Research Legal Counsel - Limited Term
Tracking Code: req2063
Faculty/Department: Office of VP, Research and Innovation
Number of Positions: 1
Appointment Type: Limited Term, 14 months
Hours of Work: 35 hours per week
Non-Union Hiring Zone: Job Level 12 - $129,426 - $161,783
Posting Date: June 23, 2026
Closing Date: July 20, 2026 (7:00 pm EST)
Job Summary:
The Office of the Vice-President, Research and Innovation is
the central administrative support unit at Ontario Tech University,
administering more than $26M annually in external research funding. The
University is ranked as Canada’s Research University of the Year, as designated
by Research Infosource for the second consecutive year. The Research Legal
Counsel position is vital to the research enterprise overseeing research legal
matters for the University and advising researchers and the team within the Office
of the Vice-President, Research and Innovation, including the Office of
Research Services, Brilliant Catalyst, Automotive Centre of Excellence and
Brilliant Energy Institute.
Nature of Work:
The Research Legal Counsel position is specifically located
within the Office of Research Services and reports directly to the Executive
Director. The Research Legal Counsel position is responsible for managing a
small team of contracts officers and liaising, as appropriate, with the Office
of General Counsel and other administrative units on campus. In addition, the
position is responsible for providing effective and timely legal advice,
direction and representation on legal matters related to research, intellectual
property, privacy, technology transfer and contracts for members of the
University research community. Flexibility, professionalism, and a team
approach are necessary to work effectively with the University community and
external stakeholders to advance research opportunities and to maximize
research funding.
Responsibilities/Accountabilities:
- Reviewing
and providing legal and policy advice on a variety of issues including the
drafting and reviewing of a variety of research agreements, including research
grants, non-disclosure agreements, licenses and assignments for intellectual
property, privacy agreements, research procurement agreements, industry
collaboration agreements, and other agreements into which the University
proposes to enter for research and other related purposes
- Negotiating
legal aspects of research agreements and general contract matters
- Identifying,
assessing and using creative problem solving to mitigate, legal risk to the
University, as it relates to research and other general matters
- Analyzing,
reviewing and advising on internal disputes and/or disputes with third party
sponsors
- Reviewing
and developing research agreement templates and research policies and
procedures in accordance with all applicable policies, practices, legislation,
institutional risk thresholds and other related guidelines, when no acceptable
template or precedent exists
- Delivering
educational sessions and providing recommendations and advice to internal
stakeholders on a variety of legal matters including intellectual property
issues, risk mitigation, compliance with University policies and procedures,
privacy, compliance with applicable provincial and federal laws and
regulations, and other legal topics
- Retaining
and liaising with external counsel, as required
- Providing
functional advice to the Executive Director of Research Services and the
Vice-President, Research and Innovation
- Preparing
internal communications to summarize material rights and obligations within
research agreements
- Managing
and mentoring a team of contracts officers
- Working with the Office of Research Services team to
advise on new funding opportunities
- All other
related duties as required and assigned by the Executive Director, Office of
Research Services
Required Skills
- A proven
track record demonstrating effective leadership ability and project management
skills and an ability to set priorities and manage multiple ongoing projects
- Consultation
and relationship management skills to provide legal advice and successfully
implement policies and best practices
- Excellent
communication skills to listen to and consult with a range of internal and
external stakeholders and prepare effective reports and presentations
- Team player
with a willingness to pitch in and support colleagues as required
- Strong
analysis and problem-solving skills
- A knowledge
of intellectual property law and/or experience in intellectual property
licensing would be an asset
- Understanding
of research security and other research regulations and compliance
requirements
- The ability
to exercise judgment, tact, diplomacy and confidentiality.
- Ability to
manage people
Required Experience
- Minimum 3-5
years of experience in a combination of an in-house legal counsel role,
preferably in a post-secondary environment, and private practice focused on
commercial law
- Alternatively,
minimum 3-5 years of experience in private practice focused on commercial law
- Experience
in the management of legal affairs would be an asset
Required Education:
- Completion of a Master’s Degree in a Specialized or Occupational Field or Completion of an Undergraduate Degree plus Professional Certification
- Law degree in good standing preferred
- A combination of education and experience may be considered for this role
- Verification of Academic credentials may be required
How to Apply:
Interested candidates should submit in electronic format a covering letter and their resume. Applications will be accepted until July 20, 2026 or until a suitable candidate is found. We appreciate all applications received; however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
Ontario Tech University is actively committed to equity, diversity, inclusion, indigenization and decolonization (EDIID), and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates, while especially encouraging applications from First Nations, Metis, Inuit peoples, Indigenous peoples of North America, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, and those who identify as women and/or 2SLGBTQ+. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens, permanent residents, Indigenous Peoples in Canada, and those eligible to work in Canada, will be given priority.
Ontario Tech University respects people's different needs and therefore will take all reasonable steps to ensure accommodation for applicants where appropriate. The University is also committed to ensuring that confidentiality is maintained throughout all aspects of the recruitment cycle.
If you require accommodation, please contact Julie Day, Health and Disability Management Specialist. For more information about the universities policies for accommodating employees with disabilities please review the university’s Accessibility Policy.
The university acknowledges the lands and people of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation which is covered under the Williams Treaties. We are situated on the Traditional Territory of the Mississaugas, a branch of the greater Anishinaabeg Nation which includes Algonquin, Ojibway, Odawa and Pottawatomi.
Job Location: Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
Expected Start Date: 7/27/2026
Expected End Date: 8/16/2027
