Senior Legal Counsel

MIRXES PTE. LTD.; Singapore; On-site; SGD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading biotech firm in Singapore is seeking a dynamic Senior Legal Counsel to navigate legal complexities in corporate governance, intellectual property, and regulatory compliance. This role requires 8-10 years of experience, an active bar membership, and expertise in biotech regulations. The candidate will collaborate with cross-functional teams and manage legal risks in a fast-paced environment. Strong negotiation and leadership skills are essential, alongside a deep understanding of the biotechnology sector.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8-10 years of legal experience, with at least 5 years in-house at a biotech company.
• Active bar membership in Singapore or relevant jurisdictions.
• In-depth knowledge of corporate law and international regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert legal counsel in corporate governance, M&A, and IP management.
• Negotiate and draft agreements, including clinical trial and licensing agreements.
• Oversee compliance with biotech regulations and manage litigation matters.

Skills

Analytical skills

Negotiation skills

Leadership skills

Knowledge of biotech regulations

Problem-solving skills

Education

Juris Doctor (JD) or equivalent law degree

Job description

Senior Legal Counsel MIRXES PTE. LTD.•D22 Jurong, Jurong Island, Tuas, SG

MiRXES is a Singapore-headquartered molecular diagnostic company with R&D, manufacturing, and clinical lab operations in Singapore, USA, Japan, and China. We specialize in microRNA technologies and the development, manufacturing, and provision of diagnostic test kits and clinical services. Our mission is to enable early disease detection and provide insights for better patient care by harnessing the power of microRNA to augment traditional testing. Our vision is to be the world’s leading developer and provider of accurate, actionable, and affordable microRNA-powered diagnostic tests.

Job Summary

Mirxes is seeking a highly experienced and strategic Senior Legal Counsel to join our growing and dynamic legal team. As a key member of the department, you will provide expert legal advice and support across all facets of the business, including corporate governance, intellectual property, regulatory compliance, and business/capital markets transactions. Your expertise will be pivotal in navigating the evolving landscape of the life sciences and biotechnology sectors, ensuring that our operations remain compliant and that we effectively manage legal risks in a fast-moving and highly regulated environment.

The ideal candidate will bring a deep understanding of both legal principles and the unique challenges faced by a growing biotech company, as well as the ability to collaborate across teams and provide business-savvy legal solutions.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Legal Advisory: Provide expert legal counsel on a wide range of issues, including corporate governance, mergers & acquisitions, intellectual property (IP), regulatory compliance, contracts, labor & employment, and dispute resolution in the life sciences and biotechnology sectors.
• Intellectual Property (IP) Management: Advise on patent strategy, licensing agreements, IP portfolio management, and protection of proprietary technologies, ensuring that Mirxes’ IP assets are maximized and legally protected.
• Contract Negotiation & Drafting: Review, draft, and negotiate complex agreements including research & development collaborations, licensing agreements, vendor contracts, clinical trial agreements, and supply agreements. Ensure contracts align with the company’s objectives while minimizing risk.
• Risk Management: Proactively identify, assess, and manage legal risks within Mirxes’ operations, particularly in relation to compliance with biotechnology regulations, data protection laws, and IP issues.
• Regulatory Compliance: Stay informed of developments in biotech regulations globally (including FDA, PMDA, NMPA) and provide guidance on ensuring compliance with health authorities, data privacy, and ethical standards.
• Litigation and Dispute Resolution: Oversee and manage litigation matters and disputes, working closely with external legal counsel to defend and protect the company’s interests while controlling costs.
• Corporate Governance: Advise the Board of Directors and senior management on corporate governance matters, compliance with relevant securities laws, and best practices for corporate oversight.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with R&D, Regulatory Affairs, Commercial, and Operations teams to ensure that legal considerations are integrated into business decision-making, particularly with regard to product development and commercialization.
• M&A and Strategic Transactions: Lead or support the legal aspects of mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, licensing deals, and strategic partnerships, including due diligence, deal structuring, and negotiation.

Desired Skills and Competencies

• Education: Juris Doctor (JD) or equivalent law degree from an accredited law school.
• Experience: A minimum of 8-10 years of legal experience, with at least 5 years in-house at a biotechnology, life sciences, or pharmaceutical company preferred.
• Licensing: Active bar membership in Singapore or other relevant common law jurisdictions.
• Expertise: In-depth knowledge of biotech regulations, corporate law, IP law (including patents), contract law, and international regulatory compliance. Prior experience in clinical trials and drug/device development is highly preferred.

Skills

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, particularly in navigating complex legal and regulatory issues within the biotech and life sciences industry.
• Strong negotiation skills and the ability to collaborate with senior leadership and cross-functional teams.
• Proven ability to manage and prioritize multiple complex legal matters, particularly in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.
• Strong leadership skills, including mentoring and managing junior legal staff and fostering a collaborative legal department.
• Experience with international legal matters, particularly cross-border transactions and regulatory compliance in the biotech or pharma sectors.
• Knowledge of clinical trial regulations, FDA/EMA approval processes, and other regulatory issues unique to the life sciences industry.
• Experience with data privacy, cybersecurity, and related regulatory matters, especially in the context of health-related data.
• Proficiency with legal research tools, contract management systems, and document management platforms.

This position is based in Singapore.