Legal Advisor (Clinical Research)

Dalhousie University View all jobs

  • Halifax, NS
  • $91,752-123,736 per year
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 2 days ago
Dalhousie University, under the leadership of the Vice-President Research and Innovation, administers over $250M annually in research funding. As part of the Office of the Vice President Research and Innovation (OVPRI), and reporting to the Associate Legal Counsel, the Legal Advisor, Clinical Research provides specialized legal support to Dalhousie's clinical research portfolio, advising on regulatory, contractual, and ethical issues arising from human participant research, including clinical trials, and health-related studies.
Key Responsibilities
  • Provide legal counsel on contracts and agreements related to research at Dalhousie University. Propose, develop, implement, oversee, review, and advise on university research policies related to the research and innovation enterprise.
  • Prepare, review and negotiate research contracts and agreements in accordance with Dalhousie's policies and external sponsor requirements. Ensure that agreements address intellectual property rights, university indirect/overhead costs, publication rights, legal liabilities, and indemnities. Review and recommend contracts for signature by the appropriate institutional signatory.
  • Assess potential risks and resource commitments associated with proposed research agreements, including liabilities, insurance coverage, regulatory compliance, and short and long-term resource allocation. Develop strategies to minimize risks and control costs.
  • Evaluate and negotiate terms, conditions, and costs of research contracts proposed by external clients. Ensure that work proposals comply with ethical, financial, and legal standards of both the University and sponsors. For clinical trials, verify consistency with policies and procedures of affiliated hospitals and relevant faculties.
  • Provide necessary support for the opening of research contract accounts. Consult with the Manager, Research & Special Purpose Funds in Financial Services to ensure contracts remain within the allocated budget; discuss appropriate action should spending issues occur.
  • Interpret legal documents and provide advice to the VPRI, senior officials, ORS and other administrative units, and academic units regarding research at the University. Respond to requests from external sponsors regarding university policies and guidelines and sponsor requirements.
NoteThe successful applicant will be eligible for hybrid work (combination of in-person work on campus and remote work from within Nova Scotia) as agreed by all parties based on operational requirements and university guidelines.
Required Qualifications
  • Undergraduate degree plus a Bachelor of Laws degree with a minimum of five years' consecutive experience as a practicing lawyer in the areas of negotiation and contract law (or equivalent combination of training and experience).
  • Practicing member in good standing of the Barrister's Society of Nova Scotia, or eligible to become a practicing member is required. Working knowledge of intellectual property issues, copyrights, and patents.
  • Demonstrated experience negotiating, reviewing and/or approving contracts and agreements.
  • Demonstrated experience advising stakeholders on the content and administration of contracts and agreements.
  • Demonstrated experience in the development, implementation, and review of policies.
  • Must have exceptional communication skills (written and oral) and be able to work efficiently and effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
Assets
  • Familiarity with university research and a university environment.
  • Familiarity with Health/Medical law.
  • Clinical research or clinical trials experience.
  • Experience in Privacy law (especially health data).
  • Familiarity with research ethics frameworks.
Job CompetenciesThe successful candidate is expected to demonstrate proficiency in Dalhousie's and competencies, in particular:
  • Integrity
  • Respect & Inclusion
  • Communication
  • Service
  • Change & Innovation
Additional InformationDalhousie University supports a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Our total compensation package includes a defined benefit pension plan, health and dental plans, a health spending account, an employee and family assistance program and a tuition assistance program.
Application ConsiderationApplications from current university employees and external candidates are assessed concurrently. Current university employees will be given special consideration.We sincerely appreciate all applications and note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted directly by the hiring department or People and Culture.
Diversity StatementDalhousie University commits to achieving inclusive excellence through continually championing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. The university encourages applications from Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island (especially Mi'kmaq), persons of Black/African descent (especially African Nova Scotians), and members of other racialized groups, persons with disabilities, women, persons identifying as members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, and all candidates who would contribute to the diversity of our community. In accordance with our Employment Equity Policy, preference will be given in hiring processes to candidates who self-identify as members of one or more of the equity-deserving groups listed above. For more information, including details related to our Employment Equity Policy and Plan and definitions of equity-deserving groups please visitIf you require any support for the purpose of accommodation, such as technical aids or alternative arrangements, please let us know of these needs and how we can be of assistance. Dalhousie University is committed to ensuring all candidates have full, fair, and equitable participation in the hiring process. Our complete Accommodation Policy can be viewed .Posting Detail InformationNumber of Vacancies 1
Open Date 04/13/2026
Close Date 05/04/2026
Open Until Filled No
Special Instructions to Applicant
Quick Link for Direct Access to PostingSupplemental QuestionsRequired fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).Documents Needed to ApplyRequired Documents * Résumé / Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Optional Documents * Cover Letter

Dalhousie University