Associate General Counsel Research & Intellectual Property

Job Description

Job Description

Company Description

The University of Notre Dame, founded in 1842 in Notre Dame, Indiana, is a premier American research university. As a Catholic institution, it uniquely blends faith with intellectual inquiry, striving for excellence in teaching, research, and serving the common good. Notre Dame offers a dynamic and rewarding environment for its diverse community of students, faculty, and staff, who are all dedicated to fostering an inclusive campus and being a force for good in the world. With world-class facilities, acclaimed academic programs, and a strong commitment to innovation and ethical leadership, Notre Dame is an ideal place to make a meaningful impact.

The University of Notre Dame is more than a workplace! We are a vibrant, mission-driven community where every employee is valued and supported. Rooted in a tradition of excellence and inspired by our Catholic character, Notre Dame is committed to fostering an environment of care that nurtures the whole person - mind, body, and spirit. Here, you will find a deep sense of belonging, a culture that prioritizes well-being, and the opportunity to grow your career while being a force for good in the world. Whether contributing to world-class research, shaping the student experience, or supporting the University’s mission in other ways, you will be part of a dedicated team working to make a meaningful impact on campus and beyond. At Notre Dame, your work matters, and so do you!

The University of Notre Dame invites applications for a dynamic and strategic attorney to support a broad spectrum portfolio that includes intellectual property, sponsored programs and research, technology commercialization, and other related efforts on campus. This is an exceptional opportunity to play a vital role at one of the nation’s premier universities, helping to achieve Notre Dame’s vision of becoming the world’s preeminent global Catholic research institution. In this role, you will collaborate closely with senior leaders across the institution, bringing clarity, perspective, and sound judgment to some of the University’s most important strategic and operational initiatives. As a strategic legal partner on campus, you will work with the Senior Associate General Counsel (R&IP) and serve as a trusted advisor to a number of campus organizations and senior administrative leadership on a wide range of high-level as well as operational issues. The role works across disciplines and constituencies to address complex transactional and intellectual property law concerns, while advancing a culture of mission-based and thoughtful decision- making. In close collaboration with a talented team in the Office of General Counsel, this role will help safeguard the University while supporting innovation and institutional growth.Some of the key responsibilities of this position include the following:

• Support of Research Enterprise Provide legal representation associated with the initiation, administration, and conduct (including compliance infrastructure around human subject protection, animal care and use, and other areas) of internally and externally sponsored research, and substantial transactional oversight and involvement in research-related projects.
• Support of Technology Commercialization Direct, day-to-day legal support of the IDEA Center, the technology commercialization arm of the University’s Research organization. Provide strategic direction and transactional support for the deployment and dissemination of University discoveries, including technology identification and protection in concert with outside counsel, legal representation in third party interactions such as licensing, collaborative relationships, and intellectual property disputes, and advising on the operation of a University managed venture capital fund related to University technologies.
• Information Technology Support Strategic operational and legal support of the University’s Office of Information Technologies (OIT) organization, including involvement in OIT transactions, support of campus initiatives such as artificial intelligence implementation, and data privacy and security concerns both domestic and international.
• Intellectual Property Law Serve as a subject matter expert in various areas of intellectual property law, including copyright, trademark, and patent licensing, addressing day-to-day operational issues related to the development and use of intellectual property in the academic and administrative affairs of the University, such as academic publishing, use of electronic library resources, museum transactions and holdings, trademark 20 licensing, and responding to related third party inquiries or claims.
• Monitor and stay current on developments and emerging legal and regulatory trends in these areas of responsibility Engage in ongoing professional development to maintain deep subject matter expertise Identify areas of relevant subject matter-related risk and best practices, and develop and deliver education and training programs to campus partners. The Associate General Counsel may also provide additional legal support to other areas of the University, as assigned, based on interest, experience, and demand.

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school

• Active license to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction, with the ability to obtain admission in Indiana, if required

• Significant experience practicing in and strong working knowledge of intellectual property and transactional law, preferably with experience in extramurally funded research support and/or technology transfer

• Proven ability to provide responsive and proactive legal guidance to clients

• Exceptional judgment, analytical skills, and written and verbal communication abilities

• Ability to manage multiple matters simultaneously in a complex, fast-paced environment

• Highest commitment to professionalism, collaboration, and ethics

• Experience developing and delivering legal training/education

• Alignment with and appreciation for the mission and values of the University of Notre Dame

This position is a senior, impact-oriented role and requires at least 7 years of relevant professional experience

Salary: Commensurate with experience

Applications will be accepted through July 12, 2026

RESUME & COVER LETTER ARE REQUIRED to be considered for this position. Please add in the attachments section of your application.

This position requires a regular on-campus presence to effectively collaborate with colleagues, engage with campus partners, and support the day-to-day needs of the role.

The University of Notre Dame seeks to attract, develop, and retain the highest quality faculty, staff and administration. The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or age in employment. Moreover, Notre Dame prohibits discrimination against veterans or disabled qualified individuals, and complies with 41 CFR 60-741.5(a) and 41 CFR 60-300.5(a). We strongly encourage applications from candidates attracted to a university with a Catholic identity.