Assistant General Counsel, Life Sciences 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, Life Sciences

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

Position Summary 

• We’re looking for an experienced Life Sciences 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’ll handle complex agreements, including those where specialized expertise is required. You'll have breadth and depth in a variety of agreement types that may include Clinical Trial Agreements, Investigator Initiated Studies, Material Transfer Agreements, Sponsored Academic Grants, External Collaborative Research Agreements, Research Services Agreements, Real World Evidence Agreements, Laboratory Agreements, Human Biospecimen Agreements, etc.
• 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 

• Reviewing, drafting, and negotiating sophisticated commercial, research, and clinical contracts.
• Negotiate clinical and research agreements across a variety of jurisdictions and internal client teams.
• Create and update templates with mandatory clauses to ensure best-in-class contract types.
• Manage a high-complexity workflow and track data related to the contracting and negotiating process and ensure the timely negotiation of contracts on a fixed deadline with high business impact
• Take personal accountability in delivering value and results to the business client and company.

Education & Certifications 

• Bachelor's Degree and Juris Doctor Degree required.

Experience:

• 5+ years of negotiation experience in a fast-paced environment with a focus on complex language
• Previous pharmaceutical, life sciences, or lab services experience in a legal, procurement, or university setting.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge of industry regulations including GxP
• Possess and provide expert knowledge in life sciences projects
• Exemplify and inspire knowledge of complex principles, practices, and procedures of contract drafting and negotiation
• 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. 
• Great attention to detail, knowledge of complex contract drafting, the ability to adapt to the needs of the client, and the determination to deliver high-quality work, with minimal oversight and under strict deadlines,  to work successfully as part of a team.
• Strong analytical and drafting abilities; the ability to research, draft, and articulate legal and business terms for a wide variety of commercial and research contracts in the life sciences industry
• A client service-oriented approach; the ability to collaborate closely with stakeholders from different disciplines
• Demonstrated aptitude for following several evolving processes in a technology-driven environment; meticulous attention to detail and the willingness to effectively track agreement status
• A successful track record of client-facing experience and examples of handling escalations and questions from varying experienced parties with grace and professionalism.

Application Closing Date
Not Specified.