Associate Director, Regulatory Legal Counsel in Cambridge

Associate Director, Regulatory Legal Counsel in Cambridge

Cambridge Full-Time 80000 - 100000 £ / year (est.) Hybrid
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Provide strategic legal advice on regulatory matters for groundbreaking medical technologies.
  • Company: Join Illumina, a leader in genomic technology and health equity.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible time off, private medical insurance, and stock purchasing options.
  • Other info: Dynamic, inclusive workplace with opportunities for career growth and development.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on global health while working with innovative teams.
  • Qualifications: Qualified lawyer with experience in medical device regulations and strong communication skills.

The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.

At Illumina, we are expanding access to genomic technology to realise health equity for billions of people around the world. Our efforts enable life-changing discoveries that are transforming human health through the early detection and diagnosis of diseases and new treatment options for patients.

Working at Illumina means being part of something bigger than yourself. Every person, in every role, has the opportunity to make a difference. Surrounded by extraordinary people, inspiring leaders, and world-changing projects, you will do more and become more than you ever thought possible.

The Role

As Associate Director, Regulatory Legal Counsel (EMEA & Latin America) here at Illumina in Cambridge, UK, you will be a key member of Illumina’s global Regulatory Legal team, providing strategic and pragmatic legal advice across the full lifecycle of Illumina’s technologies and medical technology products, including both research use only (RUO) and clinical offerings. In this highly visible role, you will partner closely with Regulatory Affairs, Quality, Medical Affairs, Global Compliance, Commercial, Marketing, and other cross‐functional stakeholders to enable compliant product development, commercialization, and post‐market activities across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America. You will play a critical role in translating complex, multi‐jurisdictional regulatory frameworks into clear, business‐focused legal guidance in a fast‐paced, matrixed, international environment.

Illumina's employee benefits are industry-leading and include flexible time off, private medical insurance, compassion and care time off, leisure travel insurance, pension, employee stock purchasing program, volunteer time off, and much more!

Why You

You are a seasoned regulatory lawyer with deep expertise in medical device, diagnostics, or life sciences regulation, and you thrive in complex, international environments. You bring strong judgment and the ability to balance regulatory risk with commercial and innovation‐driven objectives. You are comfortable advising on evolving regulatory landscapes, including EU and UK medical device and IVD frameworks, and enjoy working cross‐functionally with regulatory, quality, medical, and commercial teams. Your communication style is clear, confident, and practical, allowing you to engage effectively with senior leaders, regulators, and technical experts alike. You are adaptable, proactive, and motivated by supporting cutting‐edge science and technology that improves human health.

Key Responsibilities

  • Regulatory Legal Advisory & Strategy
    • Provide legal guidance on regulatory requirements across EMEA and Latin America applicable to medical devices, diagnostics, and life science products
    • Interpret and advise on EU and UK medical device and IVD regulatory frameworks, country‐specific requirements, and horizontal regulations impacting the sector
    • Assess regulatory risk across diverse jurisdictions and support informed business decision‐making
  • Product Lifecycle & Market Support
    • Partner with Regulatory Affairs and Quality to support product development, regional and global submissions, market access strategies, and post‐market obligations
    • Advise on regulatory considerations for hardware, software, services, digital solutions, and emerging technologies, including AI‐related regulatory requirements
    • Support global and regional product lifecycle management activities
  • Commercial, Marketing & Contractual Support
    • Review and advise on product labeling, promotional and marketing materials, and external communications to ensure regulatory compliance
    • Collaborate with Commercial Legal, Compliance, Procurement, IT, and other stakeholders to assess regulatory considerations in contracts, tenders, licensing, distribution, R&D, and procurement activities
  • Post‐Market, Inspections & Regulatory Interactions
    • Support inspection readiness, regulatory audits, and post‐market vigilance activities
    • Advise on recalls, field actions, and other post‐market corrective activities
    • Prepare responses to inquiries, inspections, and communications from regional and country‐specific regulatory authorities
  • Regulatory Intelligence, Training & Governance
    • Monitor and analyze evolving regulatory developments and trends across EMEA and Latin America
    • Assist with the development and maintenance of internal policies, SOPs, training materials, and regulatory process improvements
    • Deliver regulatory legal training and updates to business and functional teams
    • Coordinate and manage engagement with external counsel in foreign jurisdictions, as required

Experience and Education

  • Qualified lawyer in the UK, the United States, or an EU Member State
  • Significant experience in a regulatory advisory role within the medical device, med tech, biotechnology, or life sciences sector
  • Prior in‐house and/or law firm experience advising regulatory clients preferred
  • Full professional fluency in English; additional languages are a plus
  • Demonstrated experience supporting business clients in a regulated, international environment

Preferred Credentials

  • Experience advising on EU and UK medical device and diagnostics regulatory frameworks, including IVDR
  • Familiarity with post‐market vigilance, inspections, and regulatory authority interactions
  • Experience supporting global or regional product development and lifecycle management
  • Experience working closely with commercial teams on regulated products

Additional Information

  • Ability to work across time zones in a global organization
  • Location in the London / Cambridge area preferred
  • Limited regional and international travel may be required

We are a company deeply rooted in belonging, promoting an inclusive environment where employees feel valued and empowered to contribute to our mission. Built on a strong foundation, Illumina has always prioritized openness, collaboration, and seeking alternative perspectives to propel innovation in genomics. We are proud to confirm a zero-net gap in pay, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or race. We also have several Employee Resource Groups (ERG) that deliver career development experiences, increase cultural awareness, and offer opportunities to engage in social responsibility. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to providing employment opportunity regardless of sex, race, creed, color, gender, religion, marital status, domestic partner status, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, pregnancy, military or veteran status, citizenship status, and genetic information.

Associate Director, Regulatory Legal Counsel in Cambridge employer: Illumina

Illumina is an exceptional employer located in the vibrant city of Cambridge, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration in the biotechnology sector. Employees benefit from a comprehensive benefits package, flexible time off, and ample opportunities for professional growth, all within a culture that values inclusivity and teamwork. Joining Illumina means being part of a forward-thinking company dedicated to making a meaningful impact in life sciences.

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Contact Details:

Illumina Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Associate Director, Regulatory Legal Counsel in Cambridge

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We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director, Regulatory Legal Counsel in Cambridge

Regulatory Legal Advisory
Medical Device Regulation
Diagnostics Regulation
Life Sciences Regulation
EU and UK Regulatory Frameworks
Risk Assessment
Cross-Functional Collaboration

Some tips for your application 🫡

Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Illumina, 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 Illumina and the specific role of Associate Director, Regulatory Legal Counsel. 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 Illumina’s culture!

How to prepare for a job interview at Illumina

✨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 Illumina.

✨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 Illumina.