Staff Attorney - Research Transactions

Job Description Summary

The Staff Attorney ("SA") in the Office of General Counsel ("OGC"), the in-house office that provides legal support and guidance to the University of Maryland, College Park, the State of Maryland's flagship, Research 1 university. The University's research enterprise is a complex, expanding, and fascinating portfolio. It supports groundbreaking work that improves the lives of individuals and benefits society. The University's procurement and business services, in support of the University's mission of excellence in education, research, outreach and collaborative partnership with the greater community, administers contracts, procures facilities, goods and services, and ensures university business is conducted in a fair and open environment, in full compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The SA is responsible for providing legal counsel for the University's research and related business operations, working with faculty and staff centrally and in the University's 12 colleges and schools. The SA may also be asked to support and advise on other projects and issues related to other University initiatives.

The SA must have expertise and experience with drafting and negotiating research and research-related agreements, including federal government grants and contracts, and advising on compliance with the terms of such agreements and related regulatory requirements. While the SA will primarily provide counsel on research administration matters, the SA may also provide counsel on research safety; regulatory compliance; public ethics; intellectual property; procurement; and other matters for academic and operational units. The SA should have a solid working knowledge of legal, academic, and operational issues relevant to the operations of a research-intensive public university, and must develop new subject matter expertise as client needs dictate. The SA advises and supports University clients, including the President's staff, Vice Presidents, Deans, Department Chairs, sponsored projects office, and research compliance offices. The SA handles a range of transactional matters supporting both academic and operational units as assigned by the Vice President and General Counsel ("VPGC"), Deputy General Counsel ("DGC"), and Research Transactions & Regulatory Law Practice Group Lead. This position teams with and supports the Associate General Counsels, DGC and/or the VPGC on select projects. The SA assists clients to develop processes, documents, and forms to optimize business approaches; performs legal research involving federal and state laws, administrative regulations, other administrative guidance, and case law; advises clients on strategy; drafts and negotiates agreements; and supports regulatory compliance in a variety of contexts. The SA will provide other legal services to University clients as directed by the VPGC, DGC, and Research Transactions & Regulatory Law Practice Group Lead.

Physical Demands: Sedentary work. Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Ability to travel to main campus and off-site meetings.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Juris Doctor degree from an accredited U.S. law school.

Experience: Two (2) years of progressively responsible legal experience.

OTHER: Admission to a state or DC Bar, and eligibility for admission to the Maryland Bar within twelve (12) months of hire.

Knowledge of federal and state applicable laws, rules, regulations, and ordinances.
Skill in oral and written communication.
Skill in the use of Microsoft Office products.
Ability to multitask while demonstrating a commitment to customer service.

Additional Job Details

Preferences: 

Experience with federal government contracts and/or research administration at a federal agency, university, or government contractor. Skill in the use of Google Workplace products.
 

Required Application Materials:

Resume, Cover Letter, List of three (3) professional references

Best Consideration Date:

December 3, 2026

Posting Close Date:

N/A

Open Until Filled:

Yes

Job Risks

Not Applicable to This Position

Financial Disclosure Required

Yes

Department

PRES-Office of General Counsel

Worker Sub-Type

Staff Regular

Salary Range

$130,800 - $156,960

Background Checks

Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify anyone from employment. Before any adverse decision, the finalist will have an opportunity to provide information to the University regarding disclosable background check information. The University reserves the right to rescind the offer of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when the background check is completed.

Employment Eligibility

The successful candidate must complete employment eligibility verification (on Form I-9) by presenting documents that establish identity and work authorization within the timeframe required by federal immigration law, and where applicable, to demonstrate renewed employment authorization.  Failure to complete employment eligibility verification or reverification within the timeframe set forth by law may result in suspension or termination of employment.

EEO Statement

The University of Maryland, College Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment. Please read the University’s Equal Employment Opportunity Statement of Policy.

Title IX Non-Discrimination Notice

Resources

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