PopVax is an Indian full-stack biotechnology company developing novel mRNA vaccines and therapeutics using computational protein design. Our first vaccine is a next-generation COVID-19 booster, which will enter a first-in-human Phase I clinical trial in the U.S. early this year. This vaccine is intended to broaden protection against both current and predicted future SARS-CoV-2 variants, reducing the possibility of a new mutation in the virus suddenly causing another massive wave of infection. We have a preclinical pipeline of 6 additional novel vaccine candidates built on our mRNA-LNP platform that we will be taking into clinical trials over the next few years. Our work to date has been funded primarily via project agreements totalling 10+ million USD with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Vitalik Buterin's public health & biosecurity organisation Balvi.

We are seeking a Manager - Legal to join our Legal and IP team in Hyderabad. Responsibilities will include: 

• Drafting and negotiating legal agreements, including CDAs, MTAs, MoUs, term sheets, technology transfer agreements, research & development agreements, service agreements, consultancy agreements, employment agreements, etc.

• Drafting legal and other documents, including affidavits, legal notices, pleadings, responses to notices, complaints, policies, manuals, handbooks, etc.

• Monitoring and managing legal compliances related to labour and industrial laws and other statutory compliances as may be applicable to the business of the company

• Liaising with regulators and other government agencies to ensure legal compliance with all requirements

• Reviewing and interpreting new or pending legislation and regulations impacting the business of the company to protect its interests and ensure compliance

• Conduct research on various legal issues relevant to the company and take or suggest proactive steps to mitigate risk to the business

• Develop best practices, processes, templates, clauses, etc. to achieve efficiency

• Manage and supervise the work of outside counsel and any legal consultants

• Manage PopVax’s trademark portfolio, execute and monitor new filings, and deal with any related challenges or disputes

• Communicate directly with business clients and participate in general business meetings, teams, and projects as required to provide timely and effective legal advice. 

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications and skills:

• A Bachelor’s degree in law (LLB) or higher legal qualification

• Some scientific background is a big plus

• 5-8 years of core experience in contract management and labour law-related matters, preferably in a pharma or biotech company or a law firm dealing with healthcare and related regulatory matters

• An excellent understanding of contract law, labour laws, general commercial laws, privacy laws, and laws governing the pharma & biotech industry

• Complete fluency in English, with excellent oral and written communication skills and an eye for detail

• The ability to work well in a team as well as independently pursue tasks and projects when necessary, without close supervision

• The ability to work in a highly demanding and dynamic environment under challenging timelines. 

We offer very competitive compensation, comprehensive health insurance covering immediate family (including pre-existing conditions), and, most importantly, a collaborative work environment focused on solving the cutting-edge multidisciplinary challenges of our novel mRNA platform.