Contracts Specialist (ON, Toronto)

Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital; Toronto; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A pediatric rehabilitation organization in Toronto is seeking a Contracts Specialist to manage research contracts. This full-time hybrid role requires strong negotiation skills and a background in law or science. Responsibilities include drafting, executing contracts, and ensuring compliance with ethical standards. Ideal candidates will have experience in academic or clinical research settings and excellent communication skills.

Qualifications

• 2-3 years research contracts experience in academic research, university, hospital, and/or clinical research setting.
• Strong knowledge of contract clauses and compliance concepts.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and work under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Draft, negotiate, and execute a variety of research contracts.
• Ensure compliance with hospital policies and procedures related to contracts.
• Develop and present training materials for hospital research staff.

Skills

Contract negotiation

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Education

University degree in science or law

Tools

Microsoft Office suite

AdobeSign

Job description

Holland Bloorview is seeking a detail-oriented and collaborative Contracts Specialist to support groundbreaking research initiatives. This full-time hybrid role offers the perfect blend of office and remote work, providing flexibility and work-life balance.

In this pivotal role, you’ll draft, negotiate, and execute a wide range of research contracts—from clinical trial agreements to data sharing and collaboration deals—with academic, healthcare, and industry partners. Reporting to the Manager, Research Contracts, you’ll work closely with internal stakeholders and external counsel to ensure compliance with privacy, intellectual property, and funding regulations, while helping shape the future of pediatric research. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a mission‑driven organization, develop tools and training for research teams, and stay at the forefront of legal and ethical standards in science.

Key Responsibilities

• Draft, review, analyze, negotiate and execute a variety of research contracts with academic institutions, healthcare organizations, industry partners, funding organizations, and other entities in collaboration with hospital stakeholders. Contracts may include, but are not limited to: data transfer agreements, collaboration agreements, clinical trial agreements, license agreements, inter‑institutional and affiliation agreements, participant referral agreements, contracts with commercial vendors, service agreements, memorandums of understanding and non‑disclosure agreements
• Manage contract files ensuring timely transition from intake to full execution within reasonable timeframe
• Plan and coordinate meetings with internal and external contacts for the purpose of negotiating contracts
• Work independently and collaboratively within a busy client‑centered environment, seeking direction where necessary across Holland Bloorview Research Institute and hospital internal leadership, leading discussions with client groups to outline concerns, address questions and to plan for contract negotiation and execution
• Ensure and enforce compliance with hospital policies and procedures related to contracts
• Liaise with external counsel when necessary
• Work closely with other members of the Research Operations team and broader hospital departments to ensure that all relevant funding agency requirements, as well as internal and external financial, HR, intellectual property, commercialization, privacy policies and procedures are accurately reflected and represented in contract negotiation, processes and execution
• Connect with members of the Office for Human Protection to ensure all privacy and ethical policies and procedures are accurately reflected and represented in contract negotiation and execution
• Develop and present training materials, tools and resources which support the understanding of contract requirements and approval processes for hospital research staff and students
• Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of provincial, national and international regulations and policies in relation to scientific research and contracts (including, but not limited to, privacy and intellectual property laws, and directives applicable to broader public sector organizations)
• Participate in the development of templates, tools, and policies and procedures for contract lifecycle management

Minimum Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• University degree in science or law with 2‑3 years research contracts experience in academic research, university, hospital, and/or clinical research setting
• Strong knowledge of contract clauses and legal, compliance, clinical research and risk assessment concepts
• Problem‑solving, analytical, facilitation skills
• Excellent attention to detail
• Ability to establish priorities, and manage many projects simultaneously and work under pressure
• Strong communication skills (oral and written)
• Strong negotiation skills
• Diplomacy, flexibility and solid interpersonal skills to interact with a diverse work environment
• Excellent organizational and time management skills Ability to work in a team environment as well as independently
• Experience interacting with various levels of an organization
• Computer knowledge and competencies including but not limited to Microsoft Office suite and AdobeSign