Director, R&D Counsel — Biotech Contracts & Growth

Viridian Therapeutics; Waltham (MA); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 320,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Medical, dental, vision plans

Disability coverage

401(k) Company Match

Paid holidays

Job summary

Viridian Therapeutics seeks an experienced Director, R&D Counsel to support contracting across R&D and Technical Operations. You will draft and negotiate a wide range of life-sciences agreements, provide strategic business counsel, and drive scalable contracting processes. The role requires a J.D.

and 12+ years as a transactional attorney, with biotech/pharma experience preferred. This on-site role is based in Waltham, MA with a three-day-per-week office expectation and a collaborative,

Qualifications

• Requires a J.D. degree and active membership in good standing in at least one U.S. state bar.
• Twelve-plus years of experience as a transactional attorney in biotech/pharma preferred.
• Strong background drafting and negotiating life-sciences agreements (early research, supply chain/manufacturing, and/or clinical development).
• Excellent communication, business judgment, and practical solutions-oriented approach.
• Ability to work as part of a cross-functional team and build relationships across functions.
• Ethical standards and risk-aware decision making are essential.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide variety of R&D, Supply Chain, manufacturing, and vendor agreements including CDAs, MSAs, SOWs, MTAs, and more.
• Provide legal and strategic support across contracting lifecycle—drafting, negotiating, risk assessment, and execution.
• Translate business priorities into contracting plans, align stakeholders on timelines, and resolve delivery issues.
• Counsel R&D and Technical Operations on legal and contract questions, rights, obligations, compliance, and risk.
• Lead resolution of complex contractual issues, balancing legal risk with business need and urgency.
• Lead initiatives to develop scalable templates, processes, and playbooks to support Viridian’s growth.
• Support broader Legal department initiatives and special projects.

Skills

Contract drafting

Negotiation

Cross-functional collaboration

Regulatory awareness

Strategic thinking

Education

J.D. degree

Bar admission (US)

Tools

Microsoft Office suite

Job description

Viridian Therapeutics seeks an experienced Director, R&D Counsel to support contracting across R&D and Technical Operations. You will draft and negotiate a wide range of life-sciences agreements, provide strategic business counsel, and drive scalable contracting processes. The role requires a J.D.

and 12+ years as a transactional attorney, with biotech/pharma experience preferred. This on-site role is based in Waltham, MA with a three-day-per-week office expectation and a collaborative,