As part of the Research Partnership & Innovation Office (PIO) this position plays a key role in advancing National University Health System (NUHS) mission of improving lives through clinical care, research innovation and strategic collaboration. He/She will be responsible for drafting, reviewing, negotiating and executing a wide range of research-related contracts (eg CTAs, RCAs, MTAs etc) to enable and support high-quality clinical research and innovation partnerships while safeguarding NUHS interests.
Job Responsibilities
- To work alongside the Haematology Oncology Research Group to ensure that contracts align with legal and hospital standards and in compliance with regulatory requirements, ethical and legal standards.
- To lead negotiations for various research agreements, including, clinical trial agreements, research collaboration agreements, material transfer agreements, and confidentiality agreements.
- To draft, review, and revise contract language to protect the institution's interests while facilitating research collaborations and clinical trials
- To ensure all agreements comply with institutional policies, federal and state regulations, and funding agency requirements.
Stakeholder Management
- To serve as a liaison between researchers, sponsors, legal counsel, and other internal departments to facilitate efficient contract execution.
- To provide guidance and education to clinicians and staff on contract-related matters and institutional policies.
Risk Management
- To identify and mitigate potential risks in research agreements, particularly in areas such as intellectual property, liability, and data sharing.
- To develop strategies to address complex contractual issues and propose creative solutions, in a tactful and fair manner.
Process Improvement
- To continuously evaluate and improve contract negotiation processes to enhance efficiency and turnaround times.
- To develop and maintain contract templates and standard operating procedures.
Compliance and Reporting
- To ensure compliance with institutional policies, sponsor requirements, and applicable laws and regulations.
- To maintain accurate records of all negotiations and agreements.
- To prepare regular reports on contract activities, including metrics on negotiation timelines and outcomes.
Knowledge Management & People Development
- To stay current with changes in relevant laws, regulations, and best practices in research contracting.
- To guide and mentor junior executives and managers for more effective solutions in contract negotiations
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Science, Law, Business, Life Sciences or related field.
- At least 8 years of relevant experience in drafting and review research-related agreements preferably within a healthcare, pharmaceutical/CRO, academic or research setting.
- IP knowledge and commercialization background will be added advantage
- Strong judgement and deep knowledge on complex legal clauses (IP ownership, dispute resolution)
- Excellent interpersonal, communication and persuasive skills
- Excellent team player
- Experienced and diplomatic in handling conflicts
- Demonstrated initiative and experience in enhancing workflows
- Possess strong analytical skills
- Able to work in a complex organizational environment, with a need to balance expectations of multiple stakeholders
- Strong project management skills
- Proficient in I.T. systems and MS Office applications.
