Assistant General Counsel

Spur Therapeutics – Stevenage, Hertfordshire

Why Spur? Gene therapy is at an inflection point. Amidst the noise of countless emerging modalities, we've been hard at work refining our science and advancing our programs with quiet determination and a bold ambition to unlock the true potential of gene therapy to change the trajectory of more patients' lives.

Come join Spur's dedicated team of scientists, physicians, and other professionals who are singularly focused on using cutting-edge science and technology to transform the treatment of serious and debilitating chronic diseases.

Role Purpose

This is a hybrid role, located in Stevenage, UK. We are seeking an Assistant General Counsel to join our legal team and own a wide variety of legal matters.

You will provide pragmatic legal counsel to all levels of the organization, with primary responsibility for supporting our innovative programs in pre-clinical and clinical development. You will be responsible for identifying and analyzing legal issues, drafting and reviewing key clinical, manufacturing, commercial, and service contracts, presenting clear recommendations, and ensuring legal compliance. Strong drafting skills are a must, and experience with a variety of life sciences research and development and commercial experience preferred.

Responsibilities

1. Provide primary legal support for Spur's medical, regulatory, and research activity with a focus on reviewing, negotiating, and drafting various agreements.
2. Review investigator brochures, informed consent forms, and clinical trial protocols relating to Spur's current and future Phase 1/2 and Phase 3 trials.
3. Review and negotiate master services agreements, statements of work, material transfer agreements, service level agreement terms, employment and consulting agreements, nondisclosure agreements, vendor agreements, and related biotechnology services contracts.
4. Provide primary legal support to evolving company activities including commercial, business development, and human resources activities.
5. Advise management on compliance with a wide range of legal and regulatory matters.
6. Work cross-functionally with various departments to meet business objectives.
7. Develop and maintain updated template agreements that reflect Spur's research, clinical development, medical affairs, and human resources objectives.
8. Lead the effort to establish a contracts management system and request process to streamline contract operations.

Qualifications & Experience Required

1. Qualified UK lawyer with adequate years post-qualification experience.
2. In-house and/or private practice experience in the pharmaceutical/life sciences sector.
3. Experience with general business contracting and clinical trial agreements.
4. Experience in a clinical-stage biotechnology company or research-based institution preferred; prior experience in gene therapy a plus.
5. Excellent contract drafting and negotiating skills, with an eye for detail combined with pragmatism and sound judgment.
6. Ability to work at pace and with quality.
7. Experience with international privacy laws (e.g., GDPR) and interconnection with clinical trial activities and data.