The primary focus of this role is on complex transactions and legal advice supporting the foundation’s Global Health Program (https://www.gatesfoundation.org/What-We-Do) and (@gateshealth), but may also support other legal needs of the foundation. Superior drafting and negotiating abilities are required and a combination of in-house experience at a pharmaceutical, bio-technology or similar company and law firm experience is strongly preferred. Provide guidance in developing and implementing grants, contract and Program Related Investments in alignment with global access and program priorities. Collaborate with other members of the legal team and foundation personnel as appropriate. Provide practical business-oriented legal advice and counsel, and become a trusted advisor to the foundation’s internal client groups. Understand the programmatic and business objectives of internal client groups, develop creative solutions, and resolve issues using the legal framework and the foundation's values. Manage outside counsel as needed. Train and educate program staff regarding laws and best practices applicable to health R&D, product development, global access and private foundations. Keep current on new and emerging laws and policy developments impacting R&D for human health and private foundations. Provide support in other legal matters or foundation policies and issues as needed and serve as an active member of the legal team. Some travel may be required.
- 10+ years of experience leading, drafting and negotiating highly complex transactions (such as those involving health-related R&D, intellectual property, human therapeutics, diagnostics, vaccines or the like).
- Experience with multi-party and international agreements
- Extensive experience in life sciences R&D, licenses, collaborations, MTAs, clinical trial agreements, technology transfer, CRO and CMO agreements, commercialization and supply arrangements
- Complex IP licensing & global IP strategy and due diligence experience
- Law firm and in-house counsel experience highly preferred
- Understanding of FDCA, EMA and international regulations governing pharma & biotech product development (INDs, NDAs, BLAs, MAs, WHO Prequalification) and human subjects protection, highly preferred
- Knowledge of privacy law, antitrust and anti-bribery laws a plus
- Experience supporting equity and debt investments, M&A or other complex transactions a plus Scientific background a plus (such as PhD, MD, PharmD or Equivalent)
- Keen eye for detail
- Comfortable in individual contributor role
- Ability to collaborate across highly matrixed and global teams
- Sense of humor, humility, perspective, equity and generosity
- Passion for innovation, learning and continuous improvement
- Comfortable with change and ambiguity
- J.D. in good standing