Business Development Counsel

Biogen • Cambridge, MA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Biogen is seeking an experienced Business Development Counsel with deep expertise in Biotechnology and pharmaceutical licensing and strategic collaborations to join its legal team. This role reports to the Chief Corporate Counsel and is based at Biogen’s headquarters in Cambridge, MA. The counsel will serve as a critical legal partner to the company’s global business development organization, leading legal support for in-licensing, out-licensing, co-development, collaboration, and other strategic alliance transactions essential for Biogen’s pipeline growth and long-term innovation strategy. The role involves shaping deal strategy, structuring complex partnership models, and guiding transactions from early evaluation through execution and lifecycle management, directly influencing Biogen’s ability to access external innovation and build high-value partnerships across the biotechnology and pharmaceutical ecosystem. The ideal candidate is a seasoned legal advisor known for excellence in pharmaceutical and biotechnology partnering transactions, combining sound legal judgment with commercial insight, and adept at navigating science, business strategy, and risk management. They should be comfortable with complex, high-value deals, viewed as a trusted collaborator, and capable of bringing gravitas, clarity, and pragmatism to negotiations in a fast-moving, matrixed environment.

Requirements

• Minimum of 12 years’ experience in a leading law firm and/or in-house legal department, with significant focus on life sciences transactions.
• Demonstrated expertise in biotechnology and pharmaceutical licensing, strategic collaborations, co-development agreements, and alliance structures.
• Juris Doctor (JD) degree with active bar licensure.
• Strong ability to translate complex legal concepts into practical business advice for senior stakeholders.
• Proven judgment, negotiation skills, and executive-level communication capabilities.
• Experience establishing effective legal processes and managing risk in high-impact transactional environments.

Nice To Haves

• M&A and venture experience a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead legal diligence and structuring for pharmaceutical licensing, collaboration, and strategic partnership transactions, advising on deal architecture, value drivers, and risk allocation.
• Draft, review, and negotiate term sheets and definitive agreements, including license agreements, collaboration and co-development agreements, option deals, alliance agreements, and related ancillary contracts.
• Serve as the primary legal advisor on business development transactions, supporting deal teams from initial evaluation through negotiation, execution, and post-signing governance.
• Partner closely with Business Development, R&D, IP, Commercial, Finance, and Tax stakeholders to align transaction terms with scientific strategy, development plans, and commercialization objectives.
• Collaborate with IP counsel on intellectual property, exclusivity, improvements, and freedom-to-operate issues central to pharmaceutical licensing deals.
• Support internal governance processes, ensuring transactions align with Biogen’s strategic priorities, risk tolerance, and internal approval frameworks.
• Manage and oversee outside counsel on complex licensing and collaboration matters, ensuring efficiency, quality, and cost-effective execution.
• Provide ongoing legal advice to internal teams on alliance management, contract interpretation, amendments, and dispute mitigation over the life of partnerships.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and internal policies governing strategic collaborations and licensing activity.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision, & Life insurances
• Fitness & Wellness programs including a fitness reimbursement
• Short- and Long-Term Disability insurance
• A minimum of 15 days of paid vacation and an additional end-of-year shutdown time off (Dec 26-Dec 31)
• Up to 12 company paid holidays + 3 paid days off for Personal Significance
• 80 hours of sick time per calendar year
• Paid Maternity and Parental Leave benefit
• 401(k) program participation with company matched contributions
• Employee stock purchase plan
• Tuition reimbursement of up to $10,000 per calendar year
• Employee Resource Groups participation

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree