Senior Counsel, Biotechnology

Overview

Senior Counsel will independently and collaboratively handle complex legal matters for the organization and its affiliated global CDMO business, across locations in North Carolina, Texas, United Kingdom, and Denmark. The role minimizes legal risk and protects and maximizes the organization’s legal rights.

This position serves as a principal legal advisor and recognized expert for the CDMO business globally, providing sophisticated, business-focused counsel on issues that materially impact current programs and future concepts. Responsibilities include applying extensive knowledge of commercial, regulatory, and intellectual property frameworks to resolve critical issues—often with limited information—balancing near-term execution with long-term strategic objectives and risk management.

Location

Remote (preferred on the East Coast).

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate complex business-critical commercial contracts (e.g., MSAs, SOWs, supply, development/manufacturing/services, quality agreements, NDAs) aligned with business objectives and risk appetite.
• Advise on and report to senior management regarding legal and regulatory risks impacting CDMO/Life Sciences operations (e.g., GMP, pharmacovigilance interfaces, data privacy, competition), escalating appropriately and proposing risk-mitigation strategies and contractual language to minimize risk.
• Act as principal advisor and thought leader by creating formal networks with key internal and external decision makers; represent the Legal function in executive forums; may serve as an external spokesperson on legal topics relevant to the CDMO/Life Sciences sector.
• Partner with internal teams to respond to horizon scanning and develop long-term legal strategies and frameworks influencing strategic goals and future products/services; guide development of new ideas and positions.
• Work with Commercial and Program teams on strategic, high-value collaborations and bids; drive issue resolution to enable timely deal closure and sustainable, customer-focused outcomes.
• Manage a high volume of complex matters autonomously, prioritizing based upon enterprise value and risk in the context of strategic goals; communicate progress and positions clearly to stakeholders at all levels.
• Provide guidance on non-contentious intellectual property (e.g., licensing frameworks, background/foreground IP, know-how, freedom to operate issues) and shape IP allocation standards for platform deals to facilitate long-term strategies.
• Design, instigate, and deliver legal training and playbooks; educate and lead stakeholders to elevate commercial acumen and compliance culture across multiple functions and regions.
• Optimize legal processes, templates, and (contract lifecycle management) CLM/data insights; lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance cycle time, quality, and consistency.
• Engage and manage outside counsel (e.g., specialized regulatory, disputes, employment, real estate) to ensure value, quality, and timely delivery against budgets and guidelines.
• Support dispute avoidance and resolution and provide input on corporate matters and transactions as needed to protect the organization’s legal rights and reputation.
• Contribute to policy and compliance program rollout and cross-group alignment (with UK, Denmark, US and global legal/compliance teams), ensuring consistency of standards and precedents/risk position.

Requirements

• College degree and juris doctorate from an accredited law school.
• Admitted to at least one state bar in good standing; NC admission preferred.
• 8–12 years of relevant experience in a corporate law firm and/or in-house legal department in the CDMO, Life Science/Pharma, or healthcare field.
• Professionally recognized extensive knowledge of commercial law, contracting theory/practice, and legal design; principal-level advisor capable of resolving critical issues with limited information and high judgment.
• Excellent negotiation and executive communication skills; able to influence senior leaders and shape cross-functional decisions.
• Strong analytical, pragmatic, and customer-focused problem solving; balances near-term outcomes with long-term strategic objectives.
• Demonstrated work within matrixed/global environments.
• Familiarity with life-sciences compliance topics (e.g., data privacy/GDPR, competition, anti-bribery).
• Familiarity with international contracting and multi-jurisdictional risk assessments.
• Proficiency with modern legal technology (document management, e-signature; familiarity with CLM and collaboration platforms).
• Ability to travel 10–20% domestic and internationally.

Preferred Qualifications

• Academic honors.
• Management skills.
• Business acumen.
• Follow-up.
• Negotiation and leadership skills.
• Ability to multi-task.
• Collaboration.
• Analytical ability.
• Autonomy.
• Budget consciousness.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: $170,000 to $210,000 depending on experience
• Medical, Dental, Vision
• Life Insurance
• 401(k)
• Paid Time Off

EEO Information

The employer is committed to equal opportunities in hiring, promotion and advancement, compensation, benefits, and training regardless of nationality, age, gender, sexual orientation or gender identity, race, ethnicity, religion, political creed, ideology, national or social origin, disability, veteran status, etc.

ADA Information

If reasonable accommodation is required for completing an application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, inquiries should be directed to the HR Department.