Cambrian Bio is seeking an experienced and highly motivated attorney with a strong life sciences background and deep experience in contract negotiation, governance, corporate matters, and transactions. As Head of Legal, you will lead all legal activities for Cambrian Bio and its subsidiaries, acting as a member of the executive team while providing hands-on legal support across the organization.

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This role is tailored for a clinical-stage biotech company and will be critical in enabling Cambrian Bio’s R&D programs, clinical trial execution, intellectual property strategy, and day-to-day operating efforts. You’ll manage all legal matters related to corporate governance, licensing/partnerships, contracting, policies, compliance, IT, and transactions. You will also oversee external counsel relationships and lead internal legal and IT team members.

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This is a highly cross-functional role supporting research, clinical, finance, HR, and business development teams in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.

‍Corporate, Clinical, and General Counsel Functions

• Serve as the company’s senior-most legal advisor, managing all legal matters for CambrianBio and its subsidiaries.
• Act as the central point of intake for legal matters; provide direct support or manage external counsel as appropriate.
• Lead and manage internal legal and IT teams, providing oversight, support, and professional development.
• Oversee corporate governance and corporate secretarial responsibilities, including Board and committee meeting support.
• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of contracts including clinical trial agreements, CRO and vendor agreements, research collaborations, employment and consulting agreements, and licensing deals.
• Partner closely with clinical and R&D teams to provide legal guidance on development-stage activities.
• Develop and implement scalable legal processes and leverage third-party tools to support rapid growth.
• Manage external legal counsel relationships and budgets, including rate negotiations and scoping.
• Collaborate with HR and Finance to oversee legal aspects of stock administration, equity compensation, and employment-related matters.
• Provide oversight of CambrianBio’s IT function, ensuring systems, policies, and vendors support operational needs and risk management.
• Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards; draft and maintain internal policies as needed.
• Serve as a strategic legal leadership to the executive team, providing practical, risk-based counsel to support decision-making.

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Transaction Support (M&A and Financings)

• Lead legal support for strategic transactions, including financing, acquisitions, partnerships, and out-licensing opportunities.
• Collaborate with the executive team, finance, and external counsel on deal structuring, due diligence, and negotiations.
• Draft and negotiate key transaction documents such as NDAs, LOIs, term sheets, and definitive agreements.
• Oversee data room management and lead the legal due diligence process.
• Identify legal risks and develop mitigation strategies throughout transaction planning and execution.
• Support post-transaction integration efforts and related legal implementation.

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Intellectual Property

• Oversee external IP counsel in collaboration with internal scientific and business teams to develop and execute the company’s IP strategy.
• Draft and negotiate IP-related agreements, including research collaborations, CRO agreements, MTAs, licenses, and development-stage partnerships.
• Provide legal input on IP provisions in employment agreements and scientific publications.
• Monitor developments in the IP and regulatory landscape to inform strategy and risk management.

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school and admission to the bar in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
• Minimum of 15 years of combined experience in top-tier law firms and in-house legal departments, including prior experience as Head of Legal, Chief Legal Officer, General Counsel, or Corporate Secretary in a clinical-stage biotech or pharmaceutical company.
• Demonstrated success managing legal aspects of M&A, financings, licensing transactions, and strategic partnerships.
• Strong background in supporting R&D-stage life sciences companies, including clinical trials, regulatory interactions, and scientific collaborations.
• Proven experience managing and mentoring internal legal professionals.
• Experience overseeing and negotiating IP and technology-related agreements, working closely with scientists and external counsel.
• Ability to effectively manage external counsel across a range of specialties.
• Strong understanding of legal and operational risk considerations in IT and information systems oversight.
• Strong organizational skills and business judgment with the ability to balance legal risk and business needs.
• Growth-oriented mindset with the ability to thrive in a dynamic, early-stage environment.

In addition to being part of a brilliant team of collaborative innovators, you will also enjoy the following benefits as a member of the Cambrian team:

• 16 Company holidays and unlimited vacation policy
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance with fully employer-paid coverage options for employees
• 401K with pre-tax and Roth contribution options
• Employee Assistance Program to provide free, confidential support for all employees and their dependents through Optum’s Life and Work Well
• Flexible spending accounts and health savings account
• Adoption assistance
• Short & long term disability
• Basic life & AD&D insurance, as well as voluntary life insurance