Associate General Counsel

POSITION SUMMARY

This position is responsible for providing critical detailed review and support for a variety of transactional activities as part of a sophisticated in-house legal team. Principal responsibilities will include, but not be limited to, reviewing, drafting, negotiating and managing contracts with licensees/licensors, suppliers, customers, collaborators and vendors.  This position may also handle other legal matters such as employment law, international trade and company governance and maintenance.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Independently draft, negotiate, and review a broad range of commercial agreements, with strong proficiency in license agreements and Intellectual Property (IP) clauses in other agreements, including research collaboration, supply, sales, lease, financing, services, non-disclosure, and material transfer agreements.

• Advise VP & General Counsel and other legal team members and senior leaders on matters of strategic importance, such as technology transfer, risk identification and mitigation related to potential transactions.

• Advise other legal team transactional counsel on IP terms in agreements.

• Provide legal advice to business units 

o Conduct preventative contract and compliance training focusing on contracts, terms and conditions, and delivery/operational issues.

• As requested, research and analyze legal issues and recommend legal strategies.

• Develop and manage standardized processes, policies, tools and templates.

• Specific duties may vary depending upon departmental requirements.

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Juris Doctorate from an accredited U.S. law school.

• Member of the bar of at least one state or the District of Columbia.

• 10 years of experience drafting, negotiating and critically reviewing agreements including proficiency with biotechnology-based licensing agreements.

• Experience with software licensing preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Technical background in biotechnology or related scientific area preferred.

• Deep familiarity with patent and technology licensing law and principles.

• Ability to propose to management, and to draft and negotiate with counterparties, creative licensing strategies.

• Strong attention to detail and ability to synthesize business and legal issues concerning a given transaction to produce textually sound agreements.

• Ability to provide effective review and feedback to other legal team members.

• Strong business acumen; capacity to learn the business rapidly and become a business partner.

• Strong intellectual capacity and high personal standards of excellence.

• Logical problem solving and demonstrated ability to organize and move project tasks forward in an orderly and structured fashion.

• Excellent oral, written communication and interpersonal skills

o Demonstrate professional etiquette and courtesy and ability to build strong relationships;

o Effectively communicate issues/problems and results that impact timelines, accuracy and status of contracts/agreements.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office required.

• A wide degree of creativity and latitude is expected including the ability to multi-task and work productively in a demanding customer service environment with changing priorities.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This position requires the ability to communicate and exchange information, utilize equipment necessary to perform the job, and move about the office.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position is performed in a traditional office environment.

• Some local (same day) travel may be required.

COMPENSATION SUMMARY

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $208,900. to $326,500. This salary range represents a general guideline as MSD considers other factors when presenting an offer of employment, such as scope and responsibilities of the position, external market factors, and the candidate’s knowledge, skills, abilities, education and experience. Employees may qualify for a discretionary or non-discretionary bonus in addition to their base salary. These annual bonuses are intended to recognize individual performance and enable employees to benefit from the Company's overall success.

BENEFITS SUMMARY

At MSD, we offer a comprehensive benefits package to support our employees' well-being and financial security. In addition to competitive salaries, our benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with prescription benefits. We provide a 401(k) plan with company matching, flexible spending accounts, and company-paid short- and long-term disability insurance as well as group life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance. Our offerings also encompass paid vacation, paid sick leave, paid holidays, and paid parental leave, along with an employee assistance program. Additional voluntary perks include a fitness club membership contribution, pet insurance, identity theft protection, home and auto insurance discounts, and optional supplemental life insurance.

EEO/AA STATEMENT

MSD is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, making employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, age, protected veteran status, pregnancy, disability status, or any other protected characteristic. For our full EEO/AA and Pay Transparency statement, please visit here.

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