Senior Director, Legal Counsel at Cytokinetics

South San Francisco, California, United States

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Not SpecifiedCompensation

Senior (5 to 8 years), Expert & Leadership (9+ years)Experience Level

Full TimeJob Type

UnknownVisa

Biotechnology, Pharmaceuticals, HealthcareIndustries

Requirements

JD degree
Admitted to at least one state bar (admitted to California bar or as Registered In-House Counsel in California is a plus)
Minimum of 10 years of experience as in-house counsel in a biotechnology, pharma or healthcare company or a combination of in-house at large public company and/or nationally recognized law firm specializing in the area of interest
Strong working knowledge of U.S. securities laws and NASDAQ requirements
Experience with securities filings of public companies in the life science industry or strong experience in completing public Merger and Acquisition activities
Detailed-oriented with a high level of intellectual, professional and interpersonal agility and flexibility, combined with strong analytical and problem-solving skills
A sophisticated existing understanding of financial regulations
An ability to operate independently
Excellent communication skills, both oral and written
Intellectual curiosity and a willingness to take responsibility for novel and emerging areas of regulation
Well-organized and hardworking, with the ability to manage numerous projects simultaneously under deadline pressure
Excellent analytical skills, with a strong ability to draft and review legal documents, analyze legal advice and apply legal advice to business needs
Ability to form strong working relationships with all levels of management, employees, and partners while maintaining firm adherence to proper legal standards
Team-oriented, sound judgment, self-motivation and willingness to take initiative

Responsibilities

Critical understanding of complex contracts and strong knowledge of key provisions such as indemnities, limitations of liability, intellectual property, warranties and covenants, regulatory, termination and other critical contract negotiation issues
Handle agreements including indentures, lease agreements, clinical trial agreements, pharmaceutical license agreements, master service agreements, software license agreements and supply and wholesaler arrangements
Lead certain general corporate contracts – drafting, negotiating and reviewing certain corporate contracts, as needed, and knowledge of contract-related systems
Independently provide leadership on cross-functional teams, identify legal issues, provide legal options and analysis of possible legal solutions, and give recommendations for addressing critical issues so that business and legal objectives are met
Provide support and advice to G&A departments and investor relations
Manage outside counsel effectively and efficiently, and consistent with applicable budgets; work creatively with outside counsel to minimize fees and costs

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

Contract NegotiationContract DraftingIntellectual PropertyRegulatory ComplianceClinical Trial AgreementsPharmaceutical License AgreementsMaster Service AgreementsSoftware License AgreementsLease AgreementsSupply AgreementsIndemnitiesLimitations of LiabilityWarrantiesTermination ClausesCross-Functional LeadershipOutside Counsel Management

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

What is the salary for the Senior Director, Legal Counsel position?

This information is not specified in the job description.

Is this a remote position, or is there a required location?

This information is not specified in the job description.

What qualifications and skills are required for this role?

Candidates need a JD degree, admission to at least one state bar (California bar or Registered In-House Counsel in California is a plus), and minimum 10 years of in-house counsel experience in biotechnology, pharma, healthcare, or related fields. Required skills include strong knowledge of complex contracts, U.S. securities laws, NASDAQ requirements, analytical and problem-solving abilities, and excellent communication skills.

What kind of company culture or work environment does Cytokinetics offer?

This information is not specified in the job description.

What makes a strong candidate for this Senior Director role?

Strong candidates have 10+ years of in-house counsel experience in biotech/pharma, expertise in complex contracts like clinical trial and license agreements, knowledge of U.S. securities laws and NASDAQ, plus skills in leading cross-functional teams, managing outside counsel, and handling high-pressure deadlines.

Cytokinetics

Develops drugs for muscle function disorders

About Cytokinetics

Cytokinetics focuses on developing medicines that improve muscle function for patients with cardiovascular and neuromuscular diseases. Their products are small molecule drugs designed to either enhance or inhibit muscle function, tailored to specific therapeutic needs. The company has a pipeline of drugs, including omecamtiv mecarbil and reldesemtiv, which are in various stages of clinical trials. Unlike many competitors, Cytokinetics emphasizes rigorous scientific research and has conducted over 50 clinical trials to ensure the effectiveness of its treatments. The goal is to bring new therapies to market that address the unmet needs of patients suffering from conditions like heart failure, ALS, and HCM.

South San Francisco, CaliforniaHeadquarters

1998Year Founded

$58.4MTotal Funding

IPOCompany Stage

Biotechnology, HealthcareIndustries

501-1,000Employees

Risks

Increased competition could impact market share and profitability.

Potential delays in clinical trials could hinder drug commercialization.

Dependence on strategic partnerships may expose Cytokinetics to risks if challenges arise.

Differentiation

Cytokinetics focuses on muscle activators and inhibitors for cardiovascular and neuromuscular diseases.

The company has a robust pipeline including omecamtiv mecarbil and aficamten.

Cytokinetics engages in strategic partnerships, like with Sanofi, to expand market reach.

Upsides

Recent investments indicate strong interest in muscle activators and inhibitors.

Strategic partnerships, like with Sanofi, expand market reach and potential revenue.

Significant funding from Royalty Pharma supports commercial launch and R&D advancements.

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