Paralegal – Business and Client Development

Vineland Research and Innovation Centre (Vineland) is recruiting for a Paralegal to work in an industry-driven research environment. Vineland is a uniquely Canadian results-oriented organization dedicated to horticulture science and innovation.

Vineland is situated on treaty lands. These lands are steeped in the rich history of the First Nations such as the Hatiwendaronk, the Haudenosaunee, the Anishinaabe and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. Many First Nations, Métis and Inuit people from across Turtle Island live and work in Niagara today. Vineland stands with all Indigenous people, past and present, in promoting the wise stewardship of the lands on which we live. As treaty people, residents and caretakers, we are committed to continuous learning and a deep respect for Indigenous people, culture and history.

Vineland’s mission is to deliver innovative products and production solutions addressing the needs of the horticulture industry and advancing Canada’s research and commercialization agenda. We are an independent, not-for-profit organization, funded in part by the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative.

Our people are the most important asset in achieving our goals and are known in the world for excellence in science and entrepreneurship. Our staff enjoys an exciting and challenging work environment noted for collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Vineland is committed to employment equity, diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates including women, Indigenous peoples, members of visible minorities and racialized groups, persons with disabilities, persons of the 2SLGBTQ+ community and others. In accordance with all applicable provincial accessibility standards, accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process.

Applications are encouraged immediately and should be submitted online below. We appreciate all applications received; however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Duties & Responsibilities

Vineland’s activities require numerous contracts to allow for effective transfer of technology, govern partnerships and facilitate the transfer of material and information. Reporting to the Director, Business and Client Development, the Paralegal will be responsible for coordinating and maintaining records of Vineland’s research and development agreements and the intellectual property portfolio.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
(*A more comprehensive position outline is available upon request.)

Working in support of the Director, Business and Client Development, you will:

Administer and maintain contract files, including Customer Relationship Management (CRM) contracts database and Agreement Management Process System
Interact with Vineland staff including researchers and senior management along with outside legal counsel on agreement facilitation
Draft and prepare business and research related agreements, amendments and other documents as necessary
Support the Director of Operations to track and prepare tenant leases and renewals and maintain Vineland’s lease summary
Administer annual licence and commercialization plan reviews on licensed technologies (out-licence and in-licence)
Collaborate with the finance department to provide monthly royalty revenue summary and track/forecast intellectual property expenses

Working in support of the Senior Business Advisor, Commercialization and Intellectual Property, you will:

Provide administration and maintenance of Vineland’s intellectual property portfolio, including all invention disclosures, trademarks, Plant Breeders’ Rights and regular patent files both domestic and international
Interact with external stakeholders on trademark applications
Facilitate communications with patent agents, Canadian Patent and Trademark Office, Canadian Food Inspection Agency and other relevant legal or government agencies
Maintain an up-to-date database of all Vineland intellectual property with key decision dates and actions
Provide initial scan/due diligence on patents and trademarks to highlight clear and obvious conflicts
Administrative support for Vineland’s Intellectual Property Strategy Management Committee

Qualifications

Degree or diploma in business, administration, paralegal services or equivalent educational experience
Five or more years of experience working in a business and/or legal environment
Experience working with legal agreement and an understanding of the implications of such agreements
Experience in and understanding of intellectual property
Strong organizational skills; multi-tasking and ability to meet deadlines
Strong communication skills
Effective written communicator and report writer
Strong attention to detail
Advanced working knowledge of MS Office (specifically Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Experience with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software or related databases
Bilingual (English/French) an asset

Include:

A cover letter stating how your experience qualifies you for the position
Résumé
Contact information of three references

Full Time Position

Closing date: Open until filled

Location: 4890 Victoria Avenue North, Vineland Station, ON L0R 2E0

Apply Today

Please fill out the online application for this position. You will receive confirmation that your application has been received. Only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.

Our people are the most important asset in achieving our goals and are known in the world for excellence in science and entrepreneurship.

Our staff enjoys outstanding benefits and an exciting and challenging work environment noted for collaboration and knowledge sharing all set against a backdrop of natural beauty.

Career Opportunity

Paralegal – Business and Client Development

Duties & Responsibilities

Qualifications

Apply Today

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