Dalhousie University administers more than $270 million in annual research funding. Reporting to the Vice-President, Research and Innovation and working under the guidance of the Senior Associate Legal Counsel, the Associate Legal Counsel provides legal advice on research and innovation matters, including research agreements, intellectual property, regulatory compliance, and commercialization. The Associate Legal Counsel supports one of Canada’s leading research-intensive universities at the intersection of law, research, health, and innovation.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide legal advice and support on contracts and agreements, intellectual property, commercialization, confidentiality, data use and other legal issues arising from research and innovation activities.
- Provide legal advice and guidance to researchers and Research & Innovation staff on research agreements, intellectual property, compliance, and related matters.
- Support the administration of research contracts, including advising on contractual obligations, account setup, reporting requirements, and contract compliance.
- Assist in the development, review, and implementation of research-related policies and procedures under the guidance of senior legal counsel.
- Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including researchers, university administrators, funding agencies, industry partners, and legal counsel to facilitate research agreements and resolve issues.
- Contribute to legal projects and initiatives within the Research & Innovation portfolio and maintain awareness of relevant legal and regulatory developments affecting university research.
The 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.
Requirements:
- Bachelor of Laws (LLB), Juris Doctor (JD), or equivalent law degree, together with a minimum of two years’ experience practising law. Practicing member in good standing of the Barrister’s Society of Nova Scotia, or eligible to become a practicing member.
- Demonstrated knowledge of intellectual property law and related legal issues.
- Demonstrated experience negotiating, reviewing and advising on contracts and agreements, advising stakeholders on contractual terms, obligations and risks.
- Demonstrated experience in the development, implementation, and review of policies.
- Demonstrated ability to exercise sound legal judgment, assess risk and provide practical, solutions-oriented legal advice to a range of stakeholders.
- Demonstrated ability to build effective working relationships and communicate complex legal issues clearly to researchers, administrators, institutional leaders and external partners, through exceptional communication skills (written and oral) in a fast-paced environment.
Assets:
- Experience working in a university, research or innovation environment.
- Experience with research agreements, clinical/health research or research involving human participants.
- Familiarity with research ethics and regulatory frameworks.
- Experience with privacy and data protection law.
- Experience with intellectual property, commercialization or technology transfer
The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate proficiency in Dalhousie’s core and leadership competencies, in particular:
- Integrity
- Respect & Inclusion
- Adaptability
- Knowledge & Thinking Skills
- Communication
Dalhousie 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.
Diversity Statement
Dalhousie 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 review our Employment Equity information.
If 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 here.
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.
Link to Job Posting: https://dal.peopleadmin.ca/postings/22010
Job Deadline/Expiry Date: 09/02/2026