Stellenbosch University

Division for Research Development: Research Contracts

Senior Legal Advisor/Legal Advisor: Research Contracts

(Ref. ANO/315/1019)

The Division for Research Development hosts the Research Contracts Office, where all research-related contracts are registered, reviewed, negotiated and signed. As Stellenbosch University prides itself as a research-intensive university, this office plays a critical role in the assurance that all legal risks related to research, are sufficiently mitigated and managed. Legal Advisors play a critical role ensuring that the complex regulatory framework is aligned with the diverse research-related policies and funder requirements. 

The position of a Legal Advisor OR a Senior Legal Advisor is available, depending on fulfilment of the requirements for the positions. 

Duties:

Legal advisor: research contracts

• Performing risk analyses for research and research related contracts (i.e material transfer agreements, confidentiality agreements, collaboration agreements, research grants, consortium agreements, etc.) with research partners of SU. This will involve the identification of contractual- and project risks. An understanding and knowledge of, amongst others, the law of contract, ethical aspects, protection of personal information, conflict of interest, confidentiality, intellectual property, publication rights, indemnifications, liability, financial and reporting requirements, full economic costing and payment terms, will therefore be required;
• Drafting research and research related contracts;
• Negotiating and finalisation of research and research related contracts with research partners and clients;
• Liaising with various support divisions within SU, as well as with researchers, faculty management and research partners/clients during the negotiation process;
• Rendering legal advice and support to researchers and faculty management with the interpretation and explanation of contractual terms and conditions related to research contracts, as well as legal problems that may arise with the implementation of such contracts;
• Checking contract budgets together with the researchers and Finance Division to ensure compliance with SU’s financial policy, taking into account the terms and conditions of the research partners/clients, where applicable;
• Drafting opinions and accompanying advice regarding changes in legislation, treaties, regulations and court decisions that may influence the terms and conditions of contracts, particularly in the national and international research and innovation arena;
• Assisting and furnishing input on the drafting of University policies relating to research contract management;
• Rendering assistance to the Director: Research Contracts to expand and improve service delivery to the research community;
• Research contract administration. 

Senior legal advisor: research contracts

All duties above, as set out under Legal Advisor.

• Additional to the duties of Legal Advisor:
• Lead negotiator of high-risk contracts and negotiations, as well as complex Intellectual Property contracts and Framework Agreements;
• Representative on forums where national legislative and regulatory aspects are discussed and input is required;
• Involved as advisor on research integrity matters, as well as conflict of interest matters arising from research-related contracts;
• Allocation of new contracts to the Research Contracts Office’s legal advisors;
• Providing training and guidance to the Research Contracts Office’s legal advisors;
• Rendering legal advice and support to Senior and Top management.

Requirements:

Legal Advisor: Research Contracts

• Legal qualification with completed clerkship at a firm of attorneys, with at least five years’ relevant experience;
• Sound knowledge of law of contract, good judgement and the ability to negotiate complex contractual terms and requirements;
• Knowledge of contract administration and intellectual property;
• The ability to effectively work in a high pressure and fast-moving environment, with a high premium on client-focused support;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in both Afrikaans and English;
• Excellent negotiation- and interpersonal skills. 

Senior Legal Advisor: Research Contracts

All job requirements above, as set out under Legal Advisor.

Additional to job requirements of Legal Advisor:

• Legal qualification with completed articles at a firm of attorneys, with at least eight years’ post–articles experience, of which at least two years’ are related to Intellectual Property matters

Recommendations:

• Knowledge of contract research, research policies and financial matters applicable in an academic environment;
• Previous working experience in an academic environment;
• Financial and or business knowledge/qualification. 

Commencement of duties: 1 April 2020

Closing date: 22 November 2019

Enquiries regarding this post: Ms. Cornelia Malherbe on 021 808 3546, or at

az.ca.nus@2mdvc

.

Enquiries regarding remuneration/benefits as well as technical assistance with the electronic application process: Human Resources Client Services Centre on 021 808 2753

The University is committed to employment equity (EE), and appointments will be made in line with the EE plan for the specific environment as well as Stellenbosch University’s institutional EE Plan. 

The University reserves the right not to make an appointment.

Your application, comprising a comprehensive curriculum vitae (including the names and e-mail address of at least three referees), must reach the University before or on the closing date of the advertised post.

online at www.sun.ac.za/english/careers 

The University reserves the right to investigate qualifications and conduct background checks on all candidates. 

Should no feedback be received from the University within four weeks of the closing date, kindly accept that your application did not succeed.

Posted on 07 Nov 14:59