Legal Counsel, Office of Research Services

Brock University; St. Catharines; Hybrid; CAD 89,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

Brock University seeks a Legal Counsel for Research Services to provide expert legal advice on research agreements and compliance. The role involves drafting policies, advising on legal risks, and ensuring compliance with legislation. A collaborative environment is emphasized, with a focus on supporting the University community's legal needs.

Benefits

Health & Dental Benefits

Pension Plan

Flexible Work Arrangements

Professional Development

Qualifications

• Experience in legal practice and in a University research environment.
• Demonstrated knowledge of intellectual property law and contract law.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert legal advice on research contracts and compliance.
• Review and draft University policies related to research.

Skills

Negotiation

Conflict Resolution

Communication

Analytical Thinking

Interpersonal Skills

Education

Undergraduate Degree

Bachelor of Law

Tools

Web Applications

Database

Spreadsheet

Job description

Brock University is located on the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabe peoples, many of whom continue to live and work here today. This territory is covered by the Upper Canada Treaties and is within the land protected by the Dish with One Spoon Wampum Agreement.

We are one of Canada’s leading comprehensive universities and a Top Employer in Hamilton-Niagara. Brock has been ranked #3 as Canada’s Best Employers and top 10 as one of Canada’s Best Employers for Diversity compiled by Forbes and Statista. We are an inclusive, welcoming community that offers a wide range of unique career opportunities.

Ignite new possibilities for your career. Break through at Brock.

Post End Date:June 1, 2025 at 11:59 PM This job advertisement is to fill an existing vacancy in the Administrative Professional (Employee Group)

About the Role:

The Legal Counsel, Research Services provides expert advising and legal services to the Office of Research Services, the Brock LINC, and the Vice-President, Research with a focus on strategic planning and legal management, the application of intellectual property to research, and drafting and reviewing broad types of research agreements including funding contracts, material transfer agreements, non-disclosure agreements, data sharing agreements, intellectual property agreements, and commercialization, technology transfer and licensing agreements. The Legal Counsel, Research Services will work closely with the University’s General Counsel to coordinate the delivery of legal services to the University community and ensure appropriate legal advice and standards.

The Legal Counsel, Research Services will:

• Provide expert legal advice and direction on operational research-related matters, including research contracts, research grants, research security, material transfer agreements, data sharing agreements, non-disclosure agreements, intellectual property licenses, commercialization and the enforcement, management and protection of intellectual property rights;
• Independently consult with partners, identifying and articulating options and detailing risks to the University;
• Review, advise on, and draft new University policies and procedures for research, intellectual property and other matters;
• Identify current gaps and implement policies and procedures to eliminate/limit the University’s exposure to risk, overseeing and leading legal and compliance elements of strategic projects and planning in the research enterprise;
• Monitor and critically evaluate the post-secondary educational (PSE) sector’s legal policies regarding research and offering expert perspective on Brock policy needs;
• Advise on protecting the University and researchers from legal liabilities with research activities conducted by University Faculty members, staff and students;
• Develop, coordinate, and monitor programs and procedures related to research compliance and risk management;
• Represent the University to funding agencies, business, industry, and other research organizations with respect to legal and compliance issues;
• Undertake research and analysis regarding legislative and regulatory compliance obligations and processes;
• Provide relevant and timely education and training to faculty members, staff, and students on legal and compliance issues in research, developing web-based information, publications and tools to facilitate understanding.

Key Skills and Experience:

• A relevant undergraduate degree and a Bachelor of Law, or equivalent and a member in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario;
• Experience in legal practice and in a University research environment, with demonstrated practice expertise in a related field;
• Demonstrated knowledge of appropriate legislation and case law, including intellectual property law, commercialization and contract law;
• Experience interpreting and applying intellectual property, privacy, and contract law;
• Proven ability to develop creative solutions and provide effective legal advice across a wide range of legal matters with significant complexity and risk exposure;
• Solid computer competency including word processing, spreadsheet, database, web applications and web maintenance, social media, and internet search engines;
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, including a demonstrated ability to establish and maintain strong relationships with diverse partners in a complex environment;
• Advanced negotiation, conflict resolution, facilitation and influencing skills;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to present legal information clearly in a manner relevant to the audience;
• Ability to independently lead and oversee legal initiatives, assignments and projects;
• Proven ability to think strategically, analytically, and critically, exercising sound judgment, tact, diplomacy, and confidentiality;
• Proven ability to work under pressure and respond to competing demands and changing/conflicting priorities;
• Ability to maintain legal expertise by remaining current with changes to the legal landscape, interpreting the relevance and impact of changes to the University.

Preferred or Asset Skills:

• Experience providing legal advice and direction on research contracts, research grants, non-disclosure agreements, intellectual property licenses, and the protection of intellectual property; and
• Demonstrated understanding of technical subject matter (biology, chemistry, engineering, computer science, etc.).

Salary and Total Rewards:

• Job Grade O, Salary Scale ($89,090-$144,470);
• Target Hiring Range: $89,090-$105,000;

This is a permanent position that includes:

• Health & Dental Benefits: Comprehensive extended health, dental, and vision coverage.
• Pension Plan: Enrollment eligibility in the Brock University Pension Plan.
• Vacation: Up to 3 weeks per year, in addition to university holidays.
• Flexible Work Arrangements: Hybrid work schedule available.
• Professional Development: Eligibility for the Brock Tuition Waiver Program and professional certification reimbursement.

*The final salary is based on experience, internal equity, and budget considerations within the target hiring range.

We are committed to offering flexible work arrangements where possible as outlined in our Flexible Work Arrangement Policy . As a student-centered organization, all employees are required to work on campus as needed.

Brock University is committed to creating a respectful and equitable workplace. We strive to foster a culture of diversity and inclusion in our work and learning environments. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals and actively encourage applications from women, people with disabilities, members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, Indigenous Peoples, people who identify as Black, African and/or Caribbean, as racialized and/or as from ethnic and cultural minority groups, and other underrepresented demographic groups at Brock and in the Niagara region. Brock also recognizes intersectionality and the interconnected identities, histories, and experiences of these aforementioned groups .

We are committed to inclusive and barrier-free recruitment, and we accommodat e the needs of applicants throughout all stages of the recruitment process, as outlined in our Employment Accommodation Policy and consistent with the requirements of the Ontario Human Rights Code . Please contact [e-mail] if you require a disability related accommodation so we can ensure you r participation needs are met.

Brock University does not use AI Technology at any stage of the recruitment process.

We appreciate all applications received . C andidates that are selected for an interview will be contacted.

Learn more about Brock University by visiting www.brocku.ca .