Counsel, Research Transactions & IP

Cincinnati Children's; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 100,526 - 130,686; Full time

Job summary

Cincinnati Children's is seeking a Counsel for Research Transactions and IP to support legal aspects of the organization's research activities. This position offers exposure to intellectual property issues and requires a Juris Doctor as well as 2+ years practicing law.

The role involves drafting and negotiating various research-related agreements, conducting legal research, and engaging with stakeholders to clarify contract terms. This is a full-time role located at the Burnet Campus in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience practicing law.
• Maintain licensure to practice law in the State of Ohio.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate research agreements.
• Support IP attorneys on matters involving ownership and licensing.
• Research compliance issues affecting research.

Skills

Legal writing

Analytical thinking

Organizational skills

Education

Juris Doctor

Job description

Position Summary

The Counsel for Research Transactions and IP supports the organization’s research enterprise by providing legal review, drafting, and negotiation assistance for a broad range of research‑related agreements. This role also includes foundational intellectual property (IP) exposure, allowing the attorney to support research and innovation activities while developing expertise at the intersection of scientific research, IP, and healthcare regulation.

Job Responsibilities

Research Transactions Support

• Draft, review, and negotiate routine and moderately complex research agreements, including:
• Sponsored research agreements
• Data use and data sharing agreements
• Material transfer agreements (MTAs)
• Confidential disclosure agreements (CDAs)
• Identify, analyze, and elevate legal, regulatory, or IP‑related issues for senior‑level review.

Intellectual Property Support

• Support senior research and IP attorneys on matters involving:
• Ownership and allocation of intellectual property in research agreements
• Publication rights, background IP, and licensing‑related contract terms
• Confidential information, trade secrets, and data protection provisions
• Assist with review of agreements that interface with technology transfer, commercialization, and innovation initiatives.
• Partner with Innovation / Technology Transfer teams to support consistent application of institutional IP policies.

Legal Research & Regulatory Analysis

• Research and analyze issues related to:
• Data privacy and security in research collaborations
• Regulatory compliance affecting research and innovation.
• Prepare summaries, issue analyses, and contracting guidance for internal stakeholders.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Work directly with investigators, research administrators, and business leads to explain contract terms and IP‑related concepts in a practical, accessible manner.
• Participate in cross‑functional meetings supporting research and innovation programs.

Process Support

• Build familiarity with institutional research and IP policies, model agreements, and standard positions.
• Assist in maintaining contract templates, clause libraries, and internal guidance that integrate IP considerations.

Job Qualifications

• Juris Doctor
• 2+ years of experience practicing law
• Maintain licensure to practice law in the State of Ohio

Preferred Qualifications

• Exposure to intellectual property issues through:
• Law firm practice, clinical programs, or coursework
• Research, healthcare, or technology‑focused clients
• Familiarity with academic research or technology commercialization environments
• Contract drafting and negotiation specifically in healthcare, life sciences, or research‑related matters
• Demonstrated interest in developing a practice in research, innovation, and IP‑adjacent healthcare law
• Strong legal writing, analytical, and organizational skills

Location & Details

• Primary Location: Burnet Campus
• Schedule: Full time
• Shift: Day (United States of America)
• Department: Legal
• Employee Status: Regular
• FTE: 1
• Weekly Hours: 40
• Expected Starting Pay Range: Annualized pay may vary based on FTE status $100,526.40 - $130,686.40

Cincinnati Children’s is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating an environment of dignity and respect for all our employees, patients, and families. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, genetic information, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. EEO/Veteran/Disability