b Overview /b p In this role you will be the trusted legal partner for AstraZeneca UK, supporting Oncology and Biopharmaceuticals and guiding NHS collaborations. You will steer digital, data and AI initiatives with robust governance while delivering strategic commercial advice. You’ll lead AI projects, manage data protection obligations, and craft practical legal guardrails to enable innovation and patient safety. You will operate at pace, shaping how the legal function supports growth, partnerships and responsible innovation. /p b Responsibilities /b ul li Serve as lead lawyer for the UK Business Unit and franchises; provide strategic, outcome-focused advice and support leadership on NHS collaborations /li li Advise on commercial matters for bringing pharmaceutical products to market in the UK, with emphasis on NHS partnerships and digital, data and AI-enabled solutions /li li Lead legal support for AI initiatives, ensure alignment with controls, manage incident response and lifecycle compliance; draft AI-related agreements and develop internal AI governance and guardrails /li li Handle complex issues (contingent and non-contentious), escalating to the Legal Director as needed /li li Draft, review, negotiate and finalise a wide range of commercial contracts and policies with sound commercial judgment /li li Develop expertise in pharma-related legal issues including AI, privacy and data use; coordinate input from internal/external counsel /li li Monitor UK/EU developments in AI, data and privacy; assess impact, risks and opportunities; ensure regulatory compliance /li li Partner with Legal, Compliance and stakeholders to deliver seamless support; manage external providers for value and quality /li li Lead UKMC legal projects; align with the Legal Director and business partners /li li Represent the company with external entities when appropriate /li li Improve legal processes (contracting automation) to boost quality, efficiency and risk management; deliver training to promote adoption /li /ul b Key requirements /b ul li Experienced solicitor in a corporate organisation or law firm, ideally pharma/biotech/medical devices with ethical business approach /li li Knowledge of drug development sector regulations and compliance /li li Expertise in data protection, DPIAs and cross-functional privacy governance /li li Knowledge of AI-related laws/regulations including GDPR, EU AI Act and emerging AI standards /li li Experience creating, drafting and implementing policies and processes /li li Experience drafting and negotiating complex commercial agreements /li li Experience leading senior partners across functions /li li Strong English communication and collaboration skills /li li Capability to work with senior executives /li li Continuous learning mindset for evolving pharma laws and standards /li li Qualified solicitor /li /ul ul li collaboration /li li clear communication /li li adaptability /li li data protection /li li privacy impact assessments (DPIA) /li li privacy governance /li /ul
Senior Counsel - Oncology employer: AstraZeneca
AstraZeneca is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Cambridge where innovation meets collaboration. Employees benefit from a culture that values entrepreneurial thinking and scientific excellence, alongside opportunities for professional growth through mentorship and cross-functional projects. With a commitment to diversity and inclusion, AstraZeneca fosters a supportive atmosphere that empowers individuals to make meaningful contributions to life-changing medicines.
