Associate Director – Legal Affairs

University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine

. Review, negotiate, and conclude complex corporate-funded clinical trial sponsored research and related agreements, including confidentiality agreements .

Posted 10/28/2026full-timePhiladelphia • Pennsylvania • United StatesSenior💰 $95,136 - $159,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Expertise in contract negotiation and management within academic and not-for-profit environments, with a strong focus on clinical trials and research administration. Proven ability to manage complex projects efficiently while providing guidance and support to stakeholders.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Contract NegotiationClinical Trials ManagementResearch AdministrationJD or Law DegreeElectronic Research Administration Systems

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Contract ManagementProject ManagementFDA Regulatory KnowledgeIntellectual Property KnowledgeComplex Problem Solving

Soft Skills

InitiativeFlexibilityAdaptabilityOrganizational SkillsTeam Player

Tools & Technologies

Penn ERAResearch Inventory System

Certifications & Qualifications

Master's DegreeJD or Equivalent Doctoral Degree

Industry Keywords

Corporate-Funded Clinical TrialsSponsored Research AgreementsAbramson Cancer CenterPerelman School of MedicineNot-for-Profit Environment

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Review, negotiate, and conclude complex corporate-funded clinical trial sponsored research and related agreements, including confidentiality agreements
Coordinate and solve problems within the Abramson Cancer Center and with Perelman School of Medicine and Penn research administration offices
Provide direction and guidance to colleagues and stakeholders navigating Penn's research administration function
Act as a resource for the Abramson Cancer Center legal office
Direct and guide a Senior Contracts Administrator and a Contract Administrator as needed
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned
Deliver outcomes enabling rapid activation of clinical trials in accordance with Perelman School of Medicine and Penn policy

Requirements

What you’ll need

Minimum of a Master's degree and 3 to 5 years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Relevant experience such as contract negotiation or management in an academic/not-for-profit environment
JD, Law degree, or equivalent doctoral degree highly preferred
Demonstrated success or strong indicia of potential for success managing high-volume, complex projects efficiently and in a customer-oriented manner
Initiative, flexibility, adaptability, and organizational skills
Team player
Preferred knowledge of pharma/device business
Preferred knowledge of clinical trials and other sponsored research
Preferred relevant legal background, such as FDA regulatory, intellectual property, or contracts
Preferred familiarity with Perelman School of Medicine/Penn research administration systems and processes
Experience with electronic research administration systems such as Penn ERA and the Research Inventory System
Background checks may be required after a conditional job offer

Benefits

Comp & perks

Comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits
Flexible spending accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses
Tuition assistance for employees, spouses, and dependent children
Tuition assistance for dependent children at other institutions
Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans
Pre-tax or Roth retirement savings options through TIAA and Vanguard
Substantial time away from work for vacations, personal affairs, illness, injury, and family
Long-term care insurance
Wellness and work-life programs and resources
Professional and personal development resources
Access to University libraries, athletic facilities, arboretum, art galleries, museums, cultural and recreational activities
Discounts and special services for arts, entertainment, transportation, mortgages, cars, cellular phone plans, movie tickets, and theme parks
Flexible work options, including non-traditional work hours, locations, and/or job structures
Forgivable homeownership loan for eligible employees buying a home or residing in West Philadelphia
Adoption assistance of qualified expenses for up to two adoptions in the household
Hybrid eligible work arrangement