Assistant General Counsel

23andMe Research Institute; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 250,000 - 310,000; Full time

Job summary

23andMe Research Institute is seeking an Associate General Counsel in Palo Alto to own the corporate transactions function and support key practice areas at the frontier of human genetics.

You will lead strategic transactions, draft data licensing and research agreements, and advise on governance, regulatory, IP, employment, and AI policy while mentoring the legal team. A JD and Bar admission are required, with 8+ years of relevant experience.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience on corporate and transactional matters in a top law firm and/or in-house
• Experience structuring, drafting and negotiating commercial agreements, preferably in data licensing or healthcare
• Familiarity with life sciences privacy laws and de-identification standards
• Ability to balance legal risk with business objectives and communicate complex concepts to non-legal stakeholders
• Proficiency with AI-enabled legal tools and workflows
• Willingness to work onsite 3 days a week (Tue–Thu) in Palo Alto, CA

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic transactions with Corporate Development, Research and Commercial teams
• Structure, draft and negotiate a broad range of commercial agreements including data licensing and research collaborations
• Advise on corporate governance, regulatory matters, IP, employment, and AI policy
• Review marketing and promotional materials for regulatory compliance
• Mentor team members and establish best practices for a collaborative legal culture
• Strengthen Legal Ops and use AI/automation to streamline deal flow and scalable contracting
• Manage outside counsel and external stakeholders

Skills

Corporate transactions

Contract drafting

Regulatory compliance

AI policy

Leadership

Legal communication

AI tools

Education

JD from an accredited law school

Tools

AI tools

Job description

Who We Are

We are a group of individuals passionate about genetic discovery. 23andMe Research Institute is a nonprofit consumer and research organization that enables people everywhere to access their genetic information, learn about themselves, and participate in the world's largest crowdsourced research initiative. The Institute aims to be one of the most significant contributors to scientific advancement, uniting people with the common goal of improving health and deepening our understanding of DNA — the code of life.

About this Role

We're looking for an exceptional lawyer to join 23andMe’s growing legal team as an Associate General Counsel. You will own the corporate transactions function and support other key practice areas for a company operating at the frontier of human genetics. Reporting directly to the General Counsel and Chief Risk Officer, you will work collaboratively with our Corporate Development, Commercial, Research, Philanthropy and other teams across the organization. You will partner with the General Counsel to evolve our legal, compliance and contracting functions, mentor and develop colleagues and shape how the business engages with our legal team. The role requires sound judgment, executive presence, and the ability to pragmatically anticipate and mitigate risk, identify opportunities, and develop legal frameworks that support 23andMe’s vision, mission and growth.

What You'll Do

• Lead strategic transactions in partnership with our Corporate Development, Research and Commercial teams
• Structure, draft and negotiate a broad range of commercial agreements, including data licensing, research collaboration, channel partnership and grant agreements
• Advise on corporate governance, regulatory matters, IP, employment, and AI policy
• Assist in the review of marketing and promotional materials for regulatory compliance
• Demonstrate leadership by mentoring other team members, setting best practices, and contributing to the development of a collaborative, solutions‑oriented legal culture
• Strengthen our Legal Ops function, using AI and automation to streamline deal flow and establish scalable contracting standards
• Effectively manage outside counsel and other key external stakeholders

What You’ll Bring

• A strong generalist skillset with 8+ years of experience working on corporate and transactional matters in a leading law firm and/or in‑house environment
• Significant experience structuring, drafting and negotiating commercial agreements, preferably in the data licensing or healthcare space
• Familiarity with how life sciences and healthcare organizations use de-identified data and navigate privacy laws and de-identification standards
• Proven ability to balance legal risk with business objectives in a fast‑paced environment and communicate complex legal concepts clearly and effectively to non‑legal stakeholders
• High integrity, forward‑looking perspective, and a pragmatic, solution‑oriented approach
• Familiarity with AI‑enabled legal tools and workflows
• Ability to work 3 days onsite (Tuesday‑Thursday) in our Palo Alto, CA office
• JD from an accredited law school and a member of at least one state Bar
• Preferred Experience in genomics, biobanking, real‑world data, or life sciences collaborations
• Experience advising on genetic testing regulation, including FDA pathways for direct‑to‑consumer and clinical tests, CLIA certification, and state laboratory licensure
• Nonprofit, academic medical center, or research institute experience

About Us

Headquartered in Palo Alto, California, 23andMe Research Institute is a leading consumer genetics and research company. The company’s mission is to help people access, understand, and benefit from the human genome. 23andMe has pioneered direct access to genetic information as the only company with multiple FDA authorizations for genetic health risk reports. More information is available at www.23andme.com/research.

At 23andMe, we value a diverse, inclusive workforce and we provide equal employment opportunities for all applicants and employees. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to an individual’s race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws.

Pay Transparency

23andMe takes a market‑based approach to pay, and amounts will vary depending on your geographic location. The salary range reflected here is for a candidate based in the San Francisco Bay Area. The successful candidate’s starting pay will be determined based on job‑related skills, experience, qualifications, work location, and market conditions. These ranges may be modified in the future.

• San Francisco Bay Area Base Pay Range $250,000 - $310,000

What will you be empowered to do?

At 23andMe, we value a diverse, inclusive workforce and we provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to an individual’s race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws.

If you are unable to submit your application because of incompatible assistive technology or a disability, please contact us at [e-mail]. 23andMe will reasonably accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities to the extent required by applicable law.