PRINCIPAL COUNSEL, RESEARCH & COMPLIANCE (San Francisco)

Job Posting

Position: Counsel 4 (Job Code: 000201). Salary Grade: 29. Salary: $235,000 - $272,000 annual, commensurate with experience. Location: UC Office of the President, Franklin Building, Oakland, California.

Department Overview

UC Legal – Office of General Counsel. Provides legal services to the University of California system, including 10 campuses, 5 medical centers, and 3 national laboratories.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Managing Counsel – Education Affairs & Governance, the Principal Counsel provides legal counsel on complex research‑related matters, offers training and guidance, liaises with external counsel, and represents the University in regulatory and administrative matters.

Responsibilities

90% Core Legal Services:

• Establish effective relationships with key internal and external constituencies to provide legal advice and counsel regarding identification and mitigation of risks and to facilitate regulatory and policy compliance in areas including but not limited to research integrity and misconduct, human subject and animal welfare regulations, export control regulations, regulatory and sponsor policy issues related to research contracts and grants, conflict of interest issues related to research, research safety, research security and other federal, state, sponsor, and University policies and regulations governing the conduct of research. This includes regularly attending meetings of and providing advice to various University work groups and committees related to university research.
• Recognizes strategic needs of organization and proactively builds relationships with appropriate stakeholders to ensure successful outcomes.
• Serves as a trusted strategic partner with University business units (including research policy and compliance offices), providing practical advice and alternative solutions to business issues.
• Advises and renders opinions to senior leaders with respect to the legal implications of establishing or changing policy.
• Works with colleagues at the Office of the President and campus/medical center locations to develop and modify practices and procedures to conform with changing legal requirements.
• Assists clients in drafting, reviewing, and revising a variety of instruments involving the University’s interest such as research agreements and policies.
• Assists clients with review, analysis, and formulating strategic action plans regarding proposed, new, and existing laws, regulations, and agency and sponsor policies and guidance related to university research.
• Provides functional advice, training and/or guidance and effectively mentors attorneys with less experience in the area of research compliance.
• May act as a liaison with outside counsel, and/or represent the University in complex regulatory matters.
• Provides regulatory and other advice, negotiates contracts, and provides assistance with the development of effective compliance and risk mitigation strategies and policies to facilitate the University’s complex operations.
• May be called on to provide legal advice and counsel in areas other than research compliance, including other Education Affairs and Governance matters.

10% Leadership:

• Delegates work effectively to maximize efficiencies.
• Provides clear expectations and mentors legal support staff to meet expected levels of productivity and accuracy.
• Complies with delegations of authority for committing University funds.
• Provides guidance to attorneys interested in the field of expertise.

Experience

• Minimum of 8 years of relevant practice experience in a law firm or in‑house counsel for an academic institution, governmental entity, corporation or other entity.

Required Qualifications

• Expert understanding of highly complex legal issues and ability to foresee implications in specialty area, even when ambiguous or hidden.
• Outstanding interpersonal communication skills, including proven ability to actively listen, negotiate, persuade and educate. Skills to gain trust and build credibility with a broad group of colleagues and clients, to include senior leaders.
• Outstanding ability to establish strategic solutions at the macro‑level; to influence key stakeholders in alignment with mission.
• Expert ability in consulting, relationship building, and strategic thinking skills.
• Thorough knowledge of the organizational environment of higher education and large research universities to understand client priorities, issues, motivations and constraints.
• Reliant on representing institutional concerns persuasively to internal and external parties.
• Demonstrated commitment to the highest ethical standards.
• Proven ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion and tact when handling sensitive or potentially sensitive issues.
• Outstanding research skills; ability to readily identify critical legislative changes in area of specialty.
• Outstanding written communication skills and ability to create and deliver effective materials and/or presentations appropriate to a particular audience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Significant experience advising university clients on matters related to research, including federally funded research.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor and coach all levels of staff; provide for succession planning in area of specialty.

Education

• Advanced degree in related area is required.

Licenses and Certifications

• Must be a member in good standing in the California State Bar or admitted within one year of employment. Current admission is strongly preferred.

Special Conditions

Must reside within California and report to work on‑site at the UC Office of the President located in Oakland, CA on a regular basis. New employees must work on‑site at least two days per week on Tuesdays and Wednesdays (“anchor days”). Fully remote arrangement may be considered for candidates residing or willing to relocate to California under exceptional circumstances.

Travel Requirements

5% occasional travel to campuses as needed.

Salary And Benefits

Salary range: $235,000 – $272,000 annual. Comprehensive benefits package available.

EEO Statement

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.