PRINCIPAL COUNSEL, RESEARCH & COMPLIANCE

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Position Base: Oakland
Location: UCOP - Franklin Building

UC OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

At the University of California (UC), your contributions make a difference. A world leader producing Nobel and Pulitzer Prize recipients with over 150 years of groundbreaking research transforming the world. Choose a career where you can leverage your knowledge, skills and aspirations to inspire and support some of the greatest minds in the world, and those who will follow in their footsteps. Working at the University of California is being part of a unique institution, and a vibrant and diverse community. At the University of California, Office of the President, we propel our mission through impactful work locally, in government centers and systemwide. We are passionate people, serving the greater good.

The University of California, one of the largest and most acclaimed institutions of higher learning in the world, is dedicated to excellence in teaching, research and public service. The University of California Office of the President is the headquarters to the 10 campuses, six academic medical centers and three national laboratories and enrolls premier students from California, the nation and the world. Learn more about the UC Office of the President

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

UC Legal - Office of General Counsel is located in Oakland, California, and is staffed with system-wide legal experts who provide an extraordinary range of legal services to the University of California (UC) and its Office of the President, its 10 campuses and 5 medical centers, as well as its reserves and field stations. For more information, visit https://www.ucop.edu/uc-legal/.

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Managing Counsel - Education Affairs & Governance, this position independently provides legal counsel and advice on a wide range of complex legal matters and projects in areas related to university research. The Principal Counsel also provides functional advice, training and/or guidance to clients and to campus attorneys, and may act as a liaison with outside counsel, and/or represent the University in governmental enforcement and administrative matters. Responsibilities require knowledge of laws, regulations and policies applicable to a broad range of campus research issues, including but not limited to: research integrity and misconduct, human subject and animal welfare regulations, export control regulations, regulatory and sponsor policy issues related to research contracts and grants, conflict of interest issues related to research, research safety, research security, and other federal, state, sponsor, and University policies and regulations governing the conduct of research. Assists clients in drafting, reviewing and revising a variety of instruments involving the University's interests such as research agreements, and policies. Assists clients with review, analysis, and formulating strategic action plans regarding proposed, new, and existing laws, regulations, and agency and sponsor policies and guidance related to university research. Collaborates with UC Legal team members and campus stakeholders in governmental inquiries and investigations related to research matters. Key clients include University research policy and compliance offices at the Office of the President and at all ten UC campuses, faculty, and offices of the Vice Chancellors for Research, the Vice President for Research & Innovation, and the Senior Vice President for Compliance and Audit.

Responsibilities

90% Core Legal Services

• Establishes effective relationships with key internal and external constituencies to provide legal advice and counsel regarding identification and mitigation of risks and to facilitate regulatory and policy compliance in areas including but not limited to the following areas related to university research: research integrity and misconduct, human subject and animal welfare regulations, export control regulations, regulatory and sponsor policy issues related to research contracts and grants, conflict of interest issues related to research, research safety, research security and other federal, state, sponsor, and University policies and regulations governing the conduct of research. This includes regularly attending meetings of and providing advice to various University work groups and committees related to university research.

• Recognizes strategic needs of organization and proactively builds relationships with appropriate stakeholders to ensure successful outcomes.

• Serves as a trusted strategic partner with University business units (including research policy and compliance offices), providing practical advice and alternative solutions to business issues.

• Advises and renders opinions to senior leaders with respect to the legal implications of establishing or changing policy.

• Works with colleagues at the Office of the President and campus/medical center locations to develop and modify practices and procedures to conform with changing legal requirements.

• Assists clients in drafting, reviewing, and revising a variety of instruments involving the University's interest such as research agreements and policies.

• Assists clients with review, analysis, and formulating strategic action plans regarding proposed, new, and existing laws, regulations, and agency and sponsor policies and guidance related to university research.

• Provides functional advice, training and/or guidance and effectively mentors attorneys with less experience in the area of research compliance.

• May act as a liaison with outside counsel, and/or represent the University in complex regulatory matters.

• Provides regulatory and other advice, negotiates contracts, provides assistance with the development of effective compliance and risk mitigation strategies and policies to facilitate the University's complex operations.

• May be called on to provide legal advice and counsel in areas other than research compliance, including other Education Affairs and Governance matters.

10% Leadership

• Delegates work effectively to maximize efficiencies.

• Provides clear expectations and mentors legal support staff to meet expected levels of productivity and accuracy.

• Complies with delegations of authority for committing University funds.

• Provides guidance to attorneys interested in field of expertise.

Experience

• Minimum of 8 years of relevant practice experience in a law firm or in-house counsel for an academic institution, governmental entity, corporation or other entity required.

Required Qualifications

• Expert understanding of highly complex legal issues and ability to foresee implications in specialty area, even when ambiguous or hidden.

• Outstanding interpersonal communication skills, including proven ability to actively listen, negotiate, persuade and educate. Skills to gain trust and build credibility with a broad group of colleagues and clients, to include senior leaders.

• Outstanding ability to establish strategic solutions at the macro-level; to influence key stakeholders in alignment with mission.

• Expert ability in consulting, relationship building, and strategic thinking skills.

• Thorough knowledge of the organizational environment of higher education and large research universities to understand client priorities, issues, motivations and constraints.

• Relied on to represent institutional concerns persuasively to internal and external parties.

• Demonstrated commitment to the highest ethical standards.

• Proven ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion and tact when handling sensitive or potentially sensitive issues.

• Outstanding research skills; ability to readily identify critical legislative changes in area of specialty.

• Outstanding written communication skills and ability to create and deliver effective materials and / or presentations appropriate to a particular audience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Significant experience advising university clients on matters related to research, including federally funded research.

• Demonstrated ability to mentor and coach all levels of staff; provide for succession planning in area of specialty.

Education

• Advanced degree in related area is required.

Licenses and Certifications

• Must be a member in good standing in the California State Bar or admitted within one year of employment. CURRENT ADMISSION IS STRONGLY PREFERRED.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

The person hired will be required to reside within California and report to work on-site at UC's Office of the President (UCOP) located in Oakland, CA on a regular basis. Current policy requires that a new employee work on-site at least two days per week on Tuesday and Wednesdays ("anchor days"). In exceptional circumstances, approved by the General Counsel, candidates residing in or willing to relocate to California may be considered for a fully remote work arrangement.

Travel Requirements

5% Occasional travel to campuses as needed

SALARY AND BENEFITS

Job Title: Counsel 4
Job Code: 000201
Salary Grade: 29

Payscale: $235,000 - $272,000 annual, commensurate with experience

The University of California, Office of the President, is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

Benefits: For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University visit: Benefits of Belonging

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

HOW TO APPLY

Please be prepared to attach a cover letter and resume with your application.

APPLICATION REVIEW DATE

The first review date for this job is July 16, 2026. The position will be open until filled.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Background Check Process: Successful completion of a background check is required for this critical position. Background check process at UCOP

Smoke Free Work Environment: The University of California, Office of the President, is smoke & tobacco-free as of January 1, 2014. UC Smoke & Tobacco Free Policy

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs, as may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.
  • UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
  • UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
  • APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

EEO STATEMENT

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

The University of California, Office of the President, strives to make this job board accessible to any and all users. If you have comments regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact us at: Accessibility or email the Human Resource Department at: epost@ucop.edu.