About Astellas:
At Astellas we are a progressive health partner, delivering value and outcomes where needed.
We pursue innovative science, focusing initially on the areas of greatest potential and then developing solutions where patient need is high, often in rare or under-served disease areas and in life-threatening or life-limiting diseases and conditions.
We work directly with patients, doctors and health care professionals on the front line to ensure patient and clinical needs are guiding our development activities at every stage.
Our global vision for Patient Centricity is to support the development of innovative health solutions through a deep understanding of the patient experience. At Astellas, Patient Centricity isn’t a buzzword - it’s a guiding principle for action. We believe all staff have a role to play in creating a patient-centric culture and integrating an awareness of the patient into our everyday working practices, regardless of our role, team or division.
We work closely with regulatory authorities and payers to find new ways to ensure access to new therapies. We deliver the latest insights and real-world evidence to inform the best decisions for patients and their caregivers, to ensure the medicines we develop continue to provide meaningful outcomes.
Beyond medicines, we support our stakeholder communities to drive initiatives that improve awareness, education, access and ultimately standards of care.
The Opportunity:
The Legal Partner, R&D Transactions, provides legal support and services for a range of R&D-related agreements across Research, Technology & Manufacturing (T&M), Development, Medical Affairs, and Rx+ functions. This role also extends legal guidance to other business areas as needed, ensuring strategic alignment and compliance across all transactions.
Hybrid Working:
At Astellas we recognise the importance of work/life balance, and we are proud to offer a hybrid working solution allowing time to connect with colleagues at the office with the flexibility to also work from home. We believe this will optimise the most productive work environment for all employees to succeed and deliver. Hybrid work from certain locations may be permitted in accordance with Astellas’ Responsible Flexibility Guidelines.
Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities:
- Providing strategic, timely, and high-quality legal support for R&D transactional matters across Research, T&M, Development, Medical Affairs, and Rx+ functions, while aligning with global objectives and balancing regional regulatory requirements to mitigate risk.
- Drafting, negotiating, and executing complex agreements, including research collaborations, clinical and non-clinical studies, manufacturing and supply contracts, data sharing, consulting, and service agreements.
- Advising business partners on strategic projects and key initiatives, ensuring compliance and consistency across all R&D-related transactions. Keeping leadership informed on legal and regulatory developments affecting pharmaceutical R&D and emerging technologies.
- Contributing to contract process improvements by developing templates, checklists, and guidance materials. Collaborating closely with the Legal Transactions Tower,
- Legal Functional Unit, and GC & CECO Division. Managing outside counsel and related legal spend efficiently.
- Supporting special projects and participating in international travel as required.
Essential Knowledge & Experience:
- Solid experience working in a law firm or pharmaceutical legal department.
Preferred Knowledge & Experience:
- Bringing prior legal experience managing diverse and complex transactions within the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and/or medical device industries.
- Holding a science degree or background in chemistry or biology is advantageous.
- Demonstrating a solid understanding of legal issues impacting pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device sectors, including patent, trademark, and copyright licensing; joint R&D; regulatory compliance for medical and pharmaceutical products; and laws governing anti-kickback, fraud, abuse, and anti-bribery/corruption.
- Maintaining active bar membership in the relevant state or jurisdiction of practice.
Education:
- Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.), Juris Doctor (JD), Master of Laws (LL.M.) or equivalent.
Additional Information:
- The is a permanent, full-time position based in the UK.
- This position follows our hybrid working model. Role requires a blend of home and a minimum of 1 day a quarter in our Addlestone office. Flexibility may be required in line with business needs. Candidates must be located within a commutable distance of the office.
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
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