Counsel, Research Transactions & IP

Position Summary

The Counsel for Research Transactions and IP supports the organization’s research enterprise by providing legal review, drafting, and negotiation assistance for a broad range of research‑related agreements. This role also includes foundational intellectual property (IP) exposure, allowing the attorney to support research and innovation activities while developing expertise at the intersection of scientific research, IP, and healthcare regulation.

The position is designed for an early‑career attorney seeking to grow in academic medical center research and technology‑enabled innovation under the guidance of senior research and IP counsel.

Job Responsibilities

Research Transactions Support

• Draft, review, and negotiate routine and moderately complex research agreements, including:
  • Sponsored research agreements
  • Data use and data sharing agreements
  • Material transfer agreements (MTAs)
  • Confidential disclosure agreements (CDAs)
• Identify, analyze, and escalate legal, regulatory, or IP‑related issues for senior‑level review.

Intellectual Property Support

• Support senior research and IP attorneys on matters involving:
  • Ownership and allocation of intellectual property in research agreements
  • Publication rights, background IP, and licensing‑related contract terms
  • Confidential information, trade secrets, and data protection provisions
• Assist with review of agreements that interface with technology transfer, commercialization, and innovation initiatives.
• Partner with Innovation / Technology Transfer teams to support consistent application of institutional IP policies.

Legal Research & Regulatory Analysis

• Research and analyze issues related to:
  • Data privacy and security in research collaborations
  • Regulatory compliance affecting research and innovation.
• Prepare summaries, issue analyses, and contracting guidance for internal stakeholders.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Work directly with investigators, research administrators, and business leads to explain contract terms and IP‑related concepts in a practical, accessible manner.
• Participate in cross‑functional meetings supporting research and innovation programs.

Process Support

• Build familiarity with institutional research and IP policies, model agreements, and standard positions.
• Assist in maintaining contract templates, clause libraries, and internal guidance that integrate IP considerations.

Job Qualifications

Required:

• Juris Doctor
• 2+ years of experience practicing law
• Maintain licensure to practice law in the State of Ohio

Preferred:

• Exposure to intellectual property issues through:
  • Law firm practice, clinical programs, or coursework
  • Research, healthcare, or technology‑focused clients
• Familiarity with academic research or technology commercialization environments
• Contract drafting and negotiation specifically in healthcare, life sciences, or research‑related matters
• Demonstrated interest in developing a practice in research, innovation, and IP‑adjacent healthcare law
• Strong legal writing, analytical, and organizational skills

Primary Location

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At Cincinnati Children’s, we come to work with one goal: to make children’s health better. We believe in a holistic team approach, both in caring for patients and their families, and in advancing science and discovery. We strive to do better and find energy and inspiration in our shared purpose. If you want to be the best you can be, you can do it at Cincinnati Children’s. 

 Cincinnati Children's is: 

• Recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 10  best Children's Hospitals in the nation for more than 15 years 

• Consistently among the top 3 Children's Hospitals for National Institutes of Health (NIH) Funding 

• Recognized as one of America’s Best Large Employers  (2025), America’s Best Employers for New Grads (2025) 

• One of the nation's America’s Most Innovative Companies as noted by Fortune 

• Consistently certified as great place to work 

• A Leading Disability Employer as noted by the National Organization on Disability 

• Magnet® designated for the fourth consecutive time by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) 

 We Embrace Innovation—Together.  We believe in empowering our teams with the tools that help us work smarter and care better. That’s why we support the responsible use of artificial intelligence. By encouraging innovation, we’re creating space for new ideas, better outcomes, and a stronger future—for all of us. 

Comprehensive job description provided upon request.

Cincinnati Children’s is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating an environment of dignity and respect for all our employees, patients, and families. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, genetic information, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. EEO/Veteran/Disability