Contracts Counsel

HHMI is focused on supporting and moving science forward in a variety of different ways ranging from conducting basic biomedical research, empowering educators, inspiring students, developing the next generation of scientists – even stretching into film and media production. Our Headquarters is in the greater Washington, DC metro area and is home to over 300 employees with expertise in investments, communications, digital production, biomedical sciences, and everything in between.

The work housed here supports and augments the groundbreaking research conducted in HHMI labs across the nation. As HHMI scientists continue to push boundaries in laboratories and classrooms, you can be sure that your contributions while working here are making a difference.

HHMI is seeking a Contracts Counsel for its Office of the General Counsel (OGC) to help support HHMI's programs and operations by providing informed, practical, creative, and timely legal counsel in the review and negotiation of research‑related agreements. As a member of the dynamic team in HHMI’s OGC, you will be directly involved in HHMI’s mission of advancing biomedical research for the benefit of humanity.

The person in this role will review and negotiate contracts relating to the conduct of research in HHMI laboratories. These contracts include agreements covering the transfer of reagents and other materials into and from HHMI laboratories (inbound and outgoing Materials Transfer Agreements or MTAs and MTOs). In addition, the Contracts Counsel ensures that inter‑institutional agreements (IIAs) and licenses entered into by third‑party research institutions that relate to technology developed in HHMI laboratories are consistent with HHMI’s policies and interests.

The Contracts Counsel will work closely with other OGC staff, HHMI scientific management, HHMI laboratory heads and staff, and research institution staff to efficiently resolve issues relating to MTAs, MTOs, IIAs, and licenses.

This position reports to the Deputy General Counsel and works under the general supervision of the Deputy General Counsel and one Senior Contracts Counsel. We will consider either remote or hybrid working arrangements, given the candidate's preference.

• Meaningful Impact: the opportunity to provide informed and practical legal counsel on research‑related agreements that directly support HHMI’s mission and people.
• Focused and Collaborative In‑House Practice: a dynamic in‑house role centered on negotiating and advising on materials transfer agreements, inter‑institutional agreements, and licenses, with close collaboration alongside HHMI scientists, leadership, and colleagues across OGC.
• Professional Growth: support for continuing legal education and professional development, with opportunities to deepen expertise.
• Competitive Total Rewards Package: comprehensive healthcare, generous retirement contributions, paid leave, and additional programs that support well‑being and professional development.

• Provide informed, practical, creative, and timely advice and counsel to HHMI departments and staff in support of HHMI’s mission, strategic priorities, programmatic objectives, and operational goals while balancing organizational risks.
• Maintain a thorough understanding of HHMI’s policies and be able to apply them in several contexts, i.e., MTAs, MTOs and licenses.
• Perform MTA Review: efficiently handle MTAs for laboratories at assigned research sites to ensure timely review and negotiation and, if MTA terms are acceptable, processing through execution. This includes:
  • Review and negotiate MTAs with providers and research institutions;
  • Advise HHMI laboratory heads and laboratory staff regarding legal obligations under MTAs;
  • Educate laboratory heads, laboratory staff, research institutions staff, and others involved in the MTA process on HHMI policies as they relate to MTAs;
  • Work collaboratively in the MTLR group to resolve legal and practical issues arising in MTA negotiation and processing.
• Perform MTO Review: review and edit MTOs and advise assigned institutions as needed on questions relating to MTOs, such as MTO terms acceptable to HHMI.
• Perform…