The Director/Senior Director, Legal (Contracts) at NiKang Therapeutics Inc. serves as the primary internal legal resource, supporting the company's contracting needs across research, clinical, manufacturing, and business operations. This role focuses on drafting, reviewing, and negotiating a wide variety of contracts, including Master Services Agreements (MSAs), Work Orders, Confidential Disclosure Agreements (CDAs), Clinical Trial Agreements (CTAs), agreements with Contract Development and Manufacturing Organizations (CDMOs), agreements with Contract Research Organizations (CROs), and Informed Consent Forms (ICFs). The position collaborates closely with internal stakeholders and external partners to ensure contracts are aligned with business objectives, legally compliant, and executed efficiently. Additionally, the role provides practical, business-oriented legal guidance and may assist with broader compliance and legal matters as needed.

Key responsibilities include drafting, reviewing, and negotiating a wide range of agreements, with a primary focus on MSAs, work orders, CDAs, CTAs, CDMO/CRO agreements, and ICFs. The role involves providing timely legal guidance to colleagues on contract terms, risks, obligations, and negotiation strategy. Managing and monitoring the company’s contracts throughout their lifecycle, ensuring accuracy, consistency, compliance, and adherence to internal processes is essential. The position partners with leadership to support compliance processes and training related to contracting, including anti-corruption requirements. Collaboration with cross-functional teams such as clinical, research, manufacturing, quality, and finance is crucial to support business goals through effective contracting. The role also supports transactional matters related to vendors, service providers, and collaborators, coordinates with external counsel for specialized issues or overflow needs, and develops or supports training for internal teams on contracting processes, legal principles, or compliance topics. Providing clear, practical legal advice that supports business decision-making and performing additional legal duties as assigned or requested are also part of the role.

The ideal candidate should possess a Juris Doctorate (JD) and active membership in good standing with a state bar. A minimum of 7-10 years of legal experience, including direct hands-on experience drafting and negotiating contracts in the pharmaceutical or biotech industry, is required. Experience in contracting for clinical research, manufacturing, or technology-oriented operations is strongly preferred. Desired expertise includes contract negotiations, life sciences collaborations, privacy, commercial transactions, licensing, regulatory, or corporate compliance. The candidate should be highly organized with strong drafting skills, attention to detail, and the ability to prioritize and manage a substantial workload. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to explain complex legal terms in a clear, business-friendly manner, are essential. A collaborative working style with the ability to build strong relationships across teams, demonstrated discretion, sound judgment, professionalism, and a strong commitment to ethical and regulatory standards are also important.

The anticipated annual base salary range for this Director or Senior Director-level role is between $230,000 to $290,000. In addition to base salary, the hired applicant will be eligible to receive an annual discretionary bonus and potential equity awards based on factors such as individual and organizational performance. NiKang offers a comprehensive benefit plan to eligible employees, including eligibility to participate in a company-sponsored 401(k) program, Paid Time Off benefits, eligibility for medical, dental, vision benefits, flexible benefits, short-term disability, and life insurance benefits. NiKang reserves the right to amend, modify, or terminate its compensation and benefit programs at its sole discretion.

NiKang Therapeutics Inc. is a privately-held biotech company focused on developing novel small molecule oncology drug discovery. Founded in 2017, the company is headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware, USA, and employs between 51-200 people. NiKang has secured significant funding, including a Series C round in May 2021 raising $200 million, a Series B round in September 2020 raising $50 million, and a Series A round in December 2017 raising $10 million. The company is committed to innovation and growth, offering opportunities for professional development and advancement within the organization.