The Garvan Legal Office sits within the Professional Services Team led by the Chief Operating Officer. The Legal Office works with relevant internal stakeholders to ensure that Garvan’s research, corporate and commercial activities are conducted in a way that is in alignment with Garvan’s mission, to provide pragmatic legal advice and to ensure that the Institute takes a responsible approach to risk management and that Garvan complies with relevant laws and policies. The Legal Office also provides support to the Garvan Research Foundation (GRF) and Australian Bio Resources (ABR).
THE OPPORTUNITY
The Senior Lawyer:
* Takes a lead role in negotiating, reviewing, and managing agreements relating to Garvan’s research activities and intellectual property.
* Helps ensure that all Garvan staff comply with and keep up to date with relevant laws and policies, including staying informed of legal developments, interpreting laws in the context of the Institute’s activities, and developing, implementing, and maintaining policies and procedures to maximize compliance.
* Provides legal advice and support on a diverse range of corporate and commercial legal matters.
* Works closely with other Institute divisions to ensure agreements are aligned with Garvan’s strategic objectives and legal obligations.
* Collaborates across related entities: the Garvan Research Foundation (GRF) and Australian BioResources Pty Ltd (ABR) to ensure proper risk management of agreements.
Salary: Up to $160,000 + 12% super + salary packaging (depending on experience)
Employment Type: Permanent full-time
SNAPSHOT OF BENEFITS
* Generous salary packaging options to save income tax (max. $15,900 general expenses + $2,650 meals/accommodation)
* Opportunities for ongoing training and development
* Stimulating and diverse research environment
* Flexible work arrangements
* 18 weeks paid parental leave for both parents including paid superannuation
* Additional leave types including cultural, conference, community service, and study leave
* Discounted Health Insurance
* Lifestyle discounts with community partners
WHAT YOU WILL DO
ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES
Key responsibilities include:
* Negotiating, preparing, and managing agreements to facilitate research and related activities, including:
o Research Collaboration Agreements, Material Transfer Agreements (MTAs), Data Transfer Agreements (DTAs), and service contracts related to human and animal research.
o Agreements related to intellectual property management, ownership, and protection.
o Reviewing funding and grant agreements with government and philanthropic bodies.
o Negotiating and managing contracts for commercial transactions, including services, procurement, IT, property, and employment agreements.
o Handling complex intellectual property, strategy, and technology transfer matters, including drafting licensing and assignment agreements.
o Providing legal advice to research staff and professional services teams regarding contracts.
o Supporting legal services for GRF, including sponsorship and fundraising agreements.
o Managing external contracts, monitoring activities, renegotiations, and amendments.
o Assisting with legal compliance to minimize risks, including monitoring legislative changes.
Policies, systems, and process
* Developing, reviewing, and updating templates, clauses, policies, and procedures.
* Collaborating on organisational tools and process improvements.
* Preparing approval documents for Garvan executives and Board.
Staff mentoring and training
* Training and mentoring junior staff, including interns/students.
* Developing and delivering internal training programs.
Management & internal reporting
* Assisting in preparing reports and advice for the Garvan Board & Executive Team.
ABOUT YOU
EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS REQUIRED
* Bachelor of Laws and a current practising certificate from the Law Society of NSW (or eligibility).
* Minimum of 8 years PQE; experience in a medical research institute preferred.
* Understanding of intellectual property law.
* Experience in corporate law and governance.
* Strong commercial awareness, relationship building, influencing, and negotiating skills.
* Excellent communication skills, ability to convey complex info clearly.
* Team player with strong stakeholder relationship skills.
* Proactive, with excellent time management and organizational skills.
* Ability to analyze complex problems and implement solutions.
* Experience in internal training programs.
* Experience working in-house, especially in technology transfer, genomics, or big data regulation.
ABOUT GARVAN
Garvan Institute of Medical Research is an independent MRI in Sydney, committed to impactful scientific and clinical research. Our vision is global leadership in discoveries that impact human health, harnessing genomic information to improve diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases. We foster a diverse, inclusive workplace dedicated to innovation and excellence.
HOW TO APPLY
Submit your CV and cover letter as one document, explaining your interest and suitability for the role. Only applicants with full Australian working rights are eligible.
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