Senior Legal Counsel, Francis Crick

• You do not need to come from a charity, research or life sciences background and biomedical or extensive IP experience would be desirable but not essential. We are looking for someone who can quickly get to grips with complex matters, enjoys working collaboratively and is excited by the opportunity to use their legal expertise somewhere it can make a meaningful difference
• We are keen to hear from a diverse range of applicants and professional backgrounds, so if the opportunity interests you and you meet the essential requirements, we encourage you to apply
• Technical expertise is important, but how you work is equally important to us
• You will be collegiate, curious and collaborative, with a genuine interest in the organisation you are supporting and the people you work alongside. You will enjoy sharing your expertise rather than working in a silo, be comfortable navigating unfamiliar territory and be motivated by the opportunity to use your legal skills in an organisation with a clear social purpose
• A solicitor or barrister admitted in England & Wales (or other common law jurisdiction) with a current practicing certificate, and with significant post qualification experience (or equivalent).*
• Corporate and transactional experience, ideally in a fast paced industry and/or start up environment with hands on experience in managing shareholder and investment documentation, fundraising and intellectual property matters.*
• General commercial contracting experience, ideally in a science or technology sector, and a sound understanding of the legal and regulatory context in which the Crick operates as a charitable company and biomedical research institute.*
• Experience of designing, using or developing ways of working and alternative and/or technology supported legal service models. Keen and confident user of technology and interest in exploring new technologies to foster team working, promote awareness, share knowledge and support compliance
• Strong interpersonal skills and influencing skills (eg tact, integrity, confidentiality and patience) with highly developed emotional and political intelligence. Able to build personal credibility quickly and develop and maintain effective relationships with people with differing perspectives and needs. Exhibit presence and confidence when interacting with people at all levels across the organisation
• A positive self-starter and team player. Able to work effectively in a collegiate environment and consult with colleagues to share expertise and ideas to deliver new outcomes. Act authentically and consistently and develop self-awareness by seeking feedback from others
• You think strategically. You are a problem-solver or gatekeeper, as the situation demands, delivering legal services with commercial awareness and to an excellent standard. You are confident to challenge previous ways of doing things and to drive a matter through to a successful conclusion
• Excellent communication skills and an engaging delivery. Able to present complex information as clear and simple communications. A concise, compelling written style with strong written accuracy and excellent legal drafting skills
• Highly organised with strong planning skills and the ability to prioritise competing demands and tight deadlines. A methodical approach and an excellent attention to detail. Flexible, self-motivated and resilient under pressure
• Experience of supporting and developing junior colleagues
• A commitment to the Crick’s vision and core values

Desirable

• Reports to: Jennifer Bowers, Deputy General Counsel
• Department: Legal & Governance
• Contract term: This is a part-time, permanent position on Crick terms and conditions of employment
• Looking for a senior legal role that combines complex corporate and commercial work with meaningful impact? Join the Francis Crick Institute as Senior Legal Counsel and bring your expertise to an organisation helping to transform our understanding of human health
• You will join a friendly, collegiate and purpose-driven Legal & Governance team, taking on varied and intellectually stimulating work with a strong corporate and commercial focus, including M&A, investments, strategic transactions and complex agreements
• This is a part-time role that offers a high impact opportunity with reduced hours and could suit someone looking for greater flexibility, returning to work, or interested in bringing their corporate and commercial experience to a purpose-led life sciences organisation
• We envisage the role being worked over four days a week, including Friday, but we are open to considering fewer hours and other flexible working patterns that suit your individual circumstances while meeting the needs of the role
• Drafting, negotiating and advising on a broad range of corporate and commercial matters, including corporate agreements (including shareholder agreements and investment documentation), partnership arrangements, complex commercial contracts and strategic transactions
• Providing pragmatic, commercially focused legal advice to teams across the Crick
• Building trusted relationships with stakeholders across science and operations
• Sharing your corporate and commercial expertise to develop capability across the Legal & Governance team
• Supporting improvements to legal processes, ways of working and technology
• Mentoring colleagues and contributing to a positive team culture

• Closing Date: 28/Sept/2026 23.59 GMT