Company Profile

We are Rakuten Aspyrian Inc., a privately funded, clinical stage, Biotechnology Company located in San Diego, California. We are focused on advancing innovative science into breakthrough products that provide cancer patients with new treatments to conquer their disease.

We are supported by investors that have the commitment to build a long-term company that integrates research, development and commercialization of cutting edge cancer therapies with the aim to transform cancer treatments. Our mission is “CONQUERING Cancer. For LIFE.”

We are developing therapies based on a novel proprietary technology platform that utilizes antibodies conjugated with payloads that are specifically activated at the tumor site. Our first clinical product is planned to initiate Phase 3 pivotal clinical testing to treat terminal cancer patients. This is a first-in-class product with unique pharmacological activity and with the potential to have a broad impact in cancer. Given the rapid progression of the clinical studies we are quickly expanding the team to support late stage pivotal clinical development and future commercialization of our products.


Position Summary

We are seeking a life sciences business transactional attorney who thrives in a fast-paced, high-performing and collaborative corporate environment. Responsibilities will include:

i. Being a point of contact for a broad scope of legal questions with key responsibilities related to contractual and alliance management legal support;

ii.Lead and manage the preparation and review of legal contracts and alliance documents of Aspyrian’s external partners and contractors such as general suppliers, contract research organizations, clinical research organizations, contract manufacturing organizations, etc.;

iii.Write and/or review legal sections of documents related with Aspyrian partnering activities, including academic organizations such as USA based and international Universities and the USA National Institute of Health.

iv. Provide legal support to a broad range of Aspyrian’s functions which include R&D, Clinical and Medical Affairs, CMC, Corporate Development, Alliance Management, Marketing and Commercial Operations;

v. Coordinate external Legal support to manage other Aspyrian’s activities such as corporate law and intellectual property;

vi. Being the legal point of contact to provide advice on contractual terms of business alliances.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

  • Author, edit and negotiate a wide range of legal documents typical of a biotech or pharmaceutical research organization including license agreements, CDA/NDA, MSA, CTA, SOW, QA, supplier agreements, etc.
  • Oversee legal documentation involving research collaborations with academic institutions, business collaborations with biotechnology, pharmaceutical and life science companies, agreements with NIH and other governmental entities such as CRADAs, development, license and supply agreements.
  • Collaborate with subject matter experts at Aspyrian to support the execution of work orders and proposals.
  • Negotiate contracts and terms of condition to support Aspyrian outsourcing efforts.
  • Advise on contract interpretation, dispute resolution, insurance coverage and other legal or liability risks.
  • Assist with the development of policies and procedures, and standard template language to be used in contracts and other documents with legal implications.
  • Provide legal advice and support to Aspyian’s functional teams as well as for existing alliances and partnerships.
  • Work with Aspyrian’s Corporate Development team and other departments within the company to support strategic transactions including negotiations of terms and conditions of an agreement.
  • Coordinate interactions with external legal teams to support a broad range of Aspyrian’s corporate activities.


Desired Education, Skills and Experience

  • Juris Doctorate from a nationally recognized law school in the USA
  • At least 2 years in a law firm and/or in-house advising on, drafting and negotiating agreements, including significant experience with transactions in the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry advising clients on both business and legal issues.
  • Candidates with broader experience will also be considered and prioritized if they have more than 5 years with direct experience at a life science company.Experience with or exposure to international regulatory processes for pharmaceutical products and laws and regulations governing clinical trials preferred.
  • Ability to manage and serve a wide range of clients within the company by recognizing and responding quickly and pragmatically to urgent situations and demanding clients.
  • Exceptional and demonstrated written and verbal communication skills.
  • Willingness and ability to work with and coordinate activities across a large number of individuals across various departments, not only within the company’s headquarters in San Diego, but also throughout the company’s domestic and international subsidiaries.
  • Appropriately triage a heavy workflow, setting appropriate priorities with clients and delivering results efficiently.
  • Ability to think creatively, devise solutions to challenging problems and effectively drive legal and business issues to closure.
  • Excellent emotional intelligence and mature and reliable judgment to work in an enthusiastic, informal and fast-paced environment.

We are proud to offer a competitive compensation plan with an excellent benefits package including flexible time off, stock options, 401k, medical, dental, vision plans and more.

Rakuten Aspyrian Inc. is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives and skills.

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