Legal Counsel North America

Pleased to meet you, we are Galapagos, a dynamic growing Biotech company with offices across Europe and in the US, headquartered in Mechelen, Belgium.

We are in the business of changing lives. Focusing on high unmet medical needs, we synergize compelling science, technology, and collaborative approaches to create a deep pipeline of best-in-class medicines. With capabilities from lab to patient, including a decentralized cell therapy manufacturing platform, we are committed to challenging the status quo and delivering results for our patients, employees, and shareholders. Our goal is not just to meet current medical needs but to anticipate and shape the future of healthcare, ensuring that our innovations reach those who need them most.

We pioneer for patients. We need thought leaders and rapid thinkers, entrepreneurs in spirit and status quo-fighters. Collaborative innovators and persevering idealists. We need the best-in-class. In other words, we need you: The ‘make-it-happener’.

We are looking for a Legal Counsel North America - Princeton, NJ, US

Scope of the job

The Legal Counsel North America will support and advise on all aspects of legal matters of Galapagos NV and its group companies in or concerning North America with a focus on advancing Galapagos’ clinical cell therapy program and decentralized manufacturing network. Working closely with other members of the Legal, IP, Privacy and Compliance group, and with a number of cross-functional stakeholders, the Legal Counsel North America will enable Galapagos’ business in the region in compliance with applicable laws and regulations and ensure the protection of Galapagos’ legal rights.

The Legal Counsel North America will be an important partner in establishing and building out Galapagos’ operations in North America. This role will report to the Head of Legal North America. The role offers a chance to work and grow in an exciting, fast-paced, collaborative environment focused on advancing innovative therapies, saving and improving patients’ lives and shaping the future of healthcare. 

In your role, you may be expected to:

• Be a strong partner, advisor and leader in the region.

• In close cross-functional collaboration with other Galapagos colleagues, provide legal direction and support for the organizational setup in North America for Development and Clinical Operations, TechOps, QA, Regulatory and Commercial Strategy, including the establishment of clinical trial sites and decentralized manufacturing sites for CAR-T cell therapy in the region.

• Provide legal support to the discovery and research organization.

• Provide, or procure the provision of, legal support for legal and contract matters regarding the region and for the legal entities established in the region.

• Bring strong contracting and negotiation skills to support complex contractual arrangements with external partners, vendors and clinical institutions.

• Together with the Head of Legal North America, overseeing that all legal, privacy and compliance matters in the region are being supported, in close collaboration with relevant colleagues of the Legal, IP, Privacy and Compliance group.

• Provide strategic advice and be a trusted, pragmatic contributor in cross-functional decision processes.

• Contribute to the provision of training on relevant legal and compliance matters.

What You’ll Bring to the Role

• US law degree and NJ Bar admission or NJ limited in-house counsel admission.

• 5+ years of post-qualification legal experience, preferably with  a law firm that advises companies in highly regulated industries and/or in-house in pharmaceutical or healthcare industry. Knowledge of cell therapy is a plus...

• Proven experience in handling complex legal matters in a broad range of business areas, including contract negotiations with vendors and third-party suppliers; experience in technical operations and supply chain matters is a plus.

• Collaborative and proactive attitude, easily connecting and establishing a close working relationship with the relevant business functions to achieve Galapagos’ ambitious objectives.

• Experience supporting cell therapy R&D including IMP manufacturing and supply, and related regulatory and/or commercial legal matters would be an asset.

• Flexibility to work on a broad range of matters. Demonstrated ability to operate confidently through unique and novel issues.

• Ability to provide advice and express ideas and messages clearly and effectively, both written and verbally.

• A can-do mentality, pragmatic, risk-based decision making, and ability to function in a fast pacing, non-hierarchical and cross-functional environment.

What’s in it for you?

At Galapagos, we prioritize your continuous growth and development, fostering a culture of empowerment. Our employees are the driving force behind our mission to lead in pharmaceutical research and innovation.

We offer a competitive compensation package and a supportive work environment with strong focus on your health and well-being. Join us in our journey towards sustainability, as we strive to make a lasting impact on both the industry and the planet.

Galapagos is dedicated to ensuring equal employment opportunities. Our hiring decisions are based on merit, considering qualifications, skills, performance, and achievements. We strictly prohibit discrimination against any employee or job applicant based on personal characteristics that are unrelated to their job. 

We are Galapagos: together we can make it happen…!

Base compensation for this position ranges from $ 129,375 to $ 264,550. Actual base compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors including experience, qualifications, job-related knowledge, demonstrated skills and geographic location. The company reserves the right to modify base salary ranges at any time.

In addition, this position is eligible for participation in both Galapagos’ performance bonus plan and long-term incentive program. We offer comprehensive and generous benefits and programs to help our colleagues lead healthy lives and to support important moments in life.