In-House Legal Counsel
* 3 days per week
* Contract/Interim
* 12 months
We’re looking for an experienced, commercially minded In-House Legal Counsel to play a key strategic role within a growing biotech organisation. This is an exciting opportunity for a senior legal professional who enjoys variety, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and wants to contribute directly to the success of a cutting-edge company.
🧬 About our client
Based in Oxfordshire with an expanding international footprint, our client is an innovative biotechnology company focused on advancing the next generation of immune-based therapies. Their work explores new ways to harness the immune system to tackle some of the most challenging diseases, including cancer and immune-related disorders.
They are developing a novel therapeutic approach designed to enhance immune recognition of diseased cells, with their lead programme already progressing through early clinical development. Alongside this, the company is actively growing its research pipeline and forming strategic collaborations to broaden the impact of its science.
Supported by strong investor backing and driven by a highly collaborative, mission-led team, the organisation is entering an exciting stage of growth and innovation. For those who want to make a meaningful impact within a pioneering biotech environment, this is a fantastic time to get involved.
🌟 Why Join
💡 Cutting-edge science: Work at the forefront of immune-based drug discovery.
💖 Real impact: Contribute to programmes with genuine potential to change patient outcomes.
🤝 Collaborative team: Join a supportive environment that values curiosity, creativity and teamwork.
🚀 Strong momentum: With recent funding and clinical progress, the company is building something extraordinary.
The Role
In this role, you’ll provide comprehensive legal support across the business — from commercial contracts and R&D activities to intellectual property and corporate matters. You’ll work closely with the leadership team, offering proactive advice on legal strategy and risk management, and collaborate with external counsel on more complex issues.
You’ll also play an important part in fundraising and due diligence, helping to structure deals and support ongoing investor engagement. With an international footprint, you’ll be involved in business development collaborations across the Asia-Pacific and US markets, ensuring agreements align with commercial goals and regulatory frameworks.
What You’ll Bring
We’re looking for someone with 10+ years of legal experience, ideally within the biotech or life sciences industry. You should have a solid grounding in commercial contracts, intellectual property, and corporate transactions, and be comfortable supporting fundraising activities, M&A, or business development deals.
A good understanding of international legal frameworks, particularly in the Asia-Pacific and US regions, will be valuable. Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills are essential, along with the ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across teams.
You’ll be confident, pragmatic, and adaptable — someone who combines strong technical ability with commercial awareness and a get-it-done attitude.
Preferred Background
You’ll be a qualified lawyer, ideally trained at a top-tier law firm or within an in-house legal team. Experience working with early-stage, high-growth biotech companies and a strong network within the global biotech ecosystem would be advantageous.
* 10+ years of overall legal experience, ideally from a biotech/life sciences background
* Broad experience spanning commercial contracts, R&D, IP-related work, and fundraising support
* Exposure to international partners and investors, particularly in Asia and the US
* Ability to provide strategic input beyond legal drafting and documentation
* Strong communication skills and executive-level influence
* Experience thriving in a fast-paced, scale-up environment
Working Arrangements
This is a part-time role (three days per week), with flexibility to increase to five during peak periods such as fundraising or transactions, with advance notice. The role will require two days per week in the office, particularly in the first few months to build relationships and trust across the organisation. Some remote working is possible. Competitive day rate upwards of £800 per day.
Culture
The company operates in a fast-paced, dynamic environment typical of a high-growth biotech scale-up. Everyone rolls up their sleeves — collaboration, adaptability, and initiative are key. The legal counsel is expected to be a trusted business partner, not just a technical expert.
The ideal candidate will bring confidence, curiosity, and a positive, engaging personality — someone who enjoys balancing hands-on legal work with providing high-level strategic advice. Solutions-oriented, commercially savvy individuals who thrive in an entrepreneurial setting will find this role especially rewarding. 🌟