R&D Legal Counsel, EMEA

R&D Legal Counsel, EMEA

Full-Time 18000 - 152620 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Provide legal counsel for innovative research and development in the life sciences sector.
  • Company: Join Novartis, a leader in transforming medicine and healthcare.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, health insurance, and generous leave policies.
  • Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of medicine while managing legal risks and enabling innovation.
  • Qualifications: UK qualified lawyer with experience in commercial or life sciences law.

The predicted salary is between 18000 - 152620 £ per year.

Location: London, UK. Relocation Support: This role is based in London, UK. Novartis is unable to offer relocation support: please only apply if accessible.

Imagine helping shape the future of medicine at the point where breakthrough science meets legal strategy. As R&D Legal Counsel EMEA, you will partner closely with researchers, development teams, and business leaders to provide practical legal guidance that enables innovation while managing risk. This is an exciting opportunity to influence cutting‑edge research, support the development of transformative therapies, and contribute to bringing new medicines to patients worldwide.

Key Responsibilities

  • Provide legal counsel supporting research and development activities across the United Kingdom and EMEA region.
  • Advise on clinical trials, regulatory requirements, data use, and patient‑focused research initiatives.
  • Draft, negotiate, and manage research, development, and collaboration agreements.
  • Partner with scientists and business leaders to enable innovation while effectively managing legal risk.
  • Support external innovation and asset integration activities across the development portfolio.
  • Drive compliant adoption of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence‑enabled solutions.
  • Contribute to legal process improvement initiatives that enhance efficiency, scalability, and business impact.

Essential Requirements

  • UK qualified lawyer with relevant post‑qualification legal experience in a commercial or life sciences environment.
  • Strong knowledge of research and development legal matters, including contracting and regulatory considerations.
  • Experience drafting, negotiating, and managing commercial and research‑related agreements.
  • Ability to provide pragmatic, risk‑based legal advice in a fast‑paced, matrix organization paired with strong communication skills and the ability to influence decisions as well as simplify complex legal concepts.
  • Comfortable working with artificial intelligence tools, including designing and deploying agents to drive productivity and innovation.
  • Proficiency in English (written and spoken), other languages are a plus.

Benefits & Rewards

At Novartis, we’re committed to reimagining medicine together – and rewarding the people who make it happen. The rewards of being part of our team go far beyond base pay and incentives. We also offer a variety of competitive benefits in kind to help you thrive personally and professionally, such as insurance plans, retirement plans, wellbeing resources and global recognition programs. In addition, we provide flexible and hybrid working options, where possible, and minimum 14 weeks paid parental leave. In addition to your base salary, you may be eligible for a performance‑based bonus depending on certain performance parameters.

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

Novartis is committed to building an outstanding, inclusive work environment and diverse teams representative of the patients and communities we serve.

Skills Desired

  • Adaptability
  • Business Acumen
  • Critical Thinking
  • Curious Mindset
  • Decision Making
  • Law
  • Legal Acumen
  • Legal Communication
  • Legal Issues
  • Legal Research
  • Legal Risk Analysis
  • Legal Support
  • Legal Writing
  • Negotiation
  • Persuasion
  • Proactive Planning
  • Problem Solving
  • Relationship Building
  • Stakeholder Management
  • Strategic Thinking

R&D Legal Counsel, EMEA employer: GB16 (FCRS = GB016) Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK Ltd.

At Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK Ltd., we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through continuous learning opportunities and the chance to work on groundbreaking projects in medical analytics and AI. Located in a vibrant area, our team enjoys a supportive environment that values diversity and encourages meaningful contributions to drug development.

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Contact Details:

GB16 (FCRS = GB016) Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK Ltd. Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land R&D Legal Counsel, EMEA

Get Involved in Law Societies

Join local law societies and attend their events – they're often a goldmine for networking and job opportunities in the legal field. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other budding lawyers and experienced solicitors who could provide vital insights and connections.

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Don’t underestimate the power of online platforms like LinkedIn and specific legal forums. Get active in discussions or share your thoughts on recent legal developments – this not only builds your visibility but also showcases your passion and knowledge in law.

Attend Career Fairs and Workshops

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We think you need these skills to ace R&D Legal Counsel, EMEA

Legal Counsel
Research and Development Legal Matters
Contracting
Regulatory Requirements
Drafting Agreements
Negotiating Agreements
Commercial Agreements

Some tips for your application 🫡

Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at GB16 (FCRS = GB016) Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK Ltd., make sure to demonstrate your understanding of key legal principles and areas of law relevant to the position. Include any specific coursework, modules, or certifications, like LPC or BPTC qualifications, that showcase your legal expertise directly on your CV.

Showcase Your Research Skills:In the legal field, strong research skills are crucial. Use your application to illustrate how you've utilised these skills in past studies or work experiences – whether that's through past internships or significant projects. Mention any legal databases or tools you’re proficient in, as this can give you an edge.

Tailor That Cover Letter!:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal by expressing your genuine interest in GB16 (FCRS = GB016) Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK Ltd. and the specific role of R&D Legal Counsel, EMEA. Talk about why you want to be part of their team, how your unique experiences align with their values, and why you’re passionate about the legal sector.

Stay Formal but Friendly:While we all know the legal world can be pretty formal, don’t be afraid to let a bit of personality shine through in your written application. Use a respectful tone, but feel free to inject a little warmth; this approach can help you stand out and show you're a great fit for GB16 (FCRS = GB016) Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK Ltd.’s culture!

How to prepare for a job interview at GB16 (FCRS = GB016) Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK Ltd.

Know Your Legal Principles

Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.

Be Ready for Case Studies

Full-time legal roles often involve case studies during interviews. Prepare to analyse a hypothetical case and discuss your approach to it. Practising this with a peer or mentor can help us refine our reasoning and articulate a solid legal argument.

Show Off Your Research Skills

As legal professionals, strong research skills are a must. Have examples ready of how you've effectively used legal databases or conducted thorough legal research in your past experiences. It's a great way to demonstrate your readiness for the role at GB16 (FCRS = GB016) Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK Ltd..

Exude Professionalism and Confidence

In the legal field, professionalism is key. During the interview, we should maintain good eye contact and communicate clearly to show that we’re not just knowledgeable, but also confident. This can make a positive impression on your potential colleagues at GB16 (FCRS = GB016) Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK Ltd..