REQ-10072747
Mar 16, 2026
China

Summary

As Senior R&D Legal Counsel, you'll provide strategic legal support to BioMedical Research and Development China. This high-impact role offers a unique opportunity to influence decision-making in a dynamic environment to support growth with robust risk management governance. If you're passionate about partnering with cross-functional teams and driving long-term R&D strategy in Novartis China, we’d love to hear from you.

About the Role

Key Responsibilities:

·         Strategic Legal Partnering – Provide strategic legal support to BioMedical Research and Development China in order to deliver long-term R&D strategy.

·         M&A and BD&L Transactions for Pipeline Assets – Advise and support due diligence, deal advisory, and post-closing integration of M&A and BD&L transactions for pipeline assets from China perspective.

·         Data/IP Governance – Support, from the Legal perspective, data/IP governance in R&D China to enhance IP/trade secret protection and data compliance with close collaboration with DPLA, ISC, R&D IP, and the relevant business owners.

·         Trial Acceleration – Counsel on clinical trial operation and expansion in R&D China focusing on priority programs/trials. 

·         Compliance & Risk Management – Ensure adherence to laws, regulations, policies, and legal governance for R&D activities in China, focusing on trade controls, anti-bribery, GxP compliance, and pharmacovigilance.  

·         External Landscape Monitoring – Track legal and industry trends to proactively advise senior leaders.

·         Regional Support – Assist Head of R&D Legal AsiaPAC in providing legal support to R&D AsiaPAC where there is no dedicated R&D Legal Counsel. 

 

 

Essential Requirements:

 

·       Graduated with law degrees from reputable law schools in China & overseas education experience.

·       Admitted to the Bar & 8-10 years of post-qualification experience in reputable law firms is a must (transaction background preferred).

·       Prior in-house experience with a pharmaceutical company, and/or IP/data expertise, is a plus.

·       Strong proficiency in analyzing complex legal issues - Excellent problem-solving skills.

·       Proficiency in English required – spoken & written.

·       Strong verbal & written communication skills; high ability to influence and negotiate.

·       Demonstrated competence in handling a high volume of activity involving multiple, complex projects simultaneously, working within tight timelines and demanding clients/business partners with a proactive approach and curious mindset.

·       Excellent interpersonal skills, organizational savvy though with the courage to stick to professionalism; a believer of simplicity.

·       Professional & culturally sensitive work ethic.

·       Strong Business acumen and ability to manage change.

Why Novartis: Helping people with disease and their families takes more than innovative science. It takes a community of smart, passionate people like you. Collaborating, supporting and inspiring each other. Combining to achieve breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. Ready to create a brighter future together? https://www.novartis.com/about/strategy/people-and-culture

Benefits and Rewards: Learn about all the ways we’ll help you thrive personally and professionally.
Read our handbook (PDF 30 MB)

Legal
Legal
China
Shanghai (Shanghai)
Legal & Intellectual Property & Compl.
Full time
Regular
No

Accessibility and accommodation

Novartis is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the recruitment process, or in order to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to [email protected] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.

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REQ-10072747

Senior R&D Counsel

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