Senior Contracts Attorney

Synthego•Redwood City, CA

About The Position

The Senior Contracts Attorney provides commercial legal support across contract and transactional matters, partnering with business teams to contribute to the company's financial and operational success. Reporting directly to the Chief Legal Officer, the role operates with significant autonomy and manages the company's contract database. The position advises business units on corporate, commercial, transactional, and contract matters; manages deals with biopharma, CDMO, academic, and institutional counterparties; and supports intellectual property matters as needed. It also maintains contract templates and the internal contract management system, tracks legal-function performance metrics, and helps resolve complex matters. The position is hybrid or remote with internal approval, requires periodic travel as needed, and may require flexibility in working hours to support deal timelines. Synthego describes itself as a biotechnology company focused on advancing CRISPR cell and gene therapies and providing CRISPR solutions for life science research and development, from discovery through clinical trials.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (JD) degree.
At least 6 years of transactional and contract drafting and negotiating experience at a law firm and/or life sciences company.
Membership in good standing of a state bar association.
Ability to manage a high-volume workload independently and exercise sound judgment, including knowing when to elevate issues.
Ability to work effectively with all levels of the organization.
Experience with intellectual property concepts, including patent law.
Strategic judgment, problem solving, strong written and verbal communication, diplomacy, teamwork and collaboration, attention to detail, self-direction, prioritization, organization, adaptability, and effective conflict navigation.

Nice To Haves

Science background.
California Bar membership.
Experience with GMP agreements, quality technical agreements, and technology licensing.

Responsibilities

Serve as a direct legal advisor to business units on corporate, commercial, transactional, and contract matters.
Draft, review, negotiate, and execute commercial agreements, including GMP supply, technology license and sublicense, quality technical, OEM and distribution, master services, confidentiality, consulting, lease, and vendor agreements.
Own end-to-end deal management for biopharma, CDMO, academic, and institutional counterparties.
Partner with QA/QC on Quality Technical Agreements for GMP customer engagements.
Identify and communicate legal and commercial risks to internal stakeholders and provide guidance on resolution.
Build and maintain contract templates and the internal contract management system.
Participate in commercial negotiations with internal clients and third parties.
Assist with or manage intellectual property matters as needed, including trademark management and freedom-to-operate inquiries.
Manage performance metrics for the legal contracts function, including legal intake and contract turnaround metrics.
Strategically manage and facilitate resolution of complex matters within and outside the company.
Exemplify leadership and ethical advocacy and serve as a trusted subject matter resource to colleagues.
Manage competing priorities and communicate effectively with stakeholders.
Use outside counsel resources strategically and navigate conflict effectively.