Corporate Counsel, R&D Transactions

ROLE SUMMARY

The R&D Corporate Counsel position will join the R&D subgroup within the Business Transactions legal team, a group of highly talented colleagues, to provide legal support primarily for Pfizer’s Vaccine Research and Development (VRD) organization.  The successful candidate will partner with the VRD client group and our Business Development colleagues to structure, negotiate and execute strategic R&D transactions (complex licenses, research collaborations, etc) and provide general legal counseling.

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve as primary legal contact for assigned client groups within Pfizer's Vaccine Research and Development organization.
• Provide proactive and readily-accessible legal counsel and support to assigned client groups, with a focus on protecting and enhancing business value and delivering breakthroughs that change patients’ lives.
• Uses exceptional legal acumen and sound judgment to identify innovative solutions for this fast-paced space that balance business opportunity with risk mitigation to ensure the long-term protection and success of Pfizer.
• Establishing and/or supporting external collaborations and research initiatives, including the structuring, negotiating and drafting of complex in-licensing agreements, research collaborations and other research and development related agreements.
• Support alliance management activities and governance of programs.
• Develop and implement training programs on risk areas for assigned client groups.
• Partner collaboratively with other lawyers in Business Transactions and across the Legal Division as well as Business Development  and other colleagues throughout the company to provide the most efficient and effective legal support.
• Ability to network and build strong working relationships within a matrixed organization.
• Promote company-wide standards of compliance, quality and risk management in drug research and development.
• Support and actively contribute to Pfizer Legal Division projects and initiatives.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS  

• JD from accredited law school, demonstrated academic achievement or equivalent
• Current bar membership in good standing
• 7+ years' experience at large law firm, having handled pharmaceutical or biotech transactional matters that impact R&D (e.g., IP licensing, R&D collaborations, sponsored research, material transfer agreements, etc.).
• An understanding of regulatory and legal frameworks governing the research, development and approval of new medicines.
• Demonstrated ability to grasp scientific and technical concepts quickly.
• Able to form strong, positive relationships with colleagues  and operate efficiently and effectively in a fast paced, innovative business climate. 
• Ability to work independently under tight timelines and to plan, prioritize and organize cross-functional tasks
• Ability to proactively identify and analyze potential legal issues and develop creative, pragmatic and business-oriented legal advice and solutions.
• Candidate demonstrates a breadth of diverse leadership experiences and capabilities including: the ability to influence and collaborate with peers, develop and coach others, oversee and guide the work of other colleagues to achieve meaningful outcomes and create business impact

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Excellent oral and written communication, analytical, organizational and strategic thinking sills.
• Scientific background (Bachelor of Science in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, etc.) and previous in-house experience at a pharmaceutical and/or biotech company is a plus as is experience with Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), Good Clinical Practice (GCP), human subject protections and data privacy.
• Sound and practical business judgment and decision making
• Strong interpersonal skill

NON-STANDARD WORK SCHEDULE, TRAVEL OR ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS

• Willingness to travel occasionally within the U.S. or internationally, as needed.