Specialist - Research Contracts and Intellectual Property

KEY ROLE ACCOUNTABILITIES • Raises any contract related non-compliance issues for resolution where failures in contractual governance could have adverse implications for Sidra’s reputation, legal and scientific standing. Makes recommendations and provides practical legally-acceptable solutions to such issues. • Responsible for maintaining up to date knowledge of research related guidelines and legislation and develops policies to ensure compliance. Provides training and education sessions as required to the wider research/clinical audience to drive up compliance. • Becomes an integral part of the Research Operations and Services team and establishes him/herself as the Research go-to contracts person dealing with the reviews of all submitted Research contracts (e.g. Collaboration Agreements, Non-Disclosure Agreements, Material Transfer Agreements, etc.) • Advises and provides recommendations/solutions to the Office of General Counsel, Investigators and other stakeholders on the business side-effects of the research contracts, and expedites the effective and efficient review to completion. • Works with the PIs, finance and legal and be responsible for ensuring that all research related agreements protect Sidra’s rights and clarifies PIs responsibilities as far as intellectual property, data sharing, payment schedules, ownership of data, deliverables, and publication arrangements. Establishes an optimum review process for all research related contracts and responsible for implementation and management of the full life cycle of research contracts. • Assists the Director - Research Operations and Services and the Chief Research Officer to administer research contractual activities on a day-to-day basis, and assists the PMO in managing time, cost and quality and overseeing, monitoring and reporting on the progress of the Research Projects in Sidra. • Manages the day-to-day formal correspondence related to Research Contracts by reviewing and commenting upon all proposed responses from a legal and contracts based prospective. • Where appropriate engages with internal and external parties and responsible for negotiating business terms of Research contracts, aiming to obtain the best possible conditions and terms for Sidra. • Establishes/maintains a live tracking system for contracts and responsible for capturing intellectual property from research projects to ensure its impact can be realized in the future by a commercialization function. • Coordinates the management (assessment, protection, exploitation) of Sidra inventions and intellectual property, with internal (PIs, Legal, IPP etc.) and external (QF, Tech Transfer Offices) stakeholders. • Contributes to strategic planning, policies and procedures relating to Tech Transfer activities. • Reviews and negotiates the technology transfer related agreements with potential licensees and co-inventors/co-owners, and provides Sidra leadership with meaningful recommendations on the next course to action. • Constantly seeks to expand contractual arrangements, partnerships and collaborations locally and internationally for the benefit of Sidra. • Supports the Ethics and Compliance functions in developing and establishing contracts-related policies, protocols and procedures for good research governance and supports Office activities for the IRB, Grants and compliance, and ongoing operations. This will include terms for engaging with local and international entities (collaborators, sample providers, sponsors, funders, pharmaceuticals, etc.). • Prepares and delivers training on relevant educational and compliance materials for internal stakeholders. • Leads contractual meetings and negotiations on behalf of Research as appropriate and represents Sidra to external groups and committees as required, such as MOPH and research working groups. • Keeping abreast of all research ethics and governance activities, policies, procedures, legislation and other requirements • Complies with Sidra and departmental safety policy. • Provides practical support in other areas as required. • Adheres to Sidra’s standards as they appear in the Code of Conduct and Conflict of Interest policies • Adheres to and promotes Sidra’s Values In view of the evolving needs and opportunities within Sidra, this position may be required to perform other duties as assigned and reporting relationships may vary. QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS – SELECTION CRITERIA ESSENTIAL PREFERRED Education Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Law or related field Master’s degree Business in administration, law or related discipline Experience 7+ years’ experience in law/contracts and/or tech transfer 5+ years Research administration experience and research contracts experience in biomedical research or hospital setting