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, bonuses, health insurance, and flexible working arrangements.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive work environment with excellent learning and development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in advancing clinical research while modernising legal processes with AI.
- 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
Relocation Support: This role is based in 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. Working in a highly collaborative, international environment, you will also play a key role in modernising legal support through process simplification, innovation, and the responsible use of artificial intelligence in contracting.
About The Role
- 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
Essential Requirements
- 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 organization, 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.
You’ll Receive
- Competitive salary
- Short term incentive bonus
- Pension scheme
- Share purchase scheme
- Health insurance
- 25 days annual leave
- Flexible working arrangements
- Subsidized dining facilities
- Employee recognition scheme
- Learning and development opportunities
Senior R&D Legal Counsel, Global Clinical Development & Operations in London employer: Novartis UK
At Novartis, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment in the heart of London. As a Senior R&D Legal Counsel, you will not only contribute to groundbreaking clinical research but also benefit from competitive salaries, flexible working arrangements, and extensive learning and development opportunities. Join us to be part of a collaborative team that values innovation and diversity, ensuring your career growth while making a meaningful impact in the life sciences sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior R&D Legal Counsel, Global Clinical Development & Operations in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the life sciences and legal fields. Attend industry events or webinars where you can meet potential colleagues or mentors. Remember, sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Novartis and their R&D initiatives. Understand their current projects and challenges in clinical development. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in contributing to their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the role of Senior R&D Legal Counsel. Highlight your expertise in clinical trial contracts and regulatory guidance, and don’t forget to showcase your problem-solving skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to join a fantastic team!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior R&D Legal Counsel, Global Clinical Development & Operations in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your life sciences legal expertise. Focus on your experience with clinical trial contracts and regulatory guidance, as these are key for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell a story about your journey in the legal field. Emphasise your strategic partnership skills and how you've navigated complex legal issues in R&D settings.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since excellent communication is crucial, ensure your application reflects your ability to influence and collaborate with senior stakeholders. Use clear and concise language throughout.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Novartis UK
✨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 Collaborative Spirit
This role is all about collaboration, so think of examples where you've worked cross-functionally. Highlight how you’ve influenced senior stakeholders and resolved issues in a team setting, as this will demonstrate your ability to thrive in a highly collaborative environment.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Prepare for hypothetical scenarios related to risk management and contract negotiation. Think through how you would approach these situations, focusing on your analytical skills and ability to deliver business-focused solutions.
✨Embrace Innovation
Since the role involves modernising legal support through AI and process simplification, be prepared to discuss your experience with technology in legal processes. Share any examples of how you've driven efficiency or innovation in your previous roles.
