Associate Director, Legal Contracts

About the Role

We are seeking an Associate Director, Corporate Counsel, Legal Contracts to provide high-quality contractual legal services, exercising discretion, professionalism, and solid judgment. This role involves drafting and negotiating agreements while protecting the company’s interests and ensuring compliance with applicable laws. You will also oversee and optimize contracts-related policies and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide variety of agreements across multiple departments, including:
  • Research and Development: Clinical Trial Agreements, Sponsored Research Agreements, Material Transfer Agreements, Licensing Agreements
  • Operations: Manufacturing Agreements, Master Services Agreements, Vendor Agreements, Consulting Agreements, Confidentiality Agreements
  • Commercial-oriented agreements
• Draft and negotiate other agreements as needed.
• Provide legal advice on contract matters, including structuring, interpretation, compliance, enforcement, risk assessment, and regulatory compliance.
• Resolve legal and compliance issues through negotiation with sophisticated counterparties.
• Partner closely with the business to address current and future needs, resolving internal and external challenges or regulatory issues.
• Assist with optimizing, implementing, and monitoring contracting policies, procedures, and programs in collaboration with business and G&A functions.
• Maintain current knowledge of new laws, case law trends, and regulatory developments related to contracts; recommend improvements.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an ABA-accredited law school and active license to practice law in California (or qualified for in-house counsel practice in California).
• Minimum of 6–8 years of attorney experience, preferably with combined corporate legal experience at a biotechnology, pharmaceutical, medical device, or life sciences company, and at a law firm.

Skills

• Experience drafting and negotiating a broad range of contracts specific to the life sciences industry (e.g., Collaboration Agreements, Sponsored Research Agreements, Clinical Trial Agreements, Master Service Agreements, License Agreements, Supply Agreements, Confidentiality Agreements).
• Strong contract drafting and negotiation skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, including the ability to explain contractual language succinctly.
• Experience using contract management systems.
• Ability to garner cross-functional support with sensitivity and tact, embodying a collaborative mindset.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to recognize cross-functional effects.
• Independent, self-starting, and able to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong internal and external customer service mentality with a sense of urgency.
• Proven ability to create and manage complex project plans.
• Flexibility to adapt to changes in project plans and implement new strategies.

Schedule

This role requires face-to-face work with colleagues and/or onsite presence in San Diego. No role is expected to be 100% remote.

Pay

Target base pay range: $173,000.00 – $225,000.00. Actual pay will depend on experience, education, skills, and location. The compensation package includes base pay, short-term incentives, and long-term incentives (company stock).

Benefits

• Premium health, financial, work-life, and well-being offerings for eligible employees and dependents.
• Wellness and employee support programs.
• Life insurance and disability coverage.
• Retirement plans with employer match.
• Generous paid time off.