Senior Counsel, Biotechnology

Overview

Senior Counsel will work independently and collaboratively on complex legal matters for the organization and its affiliated global CDMO business. This role serves as a principal legal advisor and recognized expert, providing sophisticated, business-centric counsel on issues that materially impact current programs and future concepts.

The role applies 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. Senior Counsel leads the application of best-practice legal principles, guides development of new ideas and templates, and shapes contracting standards spanning multiple functions and geographies.

Operating with wide latitude, the position builds formal networks with key decision makers and may act as an external spokesperson on legal and compliance matters relevant to the CDMO/Life Sciences sector.

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 and report to senior management on legal and regulatory risks impacting CDMO/Life Sciences operations (e.g., GMP, pharmacovigilance interfaces, data privacy, competition); escalate appropriately; propose risk-mitigation strategies; and develop contractual language to minimize risk.
• Serve as principal advisor and thought leader by creating formal networks with key internal and external decision makers; represent the Legal function in executive forums; and potentially act as an external spokesperson on legal topics germane to the CDMO/Life Sciences sector.
• Work with internal teams to respond to horizon scanning, develop long-term legal strategies and frameworks that influence strategic goals and future products/services, and guide development of new ideas and positions.
• Partner 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 on 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) and 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), ensuring 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) to ensure consistency of standards, precedents, and 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 compliance topics relevant to life sciences (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 preferred.
• Management skills.
• Business acumen.
• Follow-up.
• Negotiation and leadership skills.
• Ability to multi-task.
• Collaboration.
• Analytical ability.
• Autonomy.
• Budget consciousness.

Compensation & Benefits

• $170,000 to $210,000 depending on experience
• Medical, dental, vision
• Life insurance
• 401(k)
• Paid time off

Equal Employment Opportunity

Committed to providing 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 you require reasonable accommodation in completing the application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, direct your inquiries to the HR Department.