Corporate Counsel

Neurocrine Biosciences; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 206,000 - 282,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement plan (company match)

Paid vacation & holidays

Medical, dental, vision coverage

Job summary

Neurocrine Biosciences seeks a corporate counsel to support our corporate functions and business operations. You will advise on complex legal issues, draft and negotiate a variety of agreements, and help ensure compliance with laws and company policies.

In this role you will collaborate with internal stakeholders, potentially oversee outside counsel, and contribute to cross-functional legal projects, including governance of AI, IT, and data initiatives.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree required with substantial in-house and/or law firm life sciences experience.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to provide practical, business-focused guidance.
• Demonstrated ability to draft, review and negotiate complex agreements and provide risk guidance.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal support to corporate functions and business operations.
• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of agreements including master services, consulting and licensing.
• Advise on compliance, risk, data governance, and governance of AI/IT initiatives.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders and manage outside counsel as needed.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Negotiation

Contract drafting

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Problem solving

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Job description

Who We Are

Neurocrine Biosciences is a leading biopharmaceutical company with a simple purpose: to relieve suffering for people with great needs. We are dedicated to discovering, developing and commercializing life-changing treatments for patients with under-addressed neurological, psychiatric, endocrine and immunological disorders. The company's diverse portfolio includes FDA-approved treatments for tardive dyskinesia, chorea associated with Huntington's disease, classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia, hyperphagia in Prader-Willi syndrome, endometriosis* and uterine fibroids*, as well as a robust pipeline including multiple compounds in mid- to late-phase clinical development across our core therapeutic areas. For more than three decades, we have applied our unique insight into neuroscience and the interconnections between brain and body systems to treat complex conditions. We relentlessly pursue medicines to ease the burden of debilitating diseases and disorders, because you deserve brave science. For more information, visit neurocrine.com, and follow the company on LinkedIn, X, Facebook and YouTube. (*in collaboration with AbbVie)

About the Role

A Corporate Counsel provides legal support to the Company’s corporate functions and business operations by advising on complex legal matters and increasingly complex legal issues within defined areas of responsibility. Works under the guidance of more senior attorneys to deliver practical, business-oriented legal advice, support contracting activities, and ensure compliance with applicable laws and Company policies. Executes assigned legal workstreams and contributes to the effective delivery of legal services across corporate initiatives.

Your Contributions

• Legal Advice & Execution Provides clear, practical legal advice and risk guidance to business partners on complex matters that inform legal strategy for assigned business areas. Supports business activities, potentially including: Clinical development and research activities, Business development and alliance management activities, Corporate and operational matters, Artificial intelligence, information technology, and data governance initiatives, Applies applicable laws and regulations, as well as industry requirements.
• Contracting & Transactional Support Drafts, reviews, and negotiates a variety of agreements, including: Confidentiality agreements, Consulting and master services agreements, Clinical trial and research-related agreements, Licensing, collaboration, and vendor agreements, Other routine corporate and transactional documents. Supports corporate transactions, including financing, licensing, collaboration, and business development activities. Ensures agreements align with Company policies, templates, governance requirements, and risk tolerance.
• Business Partnership Collaborates with internal stakeholders to understand business needs and provide responsive legal support. Escalates complex or high-risk issues to senior attorneys, as appropriate. Leads assigned legal workstreams and contributes to cross-functional projects. Maintains strong relationships with business clients and third-party contracting parties to support Company objectives.
• Compliance & Risk Awareness Identifies potential legal risks and brings issues forward for review. Supports implementation of compliance processes and legal guidance. Stays current on relevant legal and regulatory developments.
• Operational Support Assists in development and maintenance of legal templates, processes, and tools. Supports management of outside counsel as directed. Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree and 6+ years practice as an attorney in a well-regarded law firm and in-house experience with a life sciences company, and/or a reputable, highly rated law firm with a focus on representing life science companies
• An active license to practice law in any state
• Foundational knowledge of: Corporate contracting and transactions; Ability to analyze legal issues and understand business impact with guidance; Pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry practices (preferred); Artificial intelligence, information technology, and data governance initiatives (preferred)
• Demonstrated ability to provide practical, business-oriented legal advice on complex issues.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with demonstrated ability to assess ambiguous or complex issues, prioritize risk, and exercise sound judgment.
• Strong communication, influencing, collaboration, and organizational skills, with demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex priorities and build effective relationships across functions and levels.
• Demonstrated ability to operate independently, exercise sound judgment, and recognize matters requiring broader Legal, Compliance, or senior-leadership alignment.

Salary & Benefits

• The annual base salary we reasonably expect to pay is $206,400.00-$282,000.00.
• Individual pay decisions depend on various factors, such as primary work location, complexity and responsibility of role, job duties/requirements, and relevant experience and skills.
• In addition, this position offers an annual bonus with a target of 30% of the earned base salary and eligibility to participate in our equity based long term incentive program.
• Benefits offered include a retirement savings plan (with company match), paid vacation, holiday and personal days, paid caregiver/parental and medical leave, and health benefits to include medical, prescription drug, dental and vision coverage in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans.

Neurocrine Biosciences was named one of the FORTUNE Best Workplaces in Biopharma™ 2025. We were also named a Great Place to Work® Certified company. ©2025 Fortune Media IP Limited. All rights reserved. Used under license. Neurocrine Biosciences is an EEO/Disability/Vets employer. We are committed to building a workplace of belonging, respect, and empowerment, and we recognize there are a variety of ways to meet our requirements. We are looking for the best candidate for the job and encourage you to apply even if your experience or qualifications don’t line up to exactly what we have outlined in the job description.

Our Values

• PASSION: We are driven and love what we do. We are committed to our goals and to making a difference.
• INTEGRITY: We do the right thing for patients and our community. We take accountability. We speak up.
• COLLABORATION: We trust one another. We are inclusive. We are respectful. We are transparent. Together we succeed.
• INNOVATION: We seek and create optimal solutions.
• TENACITY: We do not quit. We adapt. We accomplish what others cannot.

Come join our team during this exciting time of growth and opportunities!