At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide legal support for innovative health projects and company creation in the UK.
- Company: Join BioInnovation Institute, a leading non-profit driving science and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with a focus on diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in human health while working with passionate changemakers.
- Qualifications: MSc in Law, 6+ years of legal experience, and strong contract management skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 € per year.
Are you an experienced lawyer motivated by providing legal support and contributing to innovation and science in an international environment? Then we might have the perfect opportunity at BioInnovation Institute (BII), where we are looking for a Senior Legal Counsel to support legal activities related to our UK operations and contribute to the continued development of BII's European activities within human health.
The BioInnovation Institute (BII) is a Danish non‐profit foundation established by the Novo Nordisk Foundation in 2018. Its mission is to accelerate research and startups to bring forward bold solutions that improve human and planetary health. BII supports collaborative, interdisciplinary innovation across Life Sciences, Quantum Science, and Deep Tech, helping transform cutting‐edge research into viable companies so that new discoveries can deliver real impact for people and society.
BII is strengthening its activities within human health through a dedicated initiative aimed at translating early‐stage academic discoveries into validated pre‐clinical candidates. The initiative focuses on accelerating innovative research and supporting the development of next‐generation therapeutics with the potential to improve patient care and outcomes. Activities are anchored across dedicated European locations, working closely together within a shared scientific and operational framework. The location for this job is based in London, UK.
As a Senior Legal Counsel, you will play an important role in supporting BII's activities within human health and company creation efforts, with a primary focus on the UK. Based in London, you will act as the primary legal contact for UK operations and provide day‐to‐day legal support across relevant BII activities and entities. Working closely with the wider Legal & IP team, you will also support the broader BII organization and contribute to the development of legal processes and frameworks across jurisdictions.
Your Responsibilities Will Include:
- Provide legal support related to BII's activities within human health and company creation efforts, with a primary focus on the UK.
- Act as the primary legal contact for BII's UK operations and provide day‐to‐day legal support across relevant BII activities and entities.
- Manage external legal counsel supporting legal matters across BII's European activities.
- Contribute to legal support across BII's international activities and collaborations.
- Support the development of legal processes and frameworks for activities outside Denmark in collaboration with the Head of Legal.
- Provide legal support across the wider BII organization.
This is a full‐time position based on‐site in London, UK, King's Cross, with responsibility for the UK location and close collaboration with other European locations. You will become part of a small on‐site UK team, but also an integrated member of BII's Legal & IP team based in BII's HQ in Copenhagen and report to the Head of Legal located in Copenhagen, Denmark.
We are looking for an experienced legal professional with a strong foundation in contract law and a track record of supporting complex collaborations within innovation, research, or life sciences environments. Ideally, you bring the following experience and competencies:
- MSc degree in Law.
- Qualify as a solicitor in the UK.
- Minimum 6 years of work experience as a lawyer, demonstrating high subject matter expertise and result‐oriented legal support.
- Experience from private practice/law firm or in‐house legal position (preferably both).
- Extensive experience composing, negotiating, and managing contracts (both civil and common law contracts).
- Experience working with innovation, universities, spin‐outs, and start‐ups.
- Experience dealing with or being part of CROs (clinical research organization).
Additional Preferred Skills:
- Experience working for or with foundations.
- Experience working with personal data, company law, and EU law.
- Experience working with grants/ donations, grant agreements, or tax.
You thrive in a dynamic and evolving environment, where priorities can shift, and new initiatives emerge quickly. You are comfortable working independently and take ownership of your area, while maintaining a proactive and strategic approach to legal matters. At the same time, you are able to translate complex legal topics into clear, practical guidance for a wide range of stakeholders.
The salary range for this role is £80,000-£100,000, depending on relevant experience and expertise within the area. Further details can be discussed during the interview process.
At BII we offer a purpose‐driven community where science and innovation create meaningful change and impact in society. BII's entrepreneurial environment is shaped and nurtured every day by our employees, start‐ups, and everyone who joins us in bringing science to life. This role offers a unique opportunity to join Europe's largest innovation and incubation initiative within life sciences and deep tech.
At BII, we value diversity, inclusion, and well‐being at the core of our operations, believing that the best ideas emerge when diverse perspectives unite. Join us to work alongside passionate changemakers in a dynamic, supportive environment where you can grow, shape the future of life sciences, and make a meaningful impact.
If you are curious to know more about the position, please contact Lasse Juul Jakobsen, Head of Legal (BII HQ, Copenhagen) on email, ljj@bii.dk.
We welcome all applications and encourage candidates to apply regardless of race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion, or socio‐economic background. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where different perspectives contribute to innovation.
Senior Legal Counsel at BioInnovation Institute Foundation (UK) in London employer: BioInnovation Institute (BII)
At BioInnovation Institute (BII), we pride ourselves on being a purpose-driven community that fosters innovation and collaboration in the life sciences sector. Located in the vibrant King's Cross area of London, our supportive work culture encourages diversity and inclusion, providing employees with unique opportunities for professional growth while contributing to meaningful advancements in human health. Join us to be part of Europe's largest innovation initiative, where your legal expertise will play a crucial role in transforming cutting-edge research into impactful solutions.
Contact Detail:
BioInnovation Institute (BII) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Legal Counsel at BioInnovation Institute Foundation (UK) in London
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the legal and life sciences fields. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Ace the Informational Interview
Set up informal chats with current or former employees at BioInnovation Institute or similar organisations. This is your chance to learn about their experiences and get tips on how to stand out in the application process. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the company!
✨Showcase Your Expertise
When you get the chance to meet potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience in contract law and collaborations within innovation. Prepare examples of how you've navigated complex legal issues in the past, especially in life sciences or research settings.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through the BioInnovation Institute's website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows that you’re proactive and genuinely interested in joining their mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Legal Counsel at BioInnovation Institute Foundation (UK) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Legal Counsel role. Highlight your experience in contract law and any relevant work with innovation or life sciences, as this will show us you’re a great fit for BII.
Showcase Your Experience:Don’t just list your qualifications; tell us about your achievements! Use specific examples of how you've supported complex collaborations or managed contracts in your previous roles. This helps us see the real impact you've made.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your points are easy to understand. This is especially important for translating complex legal topics into practical guidance.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at BioInnovation Institute (BII)
✨Know Your Legal Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your contract law and any relevant regulations in the life sciences sector. Be prepared to discuss specific legal challenges that BII might face, especially in relation to UK operations and international collaborations.
✨Show Your Collaborative Spirit
BII values teamwork, so be ready to share examples of how you've successfully worked with cross-functional teams or external partners. Highlight your experience with innovation and how you've contributed to collaborative projects in the past.
✨Understand BII's Mission
Familiarise yourself with BII's goals and initiatives, particularly in human health and company creation. Being able to articulate how your legal expertise aligns with their mission will show your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to tackle hypothetical legal scenarios during the interview. Think about how you would approach complex legal issues, manage external counsel, or develop legal frameworks for new initiatives. This will demonstrate your strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
