Associate Director, Corporate Counsel

WuXi Biologics; Cranbury Township (NJ); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Collaborative culture

Hands-on legal experience

Job summary

WuXi Biologics is seeking a Corporate Counsel (Mid-Level) to join their U.S. legal team. This role involves drafting and negotiating contracts, advising on compliance with regulatory requirements, and providing legal support across various functions. The ideal candidate will have a J.D. degree, at least 5 years of relevant legal experience, and familiarity with biotech or life sciences. The position offers a hybrid working environment and competitive benefits, fostering collaboration within a mission-driven culture.

Qualifications

• J.D. degree and bar membership required.
• 5+ years of legal experience preferred.
• Experience in biotech or life sciences is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate various agreements.
• Advise on healthcare and biotech regulations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams for compliance.

Skills

Legal experience

Communication skills

Data privacy knowledge

Employment law knowledge

Commercial contracting

Regulatory compliance

Education

J.D. from an accredited law school

Job description

Job Title: Corporate Counsel (Mid-Level) – U.S.

Location: Hybrid (Cranbury NJ)

Reports To: Head of U.S. Legal with dotted‑line report to Head of U.S. Compliance

Overview

We are seeking a highly motivated and business‑oriented mid‑level attorney to join the U.S. legal team of a global biotechnology company. This role offers broad exposure across a wide range of legal and compliance areas in a fast‑paced, innovative environment. As a key member of a lean legal team, you will partner closely with cross‑functional stakeholders and play an important role in supporting and enhancing the company’s cross‑functional legal and compliance efforts across U.S. operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Commercial Contracting: Draft, review, and negotiate a variety of agreements, including services, supply, licensing, clinical, and collaboration agreements.
• Regulatory & Compliance: Advise on applicable healthcare, biotech, and life sciences regulations; support the design, implementation, and maintenance of compliance programs, policies, and internal controls.
• Cross‑Functional Compliance: Serve as a key legal partner to compliance, finance, HR, and business teams to ensure alignment with internal policies and external regulatory requirements; assist in developing, implementing, and monitoring company‑wide compliance initiatives.
• Government Affairs: Provide legal support on interactions with federal and state agencies, including monitoring legislative and regulatory developments.
• Data Privacy & Security: Counsel on U.S. data privacy laws and company data governance practices; support compliance with evolving privacy frameworks.
• Employment Matters: Advise on employment‑related issues, including hiring, terminations, policies, and internal investigations, in coordination with HR.
• Litigation & Disputes: Assist in managing litigation, disputes, and external counsel.
• Cross‑Functional Support: Collaborate with business teams (e.g., R&D, commercial, operations) to identify legal risks and develop practical solutions.
• Intellectual Property (Preferred): Provide support on IP‑related matters, including coordination with IP counsel (experience a plus but not required).
• Compliance Implementation and Management Support: Support the implementation management of designated compliance initiatives in the U.S., including local policy mapping, rollout, communication, and follow‑through in assigned compliance areas.
• Internal Investigations Support: Support internal investigations in the U.S., including interviews, fact development, review coordination, and working with external vendors on forensic review where needed.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school and active membership in at least one U.S. state bar.
• Minimum 5+ years of legal experience, including prior experience at a law firm.
• Experience advising biotech, pharmaceutical, or life sciences clients strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience handling a broad range of corporate legal matters, particularly commercial contracting.
• Familiarity with U.S. regulatory frameworks applicable to biotech or healthcare industries.
• Experience supporting or partnering with compliance functions or programs strongly preferred.
• Experience with data privacy, employment, and/or litigation matters is highly desirable.
• Strong business judgment, communication skills, and ability to work independently in a remote environment.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced, evolving setting.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior in‑house experience at a biotech, pharmaceutical, or healthcare company.
• Exposure to intellectual property matters.
• Experience working in a global or cross‑border environment.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to work closely with senior leadership in a high‑impact role.
• Broad, hands‑on experience across legal and compliance functions.
• Collaborative and mission‑driven culture within a global organization.
• Competitive compensation and benefits package.