Director of Research Legal Services 

Reporting to the Chief Legal Officer (CLO), the Director of Research Legal Services will lead a team of lawyers and contract review specialists that support CAMH Research. 

With expertise in various aspects of the law, including the statutes and regulations that govern the conduct of medical research, corporate/commercial contracts, health privacy, intellectual property and artificial intelligence, the Director of Research Legal Services provides collaborative, strategic and operational legal support to the CAMH Executive Leadership Team, Research leadership and research scientists across CAMH Research within the ambit of the organization’s risk tolerance, and plays a key role in advancing CAMH’s research mission while managing legal, regulatory and reputational risk. 

The Director of Research Legal Services oversees the Research Legal Services team, which provides comprehensive legal services to CAMH’s research enterprise and supports the research office in the areas of grants, research ethics, clinical trials and others. This role involves oversight of and participation on a team of legal professionals advising on multi-party research agreements, providing strategic risk mitigation advice, advising on complex healthcare regulations, intellectual property, privacy, and AI issues and the provision of strategic advice for a broad spectrum of research operational matters, including compliance and research integrity. This role will support a workplace that embraces diversity, encourages teamwork and complies with all applicable legal and regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as the Research Legal Services most senior strategic legal advisor with oversight and management of a team of lawyers, contract review specialists, and legal support staff. 
• Provide expert legal counsel on research matters, including but not limited to: grants, procurement, intellectual property, corporate/commercial, information technology, artificial intelligence, privacy, regulatory (Health Canda and medical devices) and compliance (relationship management and research integrity) matters
• Lead negotiation and execution of various research agreements, including but not limited to clinical trial agreements, research collaboration agreements, consortium agreements, data sharing agreements, material transfer agreements, NDA’s, service agreements, etc.
• Oversee, develop and implement operational efficiency and quality assurance tools for the Research Legal Services team, including but not limited to: templates, risk matrices and playbooks
• Participate on committees, working groups and advisory bodies as requested
• Co-Chair the Relationship Management (Conflict of Interest) efforts for the organization 
• Work collaboratively with the Chief Legal Officer to inform the management of the broader legal services portfolio, develop metrics for efficiency and quality, and to ensure that the Research Legal team is carrying out their work in line with organizational priorities and goals and CAMH’s mission, vision and values
• Work collaboratively with the Directors of the Research Office as well as Directors from portfolios across the organization to carry out CAMH’s work 
   

Education & Specific Training:

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
• A relevant undergraduate degree, such as a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) or a Bachelor's degree in a related field like Healthcare Administration, Public Health, or Psychology, is an asset.
• Specialized training in health law, mental health law, hospital law, privacy law, administrative law, or related areas through continuing legal education (CLE) programs or certifications is an asset.
   

Credentials:

• Membership in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario.

Experience:

• As a well-qualified candidate, you have 8 to 10 years of legal experience combined with management and leadership skills, ideally in a large healthcare or pharma organization.

• Deep knowledge and experience negotiating and drafting research-related agreements. You have a demonstrated ability to exercise good judgment and flourish in an environment that values collaboration, a consultative approach and practical solutions. 

• You apply strategic thinking and creativity to provide legal advice that marries the organization’s needs and its risk tolerance. 

• An energetic and enthusiastic team player, you are able to triage competing priorities and manage stakeholder expectations in a with diplomacy and professionalism. 

• Other valued assets include knowledge of intellectual property law, corporate/commercial law, privacy and data law, artificial intelligence, the medical research regulatory landscape and the health care legal landscape. 

Executive Compensation & Benefits:

• Salary is competitive and based on experience, with a hiring range of $144,448.85 – $180,561.06 per year.  (based on leadership experience, qualifications, and organizational needs)
• Full Salary Range: $144,448.85 – $216,673.27 per year (reflecting progressive growth and leadership tenure within the organization)

CAMH Advantage: Includes participation in HOOPP defined benefit pension plan, extended health and wellness benefits, and opportunities to shape healthcare innovation at a systems level
 

If you are interested in this position, please ensure that you apply before 5pm EST of the closing date. If your application is received past 5pm EST of the closing date, your application will not be accepted.

CAMH is a fully affiliated teaching hospital and research institute of the University of Toronto. As a CAMH employee, you will contribute to our mission by supporting teaching, research, and clinical care across the hospital.

CAMH is dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Our commitment is to foster a workplace, teaching, and learning environment that is inclusive, respectful, and free from discrimination or harassment.

CAMH strongly encourages applications from candidates who reflect the diversity of the communities we serve, including First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples; Black and other racialized communities; LGBTQ2S+ communities; women; and people with disabilities, including those with lived experience of mental health and substance use challenges.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds. Thank you to all who apply; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. If you require accommodations during the application or recruitment process, please let us know.