Manager Legal Counsel 80-100% (f/m/d)
About this role
The actual location of this job is in Basel Tower, Switzerland.
We are looking for a Legal Counsel to support our Licensing Business. The role will focus on partnering with a dynamic and growing business in the evaluation, development and commercialization of innovative technologies. The successful candidate will review, draft, and negotiate a variety of contracts, including confidentiality agreements, material transfer agreements, research and evaluation agreements, supply agreements and research collaboration agreements, and where applicable, licensing and other strategic commercial agreements.
As a key legal partner to the business, you will support technology focused projects from early-stage collaborations through commercialization activities. You will provide pragmatic legal advice on commercial, operational and strategic matters, working closely with R&D, Business Development, Manufacturing, Intellectual Property (IP) and other cross functional teams to help advance innovative technologies and support customer programs. Additionally, you will support the implementation of AI tools for the legal function and contribute to the ongoing development and refinement of contract templates.
What you will get:
An agile career and a dynamic work culture
An inclusive and ethical workplace
Compensation programs that recognize high performance
Opportunity to work at the intersection of scientific innovation, technology commercialization and strategic business growth, partnering closely with a passionate and rapidly expanding business team
Responsibilities
- Contract Negotiation & Drafting: Review, draft, and negotiate a variety of commercial and research related contracts, including confidentiality agreements, material transfer agreements, supply agreement, research collaboration agreements and license agreements, ensuring alignment with business goals and regulatory frameworks
- Legal Advisory: Provide legal guidance on commercial, operational, and technology-related matters, balancing legal risk with business objectives in a fast-paced environment
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with IP, R&D, Business Development, and Manufacturing teams to support innovation projects, strategic collaborations and technology commercialization initiatives
- Help with implementing AI-driven legal tools to improve contract management and legal workflows.
- Update and improve standard agreements to reflect industry standards in the CDMO and pharmaceutical sectors.
Requirements
- Law degree with 3-5 years of experience, preferably in a law firm and as in-house lawyer in a CDMO, pharmaceutical, biotech, or life sciences environment
- Strong contract drafting and negotiation skills across commercial, research, collaboration, supply and technology-related agreements. Experience with licensing transactions is desirable but not required
- Ability to work cross-functionally and align legal strategies with business and regulatory needs
- Curiosity and willingness to understand the scientific, commercial, and strategic context behind innovative technologies and business initiatives
- Initiative in streamlining contract processes and improving templates, playbooks and other tools supporting operational and research activities
- Eagerness to learn about emerging technologies, scientific developments, business models, and industry trends within the life sciences sector
- Strong communication skills to build trust and act as a collaborative legal partner across departments
- Curiosity about demonstrating legal tech tools to improve contract lifecycle management and partners collaboration
- Good knowledge of written and spoken English, German is a plus
About Lonza Group
At Lonza, our people are our greatest strength. With 30+ sites across five continents, our globally connected teams work together every day to manufacture the medicines of tomorrow. Our core values of Collaboration, Accountability, Excellence, Passion and Integrity reflect who we are and how we work together. Everyone’s ideas, big or small, have the potential to improve millions of lives, and that’s the kind of work we want you to be part of. Innovation thrives when people from all backgrounds bring their unique perspectives to the table. At Lonza, we value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. If you’re ready to help turn our customers’ breakthrough ideas into viable therapies, we look forward to welcoming you on board. Ready to shape the future of life sciences? Apply now.