Counsel, R&D/Commercial Contracts

Job overview: We are seeking a Counsel, Contracts and Legal Affairs (Director level) to join our legal team and lead high impact contracting matters across R&D, commercial operations, market access and G&A functions as we prepare to launch our first commercial product. This is a hands-on role for an experienced in house attorney who enjoys ownership, cross functional partnership, and operating in a fast moving, scaling organization.Location: Hybrid in NYC/NJ.Reports to: VP, Associate General Counsel.Roles and responsibilities (Include but are not limited to):Draft, review, and negotiation of complex R&D and clinical development agreements, including:Clinical trial agreements (CTAs)CRO, CDMO, and other strategic vendor agreementsResearch collaboration and services agreementsDraft, review, and negotiation of commercial contracting agreements, including:Commercial vendor and services agreementsSupply, manufacturing, distribution, and logistics agreementsSupport negotiation of payer and market access agreements, including managed care, reimbursement, and innovative contracting models (where applicable)Advise business partners on contractual risk, deal structure, and practical solutions aligned with company strategyHelp build and scale contracting processes, templates, and negotiation playbooksPartner cross functionally with clinical, commercial, market access, finance, and compliance teamsCandidate Profile:JD from an accredited law school and active bar membership in at least one U.S. jurisdictionTypically 3-5+ years of legal experience, with meaningful in house experience in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry strongly preferred or relevant law firm experience supporting life sciences clients, with exposure to in-house-style responsibilitiesSignificant experience negotiating:R&D and clinical development contractsCommercial vendor and operational agreementsPayer or market access–related agreementsOther vendor agreementsStrong understanding of the legal and compliance considerations facing emerging commercial-stage life sciences companiesProven ability to lead matters independently and exercise sound judgmentBusiness oriented mindset with excellent communication and stakeholder management skillsThe ideal candidate should have the following characteristics:Legal smarts, analytic rigor, business sense, and a strong work ethic;Ability to operate independently and work cross functionally with various teams across the organization;Excellent interpersonal communication skills and exemplary attention to detail;Likes finding solutions to complex problems and works well under pressure;Strong written and oral communication (including analysis, interpretation, & reasoning) and organizational skills (project management);Flexible, with excellent ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously; andBelieves in holding themselves and others accountableNice to Have Experience supporting a clinical to commercial transition or first product launchExposure to market access, reimbursement, or payer contracting strategyExperience building scalable contracting frameworks in a growing organizationWhy Join our Legal team:Play a leadership role at a company approaching a major commercialization milestoneWork closely with senior stakeholders across development and commercial teamMake a meaningful impact in a lean, collaborative legal environment