Solicitor (Intellectual Property, Commercial & Research)

• Full time fixed term until December 2024
• Provide your legal expertise in intellectual property, research and commercialisation
• Offering a competitive remuneration package including 17% superannuation

About the opportunity

Join a dynamic and collegiate legal team in a senior role with the opportunity to work independently on a diverse range of interesting and challenging matters to facilitate and support research and commercialisation at one of the world’s top research universities.

The Solicitor (Intellectual Property, Commercial and Research) will provide sound, timely and cost effective legal advice and support to senior leaders and decision makers within the University’s Research and Innovation Portfolio, including the offices of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) and the Pro-Vice Chancellor (Research), as well as other clients of strategic importance across the University, with a focus on intellectual property, contracts, corporate and commercial law.

In this senior role reporting to the Director (Intellectual Property, Research and Commercialisation), our key responsibilities will be:

• providing strategic and sound legal advice
• negotiating large and complex arrangements for research, commercialisation and other commercial activities, as well as drafting and reviewing legal documents
• actively leading and contributing to initiatives to improve the effective functioning of major clients, including the Research portfolio, Faculty of Medicine and Health, NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre and other key teams within the University
• dispute resolution
• managing external legal services
• contributing to the development of policy and legislation affecting the higher education sector
• communicating to the University regarding legal developments

About you

• qualifications in law and admission to practice in Australia and hold a current practising certificate
• a minimum of 8 years post admission legal experience
• extensive knowledge and experience in intellectual property, contracts, corporate and commercial law, including the conduct of complex negotiations, drafting documents and provision of legal advice
• familiarity and experience providing legal advice and support for the conduct of clinical trials will be highly valued
• a passion for research and innovation and a strong desire to develop a career in intellectual property law and within the technology transfer sector
• high quality interpersonal and communication skills
• experience working at a senior level across a complex organisation
• knowledge of higher education sector and government agencies
• biomedical, engineering or other scientific qualifications or background would be looked upon favourably

To keep our community safe, please be aware of our COVID safety precautions which form our conditions of entry for all staff, students and visitors coming to campus.

Sponsorship / work rights for Australia

Please note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. For a continuing position, you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident.

Australian Temporary Residents currently employed at the University of Sydney may be considered for a fixed term contract for the length of their visa, depending on the requirements of the hiring area and the position.

Pre-employment checks

Your employment is conditional upon the completion of all role required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.

EEO statement 

At the University of Sydney, our shared values include diversity and inclusion and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community which reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this commitment through our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People , women , people living with a disability , people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds , and those who identify as LGBTIQ . We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds. 

How to apply

Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page.  

For employees of the University or contingent workers, please login into your Workday account and navigate to the Career icon on your Dashboard.  Click on USYD Find Jobs and apply.

For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or any documents in alternate formats, please contact Liz Mackinlay, Recruitment Operations on 0422 994 254 or by email to liz.mackinlay@sydney.edu.au

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The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.

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Applications Close

Wednesday 09 November 2022 11:59 PM