Legal Counsel

Francis Crick Institute; Greater London; On-site; GBP 69,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Francis Crick Institute seeks a legally qualified professional to join its Legal & Governance team as Legal Counsel. You will provide practical, commercially focused legal advice across scientific and operational areas and negotiate a broad range of agreements, including research collaborations and IP matters.

Joining a collaborative, forward-thinking group, you will work on complex commercial agreements and strategic partnerships to support world-leading biomedical research and innovation.

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor or barrister with current practising certificate (England & Wales or equivalent).
• Strong experience in general commercial contracting within science, tech, or charitable biomedical institutes.
• Excellent drafting and communication skills; ability to explain complex information clearly.

Responsibilities

• Provide practical, commercially focused legal advice to scientific and operational teams.
• Draft, review and negotiate broad range of agreements including contracts and IP/data matters.
• Support strategic partnerships, collaborations and commercial initiatives.

Skills

Commercial contracting

Legal drafting

Contract negotiation

Stakeholder management

Education

Solicitor or Barrister qualification

Tools

Matter management systems

Legal tech tools

Job description

Salary for this Role: Salary from £77,000 per annum plus benefits, subject to skills and experience

Job Title: Legal Counsel

Reports to: Natasha Bowyer Irvine

Closing Date: 13/Nov/2026 23.59 GMT

Job Description: Legal Counsel - Job Advert

Reporting to: Natasha Bowyer Irvine, Senior Legal Counsel

Department: Legal & Governance

Contract term: This is a full-time, permanent position on Crick terms and conditions of employment.

Salary for this Role: starting salary £77,000 per annum with benefits, subject to skills and experience

About us

The Francis Crick Institute is Europe's largest biomedical research institute under one roof. Our world-class scientists and staff collaborate on vital research to help prevent, diagnose and treat illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, infectious diseases and neurodegenerative conditions.

The Crick is a place for collaboration, innovation and exploration across many disciplines. A space where the brightest minds can pursue big and bold ideas and discover answers to crucial scientific questions. We support them in a dynamic environment which fosters excellence with state-of-the-art infrastructure, cutting-edge facilities, and a creative and curious culture. We've removed traditional boundaries of departments, divisions and disciplines and instead have an open approach that supports every researcher. This gives us the freedom to take risks and carry out high-quality, pioneering research. Creating a space for discovery without boundaries helps us to turn our science into benefits for human health and the economy.

About the role

Looking for a legal role where your work goes beyond the ordinary? Join the Francis Crick Institute as Legal Counsel and put your legal expertise at the heart of world-leading biomedical research and innovation.

From pioneering research collaborations and strategic partnerships to cutting-edge technology and complex commercial agreements, you will work on a fascinating variety of legal matters that help our scientists make discoveries about human health and disease.

You will join a friendly, collaborative and forward-thinking Legal & Governance team, working closely with colleagues across science and operations. Alongside providing practical legal advice, you will have the opportunity to shape how we deliver legal services, exploring new technologies, improving processes and helping us work smarter.

You do not need a background in biomedical research to make an impact here. We are looking for a commercially minded lawyer who enjoys variety, building relationships and finding creative solutions. If you are curious, collaborative and excited by the opportunity to use your legal expertise somewhere it can make a meaningful difference, we would love to hear from you.

We welcome applications from a diverse range of professional backgrounds and encourage you to apply if you meet the essential requirements.

See the full job description here.

What you will be doing

You will be responsible for:

• Providing practical, commercially focused legal advice to scientific and operational teams across the Crick.
• Drafting, reviewing and negotiating a broad range of agreements, including commercial contracts, research collaborations, funding arrangements and agreements relating to intellectual property and data.
• Supporting exciting scientific projects, strategic partnerships and commercial initiatives.
• Building trusted relationships with stakeholders and translating complex legal matters into clear, accessible advice.
• Improving legal processes, systems and ways of working.
• Sharing knowledge, supporting junior colleagues and contributing to a positive, collaborative team culture.

About you

You will have:

Essential

• A solicitor or barrister admitted in England & Wales (or another common law jurisdiction), with a current practising certificate and at least three years' post-qualification experience or demonstrable equivalent experience.
• General commercial contracting experience, ideally in science or technology, and a sound understanding of the legal and regulatory context of a charitable biomedical research institute.
• Excellent communication and legal drafting skills, with the ability to explain complex information clearly and effectively.
• Experience of alternative legal service models, matter management systems and using technology to challenge existing approaches.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, self-awareness and the ability to build trusted relationships with stakeholders at all levels.
• A proactive, collaborative approach and experience supporting junior colleagues.
• Strong organisational skills, attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• A commitment to the Crick's vision and core values.

Desirable

• Experience advising on data protection matters and negotiating related agreements.
• Experience working both in-house and in private practice.
• Specialist knowledge of intellectual property, corporate law, charity law, resea