At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead legal strategies for groundbreaking neuroscience and gene therapy initiatives.
- Company: Join Novartis, a leader in innovative healthcare solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and comprehensive benefits package.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive work environment with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on patients' lives through transformative medicines.
- Qualifications: Law degree, strong legal expertise, and experience in healthcare or pharma.
The predicted salary is between 92960 - 172640 £ per year.
As Senior Legal Counsel, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Neuroscience and advancing breakthrough gene therapies. Working at the heart of the International Neuroscience & Gene Therapies Therapeutic Area, you will partner with senior leaders to enable bold innovation, guide high-impact strategic decisions, and help bring transformative medicines to patients worldwide. This is a unique opportunity to combine legal excellence with business leadership, enabling and influencing complex and innovative global initiatives across commercial, medical affairs, development, and market access functions while helping redefine what is possible for patients living with neurological and rare diseases.
Key Responsibilities
- Serve as a lead legal partner for a portfolio of innovative products and strategic initiatives within the International Neuroscience & Gene Therapies Therapeutic Area.
- Provide strategic legal guidance to commercial, medical, value and access, and development teams and other key stakeholders.
- Identify, assess, and mitigate legal, regulatory, and compliance risks across key business activities.
- Lead drafting, negotiation, and management of complex research, development, and commercial agreements.
- Support business development activities, alliance management, and integration of strategic assets and partnerships.
- Enable compliant promotional, medical, congress, investor relations, corporate and other external communication and content.
- Drive innovation by enabling novel business approaches and supporting successful product launch strategies.
- Build organizational capability through legal training, cross-functional collaboration, and knowledge sharing.
- Close partnership and collaboration with global, region and country legal colleagues to ensure coordinated and consistent legal support across the product portfolio.
Essential Requirements
- Law degree and bar admission with strong legal expertise in a commercial environment.
- Significant post-qualification legal experience, gained either within the healthcare or pharmaceutical sector, or with a top-tier law firm advising healthcare and technology clients.
- Strong understanding of pharmaceutical legal frameworks, compliance requirements, and risk management principles.
- Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders and provide pragmatic and proactive advice in complex global organizations.
- Excellent negotiation, communication, and relationship-building skills across diverse cross-functional teams.
- Track record of effectively managing competing priorities and delivering high-quality outcomes under tight deadlines.
- Fluency in English, with the ability to navigate ambiguity and drive solutions independently.
Desirable Requirements
- In-house legal experience within a global pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or healthcare organization.
- Experience supporting international business operations.
Benefits & Rewards
At Novartis, we’re committed to reimagining medicine together - and rewarding the people who make it happen. The expected annual base salary range for this role is GBP 92,960 - 172,640. The base salary offered is determined based on gender-neutral objectives, such as relevant skills, competencies and experience in accordance with the Novartis pay setting policy and upon joining Novartis will be reviewed periodically. 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. Long-term equity awards granted at group level may also be part of your package. Further details will be provided during the application process.
Commitment To Diversity And Inclusion
Novartis is committed to building an outstanding, inclusive work environment and diverse teams representative of the patients and communities we serve.
Senior Legal Counsel Neuroscience & Gene Therapies, International employer: Novartis UK
At Novartis, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our comprehensive benefits package, flexible working options, and a strong focus on diversity and inclusion, ensuring that every team member feels valued and empowered. Join us in our mission to reimagine medicine while enjoying a rewarding career in a dynamic environment that prioritises your professional and personal well-being.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Legal Counsel Neuroscience & Gene Therapies, International
✨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.
✨Tap into Online Legal Communities
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
Look out for career fairs and workshops specifically focused on law. Many law firms, including Novartis UK, will be scouting for fresh talent, so bring your A-game and don’t shy away from making a memorable impression.
✨Leverage Your University’s Career Services
If you’re still in university or have recently graduated, latch onto your career services! They often have connections with law firms looking for graduates and can guide you through the application process tailored for the legal sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Legal Counsel Neuroscience & Gene Therapies, International
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Novartis UK, 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 Novartis UK and the specific role of Senior Legal Counsel Neuroscience & Gene Therapies, International. 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 Novartis UK’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Novartis UK
✨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 Novartis UK.
✨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 Novartis UK.
