HHMI is focused on supporting and moving science forward in a variety of different ways ranging from conducting basic biomedical research, empowering educators, inspiring students, developing the next generation of scientists – even stretching into film and media production. Our Headquarters is in the greater Washington, DC metro area and is home to over 300 employees with expertise in investments, communications, digital production, biomedical sciences, and everything in between. The work housed here supports and augments the groundbreaking research conducted in HHMI labs across the nation. As HHMI scientists continue to push boundaries in laboratories and classrooms, you can be sure that your contributions while working here are making a difference.
Summary:
HHMI is seeking a Contracts Counsel for its Office of the General Counsel (OGC) to help support HHMI's programs and operations by providing informed, practical, creative, and timely legal counsel in the review and negotiation of research-related agreements. As a member of the dynamic team in HHMI’s OGC, you will be directly involved in HHMI’s mission of advancing biomedical research for the benefit of humanity.
The person in this role will review and negotiate contracts relating to the conduct of research in HHMI laboratories. These contracts include agreements covering the transfer of reagents and other materials into and from HHMI laboratories (inbound and outbound Materials Transfer Agreements or MTIs and MTOs). In addition, the Contracts Counsel ensures that inter-institutional agreements (IIAs) and licenses (Licenses) entered into by third-party research institutions that relate to technology developed in HHMI laboratories are consistent with HHMI’s policies and interests. The Contracts Counsel will work closely with other OGC staff, HHMI scientific management, HHMI laboratory heads and staff, and research institution staff to efficiently resolve issues relating to MTIs, MTOs, IIAs, and Licenses.
This position reports to the Deputy General Counsel and works under the general supervision of the Deputy General Counsel and one Senior Contracts Counsel. We will consider either remote or hybrid working arrangements, given the candidate's preference.
What we offer:
Meaningful Impact: The opportunity to provide informed and practical legal counsel on research-related agreements that directly support HHMI’s mission and people.
Focused and Collaborative In-House Practice: A dynamic in-house role centered on negotiating and advising on materials transfer agreements, inter-institutional agreements, and licenses, with close collaboration alongside HHMI scientists, leadership, and colleagues across OGC.
Professional Growth: Support for continuing legal education and professional development, with opportunities to deepen expertise.
Competitive Total Rewards Package: Comprehensive healthcare, generous retirement contributions, paid leave, and additional programs that support well-being and professional development.
What you will do:
Provide informed, practical, creative, and timely advice and counsel to HHMI departments and staff in support of HHMI’s mission, strategic priorities, programmatic objectives, and operational goals while balancing organizational risks.
Maintain a thorough understanding of HHMI’s policies and be able to apply them in several contexts, i.e., MTIs, MTOs and Licenses.
Perform MTI Review: Efficiently handle MTIs for laboratories at assigned research sites to ensure timely review and negotiation and, if MTI terms are acceptable, processing through execution. This includes:
Review and negotiate MTIs with providers and research institutions;
Advise HHMI laboratory heads and laboratory staff regarding legal obligations under MTIs;
Educate laboratory heads, laboratory staff, research institutions staff, and others involved in the MTI process on HHMI policies as they relate to MTIs;
Work collaboratively in the MTA and License Review group (MTLR Group) to resolve legal and practical issues arising in MTI negotiation and processing.
Perform MTO Review: Review and edit MTOs and advise assigned institutions as needed on questions relating to MTOs, such as MTO terms acceptable to HHMI.
Perform IIA and License Review: Provide timely comments to assigned research institutions on IIAs, options, and Licenses, consistent with HHMI policies.
Consult and coordinate with others in OGC and at HHMI, including Senior Director-Scientific Officers and Senior Director-Scientific Program Officers, as appropriate, on MTI, MTO, and License issues.
Update and maintain electronic databases associated with MTIs, MTOs, and Licenses in a timely manner.
Assist MTLR group and other OGC staff in suggesting, evaluating, documenting, and implementing improvements to HHMI procedures and practices for handling MTIs, MTOs, and Licenses.
Maintain a current knowledge of legal issues and current practices in the scientific community relevant to MTIs, MTOs, and Licenses, including through participation in continuing legal education and membership in appropriate bar and professional associations. As opportunities arise, support efforts of HHMI laboratories and the broader scientific community to promote the availability of reagents and other research materials.
What you bring:
Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree.
Active membership in good standing with an established bar required.
A minimum of three years of experience as an attorney in private practice or in a corporate, nonprofit, or government legal department.
At least two years of experience drafting and negotiating contracts. Experience drafting and negotiating contracts relating to life sciences research and/or intellectual property is a plus.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, judgment, and decision-making skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with scientists, senior management, colleagues, and outside counsel.
Interest in learning new subject matter, developing proficiency with legal and information systems, and supporting the work of HHMI scientists and grantees.
Application Instructions:
To apply, please submit a resume and a brief, one-page cover letter stating how your qualifications and experience match the requirements, and how your experience will support HHMI in its mission.
Physical Requirements:
Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods of time; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for example using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about workspace. The position requires mobility, including the ability to move materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a laptop computer or tablet).
Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis.
Please Note:
This job description sets forth the job’s principal duties, responsibilities, and requirements; it should not be construed as an exhaustive statement, however. Unless they begin with the word “may,” the Essential Duties and Responsibilities described above are “essential functions” of the job, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act. #LI-EG1
Compensation and Benefits
Our employees are compensated from a total rewards perspective in many ways for their contributions to our mission, including competitive pay, exceptional health benefits, retirement plans, time off, and a range of recognition and wellness programs. Visit our Benefits at HHMI site to learn more.
Compensation Range
$119,038.08 (minimum) - $148,797.60 (midpoint) - $193,436.88 (maximum)Pay Type:
AnnualHHMI’s salary structure is developed based on relevant job market data. HHMI considers a candidate's education, previous experiences, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal consistency when making job offers. Typically, a new hire for this position in this location is compensated between the minimum and the midpoint of the salary range.
HHMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer
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