Paralegal

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.

**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
- 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