Assistant General Counsel, Business Development at 54Gene

54gene is a health technology company centered on advancing the field of African genomics to unlock scientific discoveries as well as improve diagnostic and treatment outcomes within Africa and the global community.

Founded in 2019, 54gene utilizes human genetic data derived from diverse African populations, to improve the state of healthcare through large-scale discovery and translational research, advanced molecular diagnostics, and inclusive clinical programs. Our mission is to deliver on the promise of precision medicine for Africans and the global population, by bridging the global health disparity gap.

We are recruiting to fill the position of:

Job Title: Assistant General Counsel, Business Development

Location: Lagos
Status: Full-Time, Exempt
Department: Legal & Compliance
Reports to: General Counsel

Position Summary 

• We’re looking for an experienced Business Development Attorney to join the Legal Compliance and Information Security (LCIS) team. This is a global role, with the option to be based in Lagos, Nigeria, Washington, DC, or work remotely.
• In this role, you will counsel clients in business development and other areas of the company on the legal implications of transaction initiatives and strategies, with a focus on inbound and outbound licensing and collaboration agreements, strategic alliances, joint ventures, development agreements, and mergers and acquisitions.
• You’ll be part of a close-knit, high-performing team that promotes a fun atmosphere and relentless dedication to high-quality work. This role involves direct contact with the business client as well as third parties, so the ability to spot issues and provide viable solutions is key.

Essential Functions 

• Provide operational support to the Business Development team 
• Serve as the Primary responsible attorney on strategic transactions by leading legal due diligence, counseling on transaction structures and business terms, assisting with the preparation of non-binding term sheets, and ensuring the preparation and final negotiation of definitive, legally binding documentation manifesting 54gene’s business and legal objectives.
• Collaborate with colleagues in the business development, finance, research and development, and commercial functional areas of the company, as well as with subject matter experts in the legal department and outside counsel when their knowledge and expertise is required.
• In conjunction with the General Counsel, manage the effectiveness of 54gene’s outside law firms when engaged in strategic matters with ultimate accountability for the management of law firm budgets and the overall quality and timeliness of such firms’ output.

Education & Certifications 

• Bachelor's Degree and Juris Doctor Degree required.
• Active bar licensure.

Experience:

• 7+ years experience in the bio/pharma life sciences department at a law firm and/or corporate law department.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Strong legal background in biotechnology/pharmaceutical research and development.
• Experience with M&A, collaborations, consortiums, and license agreements.
• Experience with transactions in Africa preferred
• Exceptional: intellectual capacity; business counseling gravitas; decision-making intuition; communication skills; and capabilities in establishing business practices to manage legal and other risks.
• Have a mindset of continuous improvement and identifying new opportunities to enhance the company’s business
• Adaptable, authentic, accountable, and values-driven.
• Team player who exhibits personal leadership and leaves things better than you found them. 
• Demonstrated aptitude for following several evolving processes in a technology-driven environment; meticulous attention to detail.

Application Closing Date
Not Specified.