Ncardia is a leading pioneer in leveraging human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) innovation for drug discovery and it is also a leader in contract research, development and manufacture of iPSC-based solutions for early and preclinical drug discovery. By combining deep iPSC knowledge, broad assay capabilities and a demonstrated ability to integrate the biology of human diseases into preclinical research, Ncardia helps drug developers make critical decisions earlier and with more confidence.
THE OPPORTUNITY
Ncardia is continuing a journey of rapid growth and expansion delivering world class iPSC-based solutions to therapeutic developers. Ncardia promotes an open culture and encourages personal growth and collaboration. The company values creative thinking and proactivity, and emphasizes an organizational climate that promotes trust and rewards excellence, which in turn enables the company to recruit – and keep – some of the industry’s very best and brightest.
Ncardia is now seeking to recruit a first-time Lead Legal Counsel to join the organization based either at headquarters in Mont-Saint-Guibert, Belgium or Leiden, Netherlands. A key hire, the overall objective of the Lead Legal Counsel will be to provide legal advice and operational legal support across the Ncardia organization, working closely with the Board and senior management to review and professionalize processes.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Drafting, reviewing and negotiating a broad range of legal contracts and agreements, including but not limited to, Master Services, Supply, Purchasing, Manufacturing, Confidential Disclosure and Governance.
- Overseeing all GDPR and compliance related matters.
- Handling a diverse range of more general and commercial legal matters, such as in relation to commercial property and HR.
- Manage external counsel in relation to the appropriate allocation, quality and cost of work.
- Raise knowledge and awareness and deliver training in respect of legal issues and their importance to the organization.
- Significant Board-level exposure, with active participation at Board meetings.
THE CANDIDATE
The successful candidate will ideally possess the following qualifications, experience, and attributes:
- Master of Law degree acquired from a reputable university.
- Bar-qualified lawyer from a recognized European or US jurisdiction.
- Possess between five to ten years’ relevant post-qualification experience as a lawyer (although candidates with more experience will be considered), ideally from a pharma or biotech background (though not essential);
- Highly proficient in reviewing, drafting and negotiating all manner of agreements.
- Have knowledge and experience of GDPR and general privacy issues.
- Experienced in a broad range of commercial legal matters.
- Fluency in English, with knowledge of French preferred.
- Excellent business judgment and acumen.
- Self-starter, able to work autonomously with minimal supervision, assuming accountability and leadership for all legal aspects for the company.
- Excellent project management skills, with the ability to handle legal issues relating to multiple projects simultaneously.
- Ability to relate to and build relationships at all levels within the company.
- Excited by the prospect of working in a start-up environment where processes and infrastructures are to be established.
- Strong organizational and leadership skills.
