Assistant General Counsel – Research Technology and Privacy

Vanderbilt University Medical Center

. Provide legal advice to Vanderbilt University on transactional legal matters and projects .

Posted 10/23/2026full-timeNashville • Tennessee • United StatesMid-LevelSeniorWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in providing legal advice on transactional matters, regulatory compliance, and data governance within a higher education context. Proficient in navigating complex legal frameworks and collaborating with diverse stakeholders to support institutional goals related to research and technology.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Juris DoctorateLicensed In TennesseeRegulatory AnalysisExperience With Sponsored ProgramsAdvanced Oral And Written Communication Skills

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Legal AdviceRegulatory ComplianceData GovernanceRisk AnalysisLegal Education DevelopmentContract ReviewResearch SecurityPrivacy LawArtificial Intelligence PolicyGovernment Contracts

Soft Skills

Critical ThinkingSound JudgmentInterpersonal SkillsCollaboration SkillsAbility To Work Independently

Tools & Technologies

Document Creation TechnologyDocument Management Technology

Certifications & Qualifications

Licensed Attorney

Industry Keywords

Higher EducationInstitutional Data UseCompliance FrameworksFederal RegulationsState RegulationsNIH PoliciesNSF PoliciesDoD PoliciesPrivacy OfficerResearch Integrity

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Provide legal advice to Vanderbilt University on transactional legal matters and projects
Support the academic research enterprise, including OVPRI, Sponsored Programs Administration, and Office of Research Integrity and Compliance
Advise information security, data governance, privacy, Vanderbilt University Information Technology, Research IT, and the Office of Data and Strategic Analytics
Advise on university policies, practices, and strategies intersecting with Artificial Intelligence when applicable
Potentially serve as the university’s privacy officer
Support strategic goals related to research, technology, and privacy
Develop data and research compliance regimes and monitor legal and regulatory frameworks for institutional data use and security
Ensure university actions comply with policies and federal, state, and local laws and regulations
Manage multiple sensitive and urgent legal matters with competing deadlines and communicate status to Vice Chancellors and their teams
Analyze risks and recommend corrective action and training
Provide regulatory compliance support and counsel for research and technology commercialization
Advise on international research, foreign influence, and research security
Review research, privacy, export security, and technology elements of supplier agreements and external collaborations
Prepare comments on proposed federal, state, and local legislation and regulations
Counsel research- and information technology-focused committees
Monitor legal and regulatory developments, including NIH, NSF, and DoD policies and compliance
Advise on data privacy, institutional data governance, and artificial intelligence
Advise the chief information security officer on data security and breach response
Collaborate on investigations, noncompliance matters, and corrective actions
Develop and provide legal education and support to the Vanderbilt community
Perform related duties as assigned
Report to the Deputy General Counsel
No supervisory responsibility

Requirements

What you’ll need

Juris doctorate required
Must be licensed in the State of Tennessee or eligible for licensure within twelve months of hire
At least 4–6 years of progressively responsible experience in the practice of law
Demonstrated ability to function independently in relevant subject matters
Ability to identify, analyze, and clearly, timely, and thoroughly explain legal issues to senior university administrators
Advanced oral and written communication skills
Ability to work with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community
Experience with sponsored programs, grant applications, and government contracts, preferably in support of an institution of higher education
Willingness to learn new areas of law or apply prior legal practice to a higher education environment
Experience in regulatory analysis
Ability to navigate a large, complex organization
Excellent interpersonal and collaboration skills
Strong critical thinking skills, sound judgment, and strategic ability
Proficiency with common technology for document creation and management
Cover letter and writing sample required for consideration

Benefits

Comp & perks

Equal-opportunity employment
Opportunities for professional learning and growth
Professional growth and development through seminars, workshops, and professional affiliations
Hybrid work arrangement