R&D Legal Counsel, EMEA

Location: London, UK

Relocation Support: This role is based in London, UK. Novartis is unable to offer relocation support: please only apply if accessible.

Imagine helping shape the future of medicine at the point where breakthrough science meets legal strategy. As R&D Legal Counsel EMEA, you will partner closely with researchers, development teams, and business leaders to provide practical legal guidance that enables innovation while managing risk. This is an exciting opportunity to influence cutting‑edge research, support the development of transformative therapies, and contribute to bringing new medicines to patients worldwide.

About The Role

Key Responsibilities

• Provide legal counsel supporting research and development activities across the United Kingdom and EMEA region.
• Advise on clinical trials, regulatory requirements, data use, and patient-focused research initiatives.
• Draft, negotiate, and manage research, development, and collaboration agreements.
• Partner with scientists and business leaders to enable innovation while effectively managing legal risk.
• Support external innovation and asset integration activities across the development portfolio.
• Drive compliant adoption of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence‑enabled solutions.
• Contribute to legal process improvement initiatives that enhance efficiency, scalability, and business impact.

Essential Requirements

• UK qualified lawyer with relevant post‑qualification legal experience in a commercial or life sciences environment.
• Strong knowledge of research and development legal matters, including contracting and regulatory considerations.
• Experience drafting, negotiating, and managing commercial and research‑related agreements.
• Ability to provide pragmatic, risk‑based legal advice in a fast‑paced, matrix organization paired with strong communication skills and the ability to influence decisions as well as simplify complex legal concepts.
• Comfortable working with artificial intelligence tools, including designing and deploying agents to drive productivity and innovation.
• Proficiency in English (written and spoken), other languages are a plus

Benefits & Rewards

At Novartis, we’re committed to reimagining medicine together - and rewarding the people who make it happen.

Expected Annual Base Salary Range for role: 82.180 - 152.620 GBP

The base salary offered is determined based on gender‑neutral objectives, such as relevant skills, competencies and experience in accordance with the Novartis pay setting policy and upon joining Novartis will be reviewed periodically.

The rewards of being part of our team go far beyond base pay and incentives. We also offer a variety of competitive benefits in kind to help you thrive personally and professionally, such as insurance plans, retirement plans, wellbeing resources and global recognition programs. In addition, we provide flexible and hybrid working options, where possible, and minimum 14 weeks paid parental leave.

In addition to your base salary, you may be eligible for a performance‑based bonus depending on certain performance parameters.

Read our brochure to learn more about our global total rewards offering:

Note: Benefits and compensation may vary by country and are subject to local legal requirements, including provisions of collective bargaining agreements where applicable. A full overview of your compensation package, including any relevant collective bargaining agreement details applicable to your role based on your employment location and Novartis employer entity, will be communicated separately to you during the application process.

You’ll Receive

• Competitive salary
• Short term incentive bonus
• Pension scheme
• Share purchase scheme
• Health insurance
• 25 days annual leave
• Flexible working arrangements
• subsidized dining facilities
• Employee recognition scheme
• learning and development opportunities.

Commitment To Diversity & Inclusion

Novartis is committed to building an outstanding, inclusive work environment and diverse teams representative of the patients and communities we serve.

Why Novartis:

Helping people with disease and their families takes more than innovative science. It takes a community of smart, passionate people like you. Collaborating, supporting and inspiring each other. Combining to achieve breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. Ready to create a brighter future together?

Benefits and Rewards:

Read our handbook (PDF 30 MB)

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