Research Legal Counsel - Limited Term - Full-time or Part-time/ Casual

Job summary

The Research Legal Counsel provides expert legal advice and representation on research-related matters, including intellectual property, contracts, and privacy. They are also responsible for managing a team of contracts officers and liaising with internal and external stakeholders to mitigate institutional risk.

Job details

Research Legal Counsel - Limited Term - Full-time or Part-time/ Casual 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: August 31, 2026 Closing Date: September 29, 2026 (7:00 pm EST) Job Summary: This is a full-time position; however, flexibility for casual or part-time hours may be available throughout the year based on operational requirements. 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 September 29, 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: 10/5/2026 Expected End Date: 12/6/2027

What you’ll do

The Research Legal Counsel provides expert legal advice and representation on research-related matters, including intellectual property, contracts, and privacy. They are also responsible for managing a team of contracts officers and liaising with internal and external stakeholders to mitigate institutional risk.

Requirements

Candidates must have a law degree and 3-5 years of experience in an in-house legal role or private practice focused on commercial law. Strong leadership, project management, and consultation skills are required to effectively support the university's research enterprise.

Listed skills

• Problem solving · Preferred
• Policy development · Preferred
• Leadership · Preferred
• Communication Skills · Preferred
• Project management · Preferred
• Contract Negotiation · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Legal advice
• Contract negotiation
• Intellectual property law
• Risk mitigation
• Project management
• Leadership
• Relationship management
• Communication skills
• Problem-solving
• Policy development
• Research compliance
• Privacy law
• Team management
• Commercial law
• Dispute resolution
• Administrative Support
• Tactfulness
• Providing Legal Advice
• Intellectual Property Licensing
• Relationship Management
• People Management
• Research Funding
• Professionalism
• Diplomacy
• Risk Mitigation
• Legal Risk
• Research
• Commercial Laws
• Management
• Communication
• Procurement
• Confidentiality
• Creative Problem Solving
• Disability Management
• Innovation
• Intellectual Property
• Intellectual Property Laws
• Internal Communications
• Problem Solving
• Project Management
• Mentorship
• Presentations
• Technology Transfer
• Templates
• Advising
• Support Colleagues

Job areas

• Legal
• Science & Research
• Education
• Management & Leadership
• Administrative
• Legal Counsel
• Lawyer (General)
• Lawyers