Scholar Rock is a biopharmaceutical company that discovers, develops, and delivers life-changing therapies for people with serious diseases that have high unmet need. As a global leader in the biology of the transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) superfamily of cell proteins and named for the visual resemblance of a scholar rock to protein structures, the clinical-stage company is focused on advancing innovative treatments where protein growth factors are fundamental. Over the past decade, the company has created a pipeline with the potential to advance the standard of care for neuromuscular disease, cardiometabolic disorders, cancer, and other conditions where growth factor-targeted drugs can play a transformational role.
Scholar Rock is the only company to show clinical proof of concept for a muscle-targeted treatment in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). This commitment to unlocking fundamentally different therapeutic approaches is powered by broad application of a proprietary platform, which has developed novel monoclonal antibodies to modulate protein growth factors with extraordinary selectivity. By harnessing cutting-edge science in disease spaces that are historically under-addressed through traditional therapies, Scholar Rock works every day to create new possibilities for patients. Learn more about the company’s approach at ScholarRock.com and follow @ScholarRock and on LinkedIn.
Summary of Position:
We are seeking a Contracts Director to lead our contracts processes and negotiations and provide general contracting advice across functional teams, including Development, Research, CMC/Technical Operations, Commercial and IT. This is an outstanding opportunity to join the legal team of a well-funded, growing biotechnology company preparing for its first product commercial launch, after recently receiving positive Phase III data and completing a successful financing. The primary responsibilities of the Contracts Director will be overseeing the contracts process as well as drafting, revising, and negotiating a high volume of time-sensitive agreements. You will be responsible for leading the contracts management function, implementing special projects such as the contracts management system, managing external law firms, and creating, and implementing new processes, trainings, reports, and systems related to managing the company’s agreements. You will be an integral member of a growing legal team where you will have the opportunity to be part of a collaborative team and work with experienced corporate and IP attorneys and compliance experts. This position reports to the Vice President, Corporate Legal and is located in the Cambridge office. The Company has flexibility with hybrid work arrangements.
Position Responsibilities:
- Lead the drafting and negotiations of contracts customary to a biotech company in the process of launching its first product, with a primary focus on Development, Research, CMC/Technical Operations, and IT contracts. Responsible for drafting and negotiating biotechnology-related agreements, including master service agreements, material transfer agreements, consulting agreements, confidentiality agreements, research agreements and clinical trial site agreements and related statements of work.
- Manage and maintain contracts management system and associated contracting processes, including providing company-wide trainings.
- Provide legal support across the organization, including quickly and effectively identifying complex legal and compliance issues and providing advice in a manner that integrates legal risk management with the company’s business objectives.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, prioritize tasks, and successfully manage multiple projects.
- Develop and maintain strong business relationships across the company and contribute to cross-functional or departmental projects and teams.
- Maintain a positive team culture.
- Manage and complete any additional projects or legal matters as needed, including general corporate matters.
Candidate Requirements:
- License to practice Law in Massachusetts or equivalent preferred, but candidates without a J.D. will be considered who have deep industry experience
- Ten or more years’ experience drafting and negotiating biotechnology-related agreements, including master service agreements, SOWs, research agreements, clinical trial related agreements, manufacturing or supply chain agreements, and commercial contracts in the life sciences industry
- Previous experience working on an in-house legal team at a biotechnology company required
- Ability to work independently with strong attention to detail, sound judgment, organization and time management required
- Strong interpersonal skills and desire to engage collaboratively required
- Strong oral and written communication skills required, including the ability to provide concise and timely advice to business partners
- Familiarity with contracts management systems such as Ironclad and DocuSign eSignature preferred
- Bachelor’s degree from accredited university required
Scholar Rock is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
