, or special projects in these areas.
Assist in development and oversight of policies and procedures critical to an effective research integrity program.
Attend and/or support various research misconduct committees.
Assist with research integrity related corrective action and disclosures to federal and state regulatory agencies.
Assist with conduct and management of periodic institutional risk analysis and monitoring program with respect to research integrity risks.
Assist in the development and management of research integrity compliance awareness programs, communications, education, and the research integrity program website.
Compliance Representative Serving as compliance representative on Institutional and University of Texas System Committees as requested.
Other duties as assigned.
Required education: Juris Doctor (J.D.) with undergraduate degree in Business Administration, Healthcare Administration, Economics or a related field.
Required experience: Two years of legal experience in a law firm or healthcare organization.
It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state or local laws unless such distinction is required by law. http://www.mdanderson.org/about-us/legal-and-policy/legal-statements/eeo-affirmative-action.html