Associate Director of Legal Affairs

Opportunity for Health; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 159,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine in Philadelphia seeks an Associate Director of Legal Affairs to lead complex contracts and sponsored research agreements. The role requires coordinating across units, overseeing contract workflows, and ensuring compliance with policies.

Ideal candidates will have a JD or equivalent, 3–5 years in academia or not-for-profit settings, and strong negotiation and leadership skills to guide a team of contracts professionals.

Qualifications

• Master's degree and 3–5 years of relevant experience in contract negotiation or research administration.
• JD or equivalent doctoral degree highly preferred.
• Experience in academic/not-for-profit environment and strong organizational skills.
• Knowledge of pharma/device business and regulatory matters is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Review, negotiation and conclusion of complex corporate funded, clinical trial sponsored research and other related agreements (e.g., confidentiality agreements).
• Coordinate with Abramson Cancer Center and Penn research administration offices on related issues.
• Provide effective direction and guidance to colleagues and stakeholders navigating Penn's research administration function.
• Act as a resource for the ACC legal office and supervise a Senior Contracts Administrator and a Contract Administrator.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Contract negotiation

Project management

Customer oriented

Team player

Education

Master's degree

JD or equivalent doctoral degree

Tools

Penn ERA

Research Inventory System

Job description

## Associate Director of Legal AffairsApply: Hybrid Eligible: Perelman Center for Adv Medicine: Full time: Posted Today: JR00128832**University Overview**The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America’s Best Large Employers in 2023.Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.**Posted Job Title**Associate Director of Legal Affairs**Job Profile Title**Associate Director E, Research**Job Description Summary****Job Description****Job Responsibilities**Responsible for delivering the following outcomes to enable rapid activation of clinical trials in accordance with the Perelman School of Medicine and Penn policy: * Review, negotiation and conclusion of complex corporate funded, clinical trial sponsored research and other related agreements; (e.g confidentiality agreements)* Coordination and problem-solving within the Abramson Cancer Center and with other Perelman School of Medicine and Penn research administration function offices regarding issues associated with the above function;* Provision of effective direction and guidance to colleagues and stakeholders regarding navigating Penn's research administration function.* Acting as a resource for the ACC legal office, as needed, including directing and guiding a Senior Contracts Administrator and a Contract Administrator.* Other duties and responsibilities as assigned Position contingent upon continued funding. **Qualifications** * The minimum of a Master's degree and 3 years to 5 years of relevant experience (e.g., contract negotiation, management in an academic/not-for-profit environment), or an equivalent combination of education and experience, are required . JD, Law degree or equivalent doctoral degree highly preferred. Demonstrated success or strong indicia of potential for success in managing high volume, complex projects in an efficient and customer oriented manner; initiative; flexible, adaptable, organizational skills; team player.* Preferred knowledge of pharma/device business; clinical trials and other sponsored research; relevant legal background (e.g., FDA regulatory; intellectual property; contracts), conversant with Perelman School of Medicine/Penn research administration systems and processes, including electronic research administration systems (e.g., Penn ERA and the Research Inventory System).**Job Location - City, State**Philadelphia, Pennsylvania**Department / School**Perelman School of Medicine**Pay Range**$95,136.00 - $159,000.00 Annual RateSalary offers are made based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, and in alignment with salary ranges based on external market data for the job’s level. Internal organization and peer data at Penn are also considered.