Associate Counsel, Discovery and Research

Overview

This role involves providing pragmatic, business-oriented legal support across discovery and research, public health initiatives, and business development activities that advance scientific and strategic objectives. The Associate Counsel will serve as a trusted partner to scientists, business development professionals, and public health collaborators, helping to structure and execute agreements that accelerate innovation and global impact.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive legal support for discovery and research teams, including advising on collaborations, sponsored research, and other R&D-related activities.
• Draft, review, and negotiate contracts supporting internal research efforts and external partnerships with academic institutions, research organizations, and collaborators.
• Advise on and support public health contracts and initiatives, including agreements with government agencies, global health partners, and non-profit organizations.
• Support legal strategy and contracting on complex collaborations, joint ventures, investments, and licensing transactions, ensuring alignment with broader business and scientific goals.
• Partner with teams across the organization to provide strategic guidance for the development and expansion of pre-clinical and clinical assets, ensuring consistency and compliance.
• Support the creation and continuous improvement of templates, playbooks, and contract processes, integrating AI-enabled tools to improve efficiency, accuracy, and scalability.
• Manage a diverse portfolio of agreements, balancing multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail and adherence to internal policies.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal clients, serving as a responsive, solutions-oriented legal partner.

Requirements

• J.D. from an accredited law school and admission to practice in good standing.
• 4–7 years of relevant experience in a law firm and/or in-house legal department, preferably within the life sciences, biotechnology, or public health sectors.
• Strong experience with research-related and collaboration contracts; familiarity with government or public health contracting is a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to provide clear, practical legal advice that balances business goals with compliance and risk mitigation.
• Excellent drafting, negotiation, and communication skills, with the ability to simplify complex issues.
• Curiosity about scientific innovation and comfort working with technical subject matter.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Commitment to collaboration, integrity, and client service.
• Interest in digital transformation and familiarity with AI-enabled legal tools or data-driven process improvements.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $158,600.00 - $285,500.00, with placement within this range based on competencies, education, qualifications, experience, skills, performance, and organizational needs.
• Eligibility for annual discretionary bonus, other incentive compensation, or equity awards subject to plan criteria and individual performance.
• Comprehensive healthcare coverage and voluntary benefit programs.
• Access to fitness, mindfulness, and mental health support.
• Family planning benefits including fertility, adoption, and surrogacy support.
• Generous paid time off including vacation, volunteer days, sabbatical, global recharge days, and discretionary year-end shutdown.
• Savings and investment opportunities.
• Location-specific perks and extras.

Location & Work Model

• The role supports a work model emphasizing in-office collaboration approximately 70% of the time to foster innovation, teamwork, and mentorship.

Additional Information

• Employment is contingent upon the ability to access export-controlled information in accordance with U.S. law; only U.S. persons (citizens, permanent residents, asylees, or refugees) are eligible.
• The organization is committed to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination.
• Reasonable accommodations are available for qualified applicants with disabilities during the hiring process and employment.
• The work environment is smoke-free, alcohol-free, and drug-free.