Witt/Kieffer is assisting Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) based in Nashville, Tennessee in recruiting candidates for the newly created role of Division Counsel, Research. We bring this important position to your attention in the hope that you might assist us in identifying potential candidates who have the appropriate experience and background to join VUMC’s growing in-house legal department. Your own personal expression of interest would of course be welcome as well.

Reporting to the Managing Counsel for Insurance, Population Health and Regulatory Compliance, the Division Counsel, Research is responsible for providing legal expertise related to sponsored research, industry sponsored research agreements and related matters. S/he will also collaborate on research policy initiatives with other attorneys. The Division Counsel, Research is a highly strategic and proactive legal counsel that is well versed in the regulatory environment of healthcare research. This individual is innovative in creating solutions that facilitate VUMC’s entry into research agreements with third parties to assure adherence and conformity with system wide policies and regulations. Working with VUMC’s office of Contract Management, Supply Chain and researchers, this person will serve as the primary person for research contract matters.

This is an outstanding opportunity to join a high performing in-house legal team and work in a positive, open and responsive team environment. It is important that the Division Counsel, Research is viewed as credible, visible, and accessible; someone who exhibits high integrity, a willingness to listen effectively and work collaboratively. The Division Counsel, Research will proactively provide counsel and training in biomedical research contract subject matters.

VUMC is a comprehensive healthcare facility dedicated to patient care, research, and biomedical education. Managing more than 2 million patient visits each year, Vanderbilt University Medical Center is one of the largest academic medical centers in the Southeast, and is the primary resource for specialty and primary care in hundreds of adult and pediatric specialties for patients throughout Tennessee and the Mid-South. The School of Medicine’s biomedical research program is among the nation’s top 10 in terms of National Institutes of Health peer review funding, receiving more than $500 million in public and private awards during 2016. More information is available at www.vumc.org.

The successful candidate must have excellent academic credentials, a law degree from an ABA accredited school of law, membership in the State Bar of Tennessee, or eligibility for admission based on reciprocity is required and an outstanding record of achievement with at least five (5) years of biomedical research experience gained in-house or through working closely with complex healthcare or life sciences clients. Specific experience working in or representing a university, an academic medical center, research foundation, medical device manufacturer or pharmaceutical company is preferred.

Recruiting is underway and will continue until the appointment is made. To discuss this position further, or to make nominations, please feel welcome to contact us by email at VUMCResearch@wittkieffer.com.