Senior Counsel, Life Sciences

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in North Carolina, +1 more state.

📋 Description

• Prepare, evaluate, and negotiate intricate business-critical commercial contracts, which encompass MSAs, SOWs, supply agreements, development/manufacturing/services contracts, quality agreements, and NDAs.

• Provide counsel and report to senior leadership regarding legal and regulatory risks that impact CDMO/Life Sciences operations.

• Suggest risk-mitigation strategies and craft contractual language aimed at reducing risk.

• Act as the primary legal advisor and thought leader for FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies on a global scale.

• Establish relationships with internal and external decision-makers and represent the Legal department in executive discussions.

• Formulate long-term legal strategies and frameworks that align with strategic objectives and future products/services.

• Collaborate with Commercial and Program teams on high-value partnerships and proposals.

• Independently manage a high-volume, complex caseload while effectively communicating progress to stakeholders.

• Offer guidance on non-contentious intellectual property matters, including licensing, background/foreground IP, know-how, and freedom-to-operate considerations.

• Design and implement legal training sessions and playbooks.

• Streamline legal processes, templates, CLM, and data insights.

• Engage and oversee outside legal counsel.

• Assist in dispute avoidance and resolution, and provide insights on corporate matters and transactions.

• Contribute to the rollout of policy and compliance programs, ensuring alignment across US, UK, Denmark, and the global FUJIFILM Legal/Compliance framework.

⛳️ Requirements

• Bachelor's degree and Juris Doctor from an accredited law school.

• Must be admitted to at least one state bar in good standing; North Carolina admission is preferred.

• 8-12 years of relevant experience in a corporate law firm and/or in-house legal department, particularly within the CDMO, Life Sciences/Pharma, or healthcare sectors.

• Comprehensive knowledge of commercial law, contracting principles/practice, and legal design.

• Principal-level advisory capability, with a proven ability to resolve critical issues with limited information and sound judgment.

• Exceptional negotiation and executive communication skills.

• Strong analytical mindset, pragmatic approach, and customer-focused problem-solving abilities.

• Proven experience working in matrixed and global environments.

• Knowledge of life sciences compliance matters, including data privacy/GDPR, competition, and anti-bribery regulations.

• Familiarity with international contracting and multi-jurisdictional risk assessments.

• Proficient in modern legal technology, including document management systems, e-signature solutions, CLM, and collaboration platforms.

• Willingness to travel 10-20% domestically and internationally.

• Academic honors are preferred.

🏝️ Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage.

• Life Insurance.

• 401k retirement plan.

• Paid Time Off.

• Flexible work environment.