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Job Title


Senior Director, Research Legal


Company : Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute of Mount Si


Location : Toronto, Ontario


Created : 2026-02-01


Job Type : Full Time


Job Description

POSITION OVERVIEW Sinai Health is implementing its Research Strategic Plan (2026-2031), which aims to enhance alignment, modernization, and capacity-building across the research enterprise. As part of this transformation, we are seeking a results-oriented Senior Director, Research Legal to lead legal services for the Sinai Health research community. Reporting directly to the Vice President, Research and General Counsel, this pivotal role will provide critical legal support, including oversight of the legal team supporting research. The successful candidate will play a key role in advancing corporate goals while taking a practical approach to safeguarding our Institution''''s endeavors for discovery research and clinical research. You will lead the review, drafting, and negotiation of complex agreements with peer hospitals, third-party vendors, and other healthcare organizations. This position also offers a unique opportunity to shape the institutional scaffolding for a cohesive, efficient, and innovation-ready research enterprise. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Legal Management and Advice Draft, review, and provide advice on a broad range of research agreements and complex projects. Provide oversight and mentorship to research legal staff, including guidance on substantive legal work, file management, and Sinai Healths policies. Lead staff to meet Sinai Health expectations for productivity, quality, continuous improvement, and provide effective performance feedback. Provide timely, practical, and risk-based advice to the Vice President, Research, Deputy Directors, and Research Administration teams. Work in collaboration with Sinai Health Privacy and Risk, Grants Administration, Procurement, Research Ethics Board, and other stakeholders to support the organizations research legal activities. Represent Sinai Health and actively participate in inter-institutional working groups with other hospitals and research institutes to harmonize contracting practices. Engage and manage external legal counsel Strategic Capacity Building and Modernization Partner with stakeholders across Sinai Health to develop an integrated, practical research risk management framework. Develop and implement process improvements to streamline research contract review. Initiatives may include pursuing further opportunities for coordination in the research matter lifecycle; enhancing the matter intake process; and exploring digital contracting tools. Collaborate with Sinai Health Privacy, Research Ethics, and Digital Health on a data governance strategy that integrates the Research Strategic Plan, including coordinated frameworks for AI governance, open science, and responsible data sharing. Lead internal education sessions for researchers, clinicians, and research coordinators. SKILLS / QUALIFICATIONS Juris Doctor Degree (J.D.) or Bachelor of Laws (LLB), called to the Ontario Bar and a member in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario. Minimum 10 years of relevant legal experience gained at a law firm or in-house legal department in the health/pharma/medical sciences. Experience working in an academic hospital or research institute setting and/or the broader medical research industry is considered an asset. Experience drafting and negotiating data transfer agreements, material transfer agreements, collaboration agreements, clinical trial agreements, registry agreements, funding agreements, and research services agreements. Demonstrated leadership abilities with experience managing individuals with a legal background. A wellorganized selfstarter in possession of strategic thinking and practical problemsolving skills with the ability to independently identify underlying issues and implement solutions. A proven team player with the ability to establish effective working relationships at all levels of the organization. Strong communication, negotiation, drafting, and analytical skills. Strong understanding of Canadian and Ontario privacy, research ethics, and health information legislation (including PHIPA and TCPS2). Knowledge of intellectual property, risk management, and procurement, particularly in the context of an academic clinical and biomedical research environment in Canada. Familiarity with data governance and open science frameworks preferred. APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS Apply directly through Interfolio https://apply.interfolio.com/180187. A resume and cover letter are required in order to be considered for this position. A commitment to diversity, inclusion, and professional growth is at the heart of our institute''''s values. We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply. Posting open until 02/13/2026. We thank all candidates for applying. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Hours: 37.5 hours per week Contact Name: via URL enclosed in posting Contact Email: https://apply.interfolio.com/180187 Contact Phone: Online Contact Fax: Online Returning Applicants? Just a reminder this Website requires that you signin to fill out application forms and to upload files. The signin link is located in the topright corner of this page. New Applicants? If you are new to this Website and do not have an ID, the signin script will allow you to create one just click the signin link located in the topright corner of this page and follow the onscreen instructions; or click the link here directly to create a User ID. #J-18808-Ljbffr