At a Glance
- Tasks: Be a strategic legal partner in global clinical research, navigating complex contracts and regulations.
- Company: Join Novartis, a leader in life sciences with a commitment to innovation and integrity.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, health insurance, flexible working, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent learning and development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in advancing clinical research while shaping the future of healthcare.
- Qualifications: Law degree with extensive experience in life sciences and clinical trial contracts.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Location: London, UK. Novartis is unable to offer relocation support; please only apply if accessible.
Bring your life sciences legal expertise to where it matters most—enabling clinical research to move faster, safely, and with integrity. In this role, you will act as a trusted strategic legal partner to Research and Development (R&D) leaders, shaping contracting and regulatory advice across global clinical development and operations. You will navigate complex clinical trial and research matters, anticipate risk, and translate legal complexity into clear, pragmatic solutions that help advance Novartis’ R&D ambitions.
Responsibilities- Serve as strategic legal partner to Global Clinical Development and Operations leaders across complex R&D activities.
- Advise on clinical trial contracting, including site, vendor, and outsourced study agreements across multiple jurisdictions.
- Provide regulatory legal guidance to support compliant, efficient global clinical operations and R&D initiatives.
- Support licensing, alliance management, and mergers and acquisitions through contract analysis, negotiation, and risk mitigation.
- Lead simplification, harmonisation, and improvement of Research and Development contract templates, playbooks, and ways of working.
- Drive adoption of automation and artificial intelligence to modernise legal contracting processes and increase efficiency.
- Collaborate cross‑functionally to anticipate legal risk, resolve issues pragmatically, and advance Novartis’ Research and Development strategy.
- Law degree or equivalent qualification with admission to practice law in a recognised jurisdiction.
- Extensive post‑qualification experience in life sciences, ideally gained within a pharmaceutical company or contract research organisation, or with a top‑tier law firm representing life science clients.
- Proven experience advising on clinical trial‑related contracts and documentation, including site and vendor agreements.
- Strong expertise providing regulatory and contracting legal support in a highly regulated research and development environment.
- Demonstrated ability to analyse complex legal issues, manage risk, and deliver pragmatic, business‑focused solutions.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence senior stakeholders across global, cross‑functional teams.
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.
- Competitive salary and short‑term incentive bonus
- Pension scheme
- Share purchase scheme
- Health insurance
- 25 days annual leave
- Flexible working arrangements
- Subsidised dining facilities
- Employee recognition scheme
- Learning and development opportunities
Senior R&D Legal Counsel, Global Clinical Development & Operations employer: Novartis Farmacéutica
At Novartis, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, particularly for those in the Senior R&D Legal Counsel role based in London. Our commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment is matched by our focus on employee growth, offering extensive learning and development opportunities alongside competitive benefits such as a generous pension scheme and flexible working arrangements. Join us to make a meaningful impact in clinical research while collaborating with talented professionals in a dynamic and supportive culture.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior R&D Legal Counsel, Global Clinical Development & Operations
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the life sciences and legal fields. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself to potential colleagues at Novartis. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of clinical trial regulations and contracting processes. We recommend creating a list of common interview questions related to R&D legal counsel roles and practising your responses. This will help you feel confident and ready to impress!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or during interviews, share specific examples of how you've navigated complex legal issues in the past. This will demonstrate your ability to provide pragmatic solutions and make you stand out from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in joining Novartis and being part of their mission to advance R&D initiatives.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior R&D Legal Counsel, Global Clinical Development & Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your life sciences legal expertise. We want to see how your experience aligns with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant skills and achievements!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, especially when it comes to complex legal matters. Use simple language to explain your experience and how it relates to the role.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, give examples of how you've navigated complex legal issues in the past. We’re looking for candidates who can translate legal complexity into practical solutions, so share those success stories!
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’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Novartis Farmacéutica
✨Know Your Legal Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your life sciences legal expertise, especially around clinical trial contracts and regulatory guidance. Be ready to discuss specific cases where you've navigated complex legal issues and how you provided pragmatic solutions.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Prepare examples that highlight your ability to act as a strategic partner. Think about times when you've influenced R&D leaders or helped shape contracting strategies. This role is all about collaboration, so demonstrate how you can work cross-functionally.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical situations related to risk management and contract negotiation. Practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely, showing how you would approach these challenges in a real-world context.
✨Emphasise Your Communication Skills
Since you'll be influencing senior stakeholders, it's crucial to showcase your excellent written and verbal communication skills. Prepare to discuss how you've effectively communicated complex legal concepts to non-legal teams in the past.
