Description:

Job Description:
General Summary of Position Responsibility:
The Associate General Counsel – Research, Intellectual Property, and Contract Services (“AGC- RIC”) AGC-RIC will have primary responsibility for advising the Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute (“Research Institute”) and the Children's Hospital of Chicago Medical Center and its other corporate affiliates (“Medical Center”) on wide-ranging issues relating to research and intellectual property. The AGC-RIC will play a significant role with regard to advising Research Institute and Medical Center leaders and other internal stakeholders on legal matters involving research activities conducted by the Medical Center, including issues related to industry and government-funded clinical trials, innovations development, use of artificial intelligence, intellectual property rights, research collaborations, technology transfer, and identification and interpretation of applicable research regulatory oversight requirements (including those related to human subjects protections, with focus on pediatrics; animal care and use; and data sharing and use). This person will also review and draft complex agreements. The AGC-RIC will work closely with Research Institute and Medical Center leadership to develop, refine, and implement policies, procedures, and best practices in accordance with applicable law. The AGC-RIC will also provide general legal analysis and advice related to a wide variety of healthcare business and operational issues, including patient care matters, physician-hospital relationships, transactions and business and operational issues. The AGC-RIC will also have oversight responsibilities for the Contract Services function of the Legal Service Department to ensure such function is operating efficiently and effectively for the Medical Center.

This position has primary reporting to the Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative and Legal Officer and secondary reporting the Chief Operating Officer, Manne Research Institute.

Essential Functions:
Serve as the primary legal support on issues pertaining to research and intellectual property law (including research collaboration, innovations, protection of intellectual property interests, and applicable regulatory requirements) including:

Identify and assess legal risks and opportunities within the research and innovations areas.
Provide support on all legal issues for all Manne Research Institute and Medical Center affiliates and facilities, including compliance with regulatory oversight agencies such as U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, National Institutes of Health, Office for Human Research Protections, Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare, and Food and Drug Administration.
Provide support on all legal issues involving research safety and environmental safety of the hospital and research facilities, including issues involving medical and hazardous wastes generated in clinical and research settings.
Negotiate, review and advise on a variety of agreements including data use agreements, material transfer agreements, clinical trial agreements, sponsored research agreements,
Providing legal advice on intellectual property subject matter, including patents, copyrighted materials, trademarks and trade secrets. Negotiate, review and advise on licenses and consulting agreements.
Managing the Medical Center's trademark portfolio, including monitoring outside counsel engagements, timely renewal filings, providing advice on new and existing marks.
Collaborate with Medical Center and research leadership on the development, drafting and deployment of policies, processes, tool/templates, trainings, and best practices.
Provide advice and guidance on laws and regulations applicable to an academic medical center, including development and implementation of policies, practices, guidelines, and dissemination of information within the Medical Center needed to maintain compliance with local, state, and federal laws.
Work with the Legal Services Department and the Chief Legal Officer to provide in-house counsel to all levels of leadership that is in-line with the Medical Center's strategic vision, legal responsibilities, and regulatory obligations.
In addition to primary focus area, provide day-to-day advice on a broad range of questions and issues related to Medical Center operations and activities..
Provide supervision of the Contract Services function of the Legal Service Department by:
Overseeing the use of appropriate processes, systems and technology for the storage and retention of all contracts;
Ensuring the Contract Services' functions are effectively and efficiently providing services to the Medical Center by advising on workflow solutions, process improvement initiatives, and strategic initiatives;
Providing legal advice and counseling on contractual terms and participate in complex negotiations as needed;
Monitor use of external resources; and
Ensure appropriate skill, expertise and training for all Contracts Services.
Research and draft memoranda, opinions and correspondence on legal issues affecting the Medical Center.
Monitor and keep the organization updated on relevant developments in the laws and regulations affecting the health care industry, with special focus on the research and intellectual property areas, by staying current on legal literature, networking with other attorneys, and attending conferences and seminars.
Support the effective and efficient use, coordination, and management of outside counsel.
Lead various legal projects and collaborate on cross-functional initiatives (including participation on committees throughout the organization), and negotiate workable solutions to complex and sensitive legal issues.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

The following qualifications and skills are required of the AGC-RIC:
J.D. from an accredited law school, admitted to practice law in Illinois or other U.S. jurisdiction eligible for admission in Illinois within 12 months.
A minimum of eight to ten (8-10) years of experience in an academic research institution, law firm, or in-house legal department which includes handling a variety of research and intellectual property matters, as well as some experience in handling regulatory, transactional or corporate issues related to the health care industry.
Prior in-house experience preferred, but not required.
Previous experience with academic medical centers/research institutions, physician group practices, and/or health care delivery systems preferred.
Must have excellent judgment, client counseling, multi-tasking, project management, and decision-making skills.
Demonstrated ability to communicate, both verbal and in writing, complex compliance issues in a clear and understandable manner. Collegiality and a sense of humor are valued.
Demonstrate confidence in abilities even when working in unfamiliar areas.
Practical, hands-on, collaborative approach to resolving issues.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively and congenially with employees at diverse levels.
Decisiveness and ability to exercise good judgment under pressure; ability to be proactive while working in a fast paced environment.
Able to handle confidential information and data requiring the highest degree of attention and discretion.
Committed to personal development and continuous learning, with a willingness and ability to take on new challenge; highly motivated, proactive team-player with a positive attitude and desire to learn and expand his/her skill set.
Someone who is mission-driven with a high level of accountability. Takes it upon oneself to see that something gets done.
The ability to manage difficult customer situations, respond promptly to customer needs and solicit customer feedback to improve service.