In-House Contracts Attorney

Verastem Oncology; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Equity compensation

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

A leading biotech company in Boston is seeking a Senior Contract Manager to handle contract drafting, negotiation, and compliance issues. The role is essential for ensuring clarity and compliance across various agreements. The ideal candidate holds a Juris Doctor (JD) and has over 7 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry. Responsibilities include drafting vendor agreements and providing legal guidance, making this a key position that impacts how contracts are structured within the organization. Competitive salary and benefits are offered.

Qualifications

• 7+ years’ experience in contract drafting, negotiation, and review in a pharma or biotech setting.
• Strong knowledge of commercial and licensing agreements.
• Ability to communicate legal concepts to non-legal stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of contracts.
• Provide legal guidance on contract terms and compliance obligations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure support for business priorities.

Skills

Contract drafting

Negotiation

Legal compliance

Risk mitigation

Communication

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Tools

Contract management software

Job description

At Verastem Oncology, we're advancing innovation and addressing the urgent needs of patients living with cancers driven by RAS/MAPK pathway mutations, a key driver of tumor growth and treatment resistance. The FDA approval of AVMAPKI FAKZYNJA CO-PACK delivered the first therapy specifically for women living with recurrent KRAS‑mutated low‑grade serous ovarian cancer, a rare cancer with significant unmet need. We’ve successfully launched this innovative combination therapy in the U.S. and are exploring regulatory pathways for Europe and Japan.

We are continuing to advance our pipeline of drugs that we believe will help block cancer cell survival, inhibit tumor growth, and overcome treatment resistance. With clinical trials underway, we have an exciting opportunity to shape the future of cancer care and make a meaningful impact in the lives of patients.

The Impact You'll Make

In this role, you will serve as the primary legal resource for all contract‑related matters, working closely with stakeholders across the organization to ensure agreements are clear, compliant, and aligned with business objectives. You will be instrumental in balancing the need for speed in business operations with the necessity of managing legal and business risk.

Your work will directly influence how the company structures its various contractual relationships, safeguards its interests, and supports sustainable growth. You will have the opportunity to shape contract strategy, improve processes, and implement best practices that will have a lasting impact on the organization.

What You'll Do

• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of contracts, including vendor agreements, service contracts, licensing arrangements, partnership agreements, and other documents across functions at Verastem, including Clinical Development, Commercial, Medical Affairs and Corporate.
• Provide clear, actionable legal guidance to internal stakeholders on contract terms, compliance obligations, and risk mitigation strategies, ensuring that business teams understand the implications of contractual commitments.
• Collaborate with procurement, finance, operations, sales, and leadership to ensure contract terms support business priorities and operational realities.
• Develop, maintain, and enhance contract management processes, including standardized templates, clause libraries, and approval workflows to improve efficiency and consistency.
• Coordinate with Verastem’s contract management system administrator to ensure that agreement requests are processed efficiently and effectively.
• Work with outside contract counsel as necessary to ensure that the volume of contracts being reviewed and processed is managed effectively.
• Monitor and interpret relevant legal and regulatory developments, advising the business on necessary changes to maintain compliance and reduce exposure to risk.
• Lead the resolution of contract‑related disputes, working to achieve outcomes that protect the company’s interests while preserving important business relationships.
• Train and educate internal teams on contract best practices, negotiation strategies, and compliance requirements.
• Partner with cross‑functional teams to identify opportunities for process improvement and implement solutions that streamline contract lifecycle management.

What You'll Bring

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school and active bar membership in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
• Minimum of 7 years’ experience in contract drafting, negotiation, and review, preferably in a pharma and/or biotech in‑house or corporate setting.
• Strong knowledge of commercial, licensing, and vendor agreements, with the ability to adapt to a variety of contract types and industries.
• Proven ability to communicate complex legal concepts in clear, practical terms to non‑legal stakeholders.
• A solutions‑oriented approach with the ability to balance legal risk and business needs in a fast‑paced environment.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple contracts and priorities simultaneously.
• Experience with contract management software or systems required. Knowledge of and experience with artificial intelligence platforms preferable.
• A collaborative mindset and the ability to build strong working relationships across departments.

The base salary range provided reflects our current estimate of what we anticipate paying for this position. Your actual base salary will be based on several factors, including job‑related skills, experience, internal equity, relevant education or training, location, and market dynamics. In addition, you will be eligible for an annual bonus, equity compensation, and a competitive benefits package.