Life Sciences Transactions Associate — Licensing, M&A & Finance

Watts & Associates Recruitment; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 260,000 - 420,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus eligibility

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Professional development

Wellbeing programs

Pro bono opportunities

Job summary

Watts & Associates is seeking a Life Sciences Transactions Associate in San Francisco to join a premier Am Law 20 platform. You will lead drafting and negotiation across licensing, collaboration and financing matters for biotechnology, pharmaceutical and medical‑device clients, with close partner collaboration.

The role offers exposure to high‑value deals, in‑house counsel interaction, and cross‑practice teamwork across corporate, IP and regulatory disciplines.

Qualifications

• Approximately 4–8 years of life‑sciences transactions, corporate or technology‑transactions experience.
• Experience with sophisticated commercial, licensing or strategic transaction documents.
• Understanding of life‑sciences business and intellectual‑property considerations.
• Strong drafting, analytical and organisational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple negotiations and timelines.
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal skills.
• Strong academic credentials and sophisticated law‑firm experience.
• Admission to the California Bar, or eligibility to obtain admission promptly.

Responsibilities

• Draft and negotiate licensing and collaboration agreements.
• Support acquisitions, financings and strategic investments.
• Advise on research, development and commercialisation arrangements.
• Assist with intellectual‑property and commercial diligence.
• Counsel on manufacturing, supply and distribution arrangements.
• Coordinate corporate, patent, regulatory and tax input.
• Work directly with business‑development and in‑house legal teams.
• Manage transaction processes and multiple negotiation workstreams.
• Provide practical advice on commercial and strategic risk.

Skills

Life sciences transactions

Drafting & negotiation

Legal analysis

Education

Admission to the California Bar

Job description

Watts & Associates is seeking a Life Sciences Transactions Associate in San Francisco to join a premier Am Law 20 platform. You will lead drafting and negotiation across licensing, collaboration and financing matters for biotechnology, pharmaceutical and medical‑device clients, with close partner collaboration.

The role offers exposure to high‑value deals, in‑house counsel interaction, and cross‑practice teamwork across corporate, IP and regulatory disciplines.