Director, R&D Legal, Americas

Scorpion Therapeutics; Cambridge (MA); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Scorpion Therapeutics seeks a Lead Legal Counsel to support R&D activities across the Americas, with a focus on the United States. Based in Cambridge, MA or East Hanover, NJ, you will provide strategic guidance on FDA regulatory requirements, research governance, GxP compliance, and emerging technologies such as AI, translating complex concepts into actionable advice.

You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to manage legal risk, support clinical operations, and oversee data sharing,

Qualifications

• J.D. or equivalent and bar admission in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
• 8+ years of life sciences legal experience with FDA law and GxP.
• Experience supporting R&D or clinical operations.
• Ability to translate complex legal concepts into practical advice.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic legal counsel on FDA regulatory requirements, research governance, data sharing, GxP compliance, and emerging tech like AI.
• Support integration of acquired assets.
• Advise on cross-border data exchanges and collaborations.
• Support clinical trial activities including privacy, site selection, and patient engagement.
• Partner across legal, regulatory, and business teams to manage legal risks and ensure compliance.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Analytical skills

Risk assessment

Regulatory compliance knowledge

Education

J.D. or equivalent, admitted in at least one U.S. jurisdiction

Job description

Role

Lead legal support for R&D activities in the Americas, primarily U.S., focusing on research, clinical operations, and development units.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic legal counsel on FDA regulatory requirements, research governance, data sharing, GxP compliance, and emerging tech like AI.
• support integration of acquired assets.
• advise on cross-border data exchanges and collaborations.
• support clinical trial activities including privacy, site selection, and patient engagement.
• partner across legal, regulatory, and business teams to manage legal risks and ensure compliance.

Requirements

• J.D. or equivalent, admitted in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
• 8+ years' legal experience in life sciences, preferably biotech or pharma, with strong knowledge of FDA law, clinical development, and GxP.
• experience supporting R&D or clinical operations.
• strategic, analytical, and risk assessment skills.
• ability to translate complex legal concepts into practical advice.
• interest in emerging tech and global regulatory landscapes.

High-Value

U.S.-focused, biotech/pharma R&D, clinical operations, GxP, FDA regulation, legal support for AI and data sharing, cross-border collaborations.

Work Setup

based in Cambridge, MA or East Hanover, NJ, with a requirement to be onsite 3x/week.