Address
Form of workThe mission of The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center is to eliminate cancer in Texas, the nation, and the world through outstanding programs that integrate patient care, research and prevention, and through education for undergraduate and graduate students, trainees, professionals, employees and the public.
The Legal Officer will provide legal counsel, assistance, analysis, and guidance with respect to intellectual property-related legal matters and business transactions involving or affecting MD Anderson, with a particular emphasis on legal issues and agreements involving publicly and privately supported research, and transactions and legal issues related thereto.
The Legal Officer will also provide assistance, analysis and legal counsel in connection with intellectual property matters and transactions involving patents, copyrights, trademarks, and trade secrets. The Legal Officer will perform other duties as necessary or desirable to assist the Legal Services Department in providing timely and effective legal services to a large academic healthcare institution.
Legal Professional
Drafts and reviews standard and nonstandard research related contracts (such as strategic alliance agreements, clinical study agreements, preclinical study agreements, collaboration agreements, consortium agreements, material transfer agreements, and federal and foundation grant agreements and subcontracts), and assures that contractual language complies with applicable state and federal laws, UT System (Regents') rules, and Institutional standards and that the contracts are executed in accordance with UT System and Institutional requirements and procedures.
Provides legal counsel and support to the Strategic Industry Ventures Department and/or Research Agreements group of the Intellectual Property Section of the Legal Services Department who are handling research-related contracts, and works closely with other attorneys in the Legal Services Department with respect to research-related contracting matters.
Performs all functions of a legal professional employed as in-house intellectual property counsel as directed by the Senior Legal Officer Intellectual Property, the Managing Legal Officer - Intellectual Property, the AVP & Deputy Legal Officer, and the VP & Chief Legal Officer, including communications with clients, preparation of legal opinions, memoranda, documents, reports, and drafting, analysis, and negotiation of agreements as appropriate.
Drafts and negotiates various intellectual property-related agreements, as requested, to support MD Anderson's initiatives and activities, with a strong understanding of applicable state and federal health care laws, rules and regulations.
Legal Resource
Drafts and reviews or supervises the drafting and reviewing of intellectual property related contracts (such as confidentiality agreements, trademark license agreements, and visiting scientist agreements), and assures that contractual language complies with applicable state and federal laws, UT System (Regents') rules, and Institutional standards and that the contracts are executed in accordance with UT System and Institutional requirements and procedures.
Responds to requests MD Anderson management, faculty, and staff related to intellectual property and research related agreements and legal issues and provides counsel and guidance consistent with state/federal law and institutional policy in a timely manner.
Serves as a resource for MD Anderson in the review, analysis and appropriate handling of legal issues related to intellectual property matters, including all issues arising under patent, copyright, trademark, and trade secrets law, and represents MD Anderson in contract negotiations and meetings.
Assists in the development, preparation and provision of educational programs for MD Anderson's faculty, staff, and employees regarding intellectual property and legal issues.
Establishes appropriate contacts with other MD Anderson attorneys, other attorneys at the UT System and UT components, and outside attorneys, as needed, in order to maintain professional contacts and a good rapport between these various groups and the Legal Services Department.
Coordinates the preparation of any assigned special projects for the Legal Services Department to assure completion and timely presentation.
Assumes responsibility for maintaining professional licensure, fulfilling professional continuing education requirements and maintaining current knowledge of legal matters relating to business and health law.
As requested, provides institutional support and serves on MD Anderson committees.
Assists with the coaching and development of the technical competencies of the Legal Contract Specialists.
Performs other duties, as necessary or desirable, to assist the Legal Services Department in providing timely and effective legal services to a large academic health care institution.
REQUIREMENTS
Required Education: Juris Doctor
Preferred Education: Scientific Degree
Required Licensure: Must be currently licensed by the State Bar of Texas or another state with acquisition of Texas license within one year of date of employment.
Required Experience: Four (4) years as an attorney in a law firm, hospital/health system, academic medical center, and/or corporate business legal department with significant transactional experience and a background in intellectual property law.
Excellent management, organizational, communication, interpersonal, research, writing, and negotiation skills applicable to a fast-paced, customer-service-oriented, intellectually challenging and highly diverse environment.
Proficient in MS Word, Adobe Professional, and Outlook Calendar. Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Preferred Experience: All of the above and substantive experience in negotiating and drafting research-related agreements, such as material transfer agreements, preclinical agreements, clinical trial agreements, government and foundation grant agreements and/or other sponsored research agreements.
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
