Corporate Counsel, Business Development & Commercial
Simcere Pharmaceutical Group is an innovation-driven biopharmaceutical company focused on advancing therapies across oncology, CNS, autoimmunity, and infectious diseases. With over 8,000 employees and a global presence spanning China, the United States, and the EU, Simcere brings the scale and resources of an established organization with the ambition of a company still in pursuit of its most important breakthroughs.
Our Boston Innovation Center (BIC) serves as Simcere’s North American innovation hub. Within the broader organization, BIC operates as a high-performing team that moves quickly, operates with purpose, and holds itself to a high standard. We are looking for someone who shares that mindset.
Position Summary
Simcere is seeking a self-motivated and experienced Corporate Counsel to serve as the primary legal interface for North American business development activity and commercial partnerships. Sitting within the Boston Innovation Center and reporting to General Counsel, this role supports BD transactions end-to-end, from due diligence through negotiation and closing, while managing a broad portfolio of commercial agreements. The ideal candidate combines strategic judgment with strong drafting skills and thrives in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment.
Essential Functions
Strategic BD & Licensing
- Support and lead strategic business development transactions end-to-end, including licensing agreements, option agreements, co-development arrangements, joint venture/NewCo structures, research collaborations, and other R&D-focused agreements (sponsored research, material transfer, clinical trial, and CRO agreements).
- Coordinate cross-functional teams to structure, negotiate, and close transactions in alignment with Simcere’s business objectives and risk tolerance.
- Evaluate legal and contractual risks and escalate matters appropriately in accordance with Simcere policies.
General Commercial Contracting
- Draft, review, negotiate, and manage a high volume of commercial agreements, including vendor agreements, CMO/CDMO agreements, and supply agreements.
- Ensure contract terms are compliant with applicable laws and regulations and accurately reflect Simcere’s intent and strategy.
- Provide practical, solution-oriented legal support to Simcere’s global and North America commercial functions and other business stakeholders.
Legal Operations & Governance
- Train and educate business functions on contract templates, applicable playbooks, relevant legal issues, and sound contracting practices.
- Assist in implementing and refining contract policies, procedures, and standard-form templates.
- Partner cross-functionally to develop contracting approaches for new and evolving business strategies.
Minimum Qualifications
- J.D. from an accredited U.S. law school and current good-standing admission to at least one U.S. state bar.
- A minimum of 5 years of experience in in-house or law firm practice, with a focus on BD transactions and commercial contracting in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or life sciences sector strongly preferred.
- Working knowledge of intellectual property and privacy and data protection laws as they relate to contracts and agreements, and the ability to work closely with internal and external IP counsel.
Additional Qualifications
- Excellent drafting, negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- Working knowledge of applicable pharmaceutical and life sciences regulations, healthcare laws, and other relevant legal frameworks, with the ability to apply such knowledge to business activities and contract positions.
- Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities independently in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment with professionalism and sound judgment.
- Strong cross-functional collaboration skills and comfort operating across global time zones.
- High attention to detail and ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
- Mandarin language skills are a plus but not required.
Additional Information
- This position does not carry managerial or budgetary responsibilities.
- Work arrangement: Onsite 4 days per week at the Boston Innovation Center; remote arrangements may be considered for exceptional candidates.
- Compensation: $165,000 – $220,000 base salary, commensurate with experience.
- Travel: approximately 5-10% (domestic and international).
