Senior Legal Contract Specialist - Legal Services

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston is one of the world's most respected centers focused on cancer patient care, research, education, and prevention. It was named the nation's No. 1 hospital for cancer care in U.S. News & World Report’s 2022-2023 rankings. It is one of the nation's original three comprehensive cancer centers designated by the National Cancer Institute.

KEY FUNCTIONS

Legal Contract Research Professional  

1.         Reviews and negotiates increasingly complex research related contracts that may include sponsored/supported research agreements (including clinical study agreements, preclinical study agreements, consortium agreements), material transfer agreements, data transfer agreements, federal and foundation contracts, grant agreements and subcontracts, and/or other research related agreements as requested and assures that contractual language complies with applicable state and federal laws, UT System (Regents’) rules, and Institutional standards and that the contracts are negotiated and finalized in accordance with UT System and Institutional requirements and procedures.  Provides day to day assistance and training and assist in supervision of Legal Contract Specialists as requested by the Supervisor - Research Agreements (Industry or MTA/Federal & Foundation) and the Director - Research Agreements.

2.         Maintains up-to-date and accurate records and reports of research contracts processed, and monitors research agreement metrics as requested.  Tracks the research agreement process through applicable institutional databases and systems and communicates negotiation status in a proactive, timely and accurate manner.

3.         Provides guidance and responds to requests from MD Anderson faculty and staff related to research related agreements, processing, and administrative issues in a timely manner.  Assists Legal Contract Specialists with efficient and effective communications to such faculty and staff.

4.         Independently performs all functions of a Legal Contract Specialist with substantial experience and skill, as such functions are described by the Position Description.

Legal Contract Research Resource 

1.         Performs the specific functions of a Senior Legal Contract Specialist as directed by the Supervisor - Research Agreements (Industry/MTA/Federal & Foundation) and/or the Director - Research Agreements, and in the absence of those individuals, by the Senior Legal Officers working on research agreements or the Managing Legal Officer – Intellectual Property, including direct communication with various departments, faculty and staff concerning MD Anderson’s research related transactions, including review, analysis, and negotiation of agreements as appropriate.

2.         Performs ongoing review and analysis of legal research contract metrics and processes and proposes process changes as appropriate.  Assists with implementation of departmental initiatives and process improvements relating to research-related agreements.

3.         If requested, oversees the contract process for a special program or programs, such as consortium agreements, alliance agreements or agreements for a particular department, negotiates the contracts for the assigned program, and as applicable, communicates with committees, attends meetings and coordinates with departments.

Other  

Perform other duties as assigned and required.