Who are we?

Arbor Biotechnologies™, a next-generation gene editing company based in Cambridge, MA, is advancing a pipeline of novel gene editing therapeutics to address a wide range of genetic conditions – from the ultra-rare to the most common genetic diseases. The company’s unique suite of optimized gene editors goes beyond the limitations of early editing technologies to unlock access to new gene targets and has fueled a robust pipeline of first-in-class assets focused on diseases of high unmet need. With Arbor’s lead program, ABO-101 for the treatment of primary hyperoxaluria type 1, progressing into clinical trials, the company continues to focus their research and development efforts on genomic diseases of the liver and CNS for which there are no existing functional cures. For more information, please visit: arbor.bio.

Who are you?

Passionate, determined, and accountable. Curious, resourceful, innovative, forward thinking, and resilient. Authentic, humble, open-minded and puts team above self. At Arbor, our people embrace these qualities, so if this sounds like you then please read on!

About The Role:

Arbor is seeking an experienced Attorney to lead its legal function, advising management and working closely with cross-functional teams to navigate the complex legal landscape of the biotechnology sector.

The incumbent will be responsible for overseeing all legal aspects of Arbor’s operations. This individual will serve as the primary legal advisor to the executive team, working across a variety of legal disciplines including corporate governance, intellectual property, regulatory compliance, commercial contracts, and strategic transactions. This leadership role is critical to the company's success as it continues to grow and expand its operations and impact.

What You Can Expect:

Legal Advice and Guidance

• Provide high-quality, timely, and practical legal advice on a wide range of business and legal matters, including corporate governance, intellectual property, regulatory compliance, employment, and strategic business development.
• Advise management and executive leadership on complex legal issues, ensuring alignment with the company’s strategic objectives.

Corporate Governance and Compliance

• Oversee compliance with applicable laws and regulations, particularly in the biotechnology, healthcare, and pharmaceutical sectors.
• Advise the executive team and Board of Directors on corporate governance matters
• Develop and implement robust ethics and compliance programs across the organization, ensuring best practices in governance and risk management.

Contract Management and Negotiation

• Review, draft, and negotiate a wide array of industry-specific agreements, including material transfer agreements, research agreements, licensing and collaboration agreements, vendor agreements, clinical trial agreements, and M&A contracts.
• Lead negotiations on key contracts and strategic deals, working closely with business development, finance, and scientific teams to ensure favorable outcomes.

Risk Management

• Identify and assess legal risks affecting the business and propose strategies to mitigate those risks.
• Ensure that appropriate risk management and mitigation plans are in place, including managing regulatory requirements and advising on litigation risks.
• Provide ongoing counsel on matters related to regulatory changes and market dynamics.

External Engagement

• Serve as the primary point of contact for external legal counsel, regulatory authorities, governmental agencies, and other stakeholders.
• Represent Arbor in discussions with regulators (e.g., FDA, EMA), business partners, and industry organizations.
• Manage relationships with outside counsel, ensuring cost-effective and efficient legal services.

Team Collaboration and Leadership

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including R&D, clinical, BD and finance, to ensure the legal function supports business goals effectively.
• Lead the legal department, overseeing and mentoring legal professionals and supporting their professional growth.
• Design and implement an optimal structure for the legal department to support the company's expanding operations.

Intellectual Property (IP)

• Partner with the in-house patent agent and external counsel to maintain and expand Arbor's IP portfolio, including patents, trademarks, and trade secrets.
• Develop and execute strategies for IP protection, enforcement, and monetization, ensuring Arbor’s innovations are adequately protected.
• Oversee the management of IP licensing and collaboration agreements, ensuring alignment with the company’s business strategy.

What You Bring: 

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school and admission to practice law in the relevant jurisdiction. A BS/MS/PhD degree in Life Sciences (preferred) to complement legal expertise in the biotechnology and life sciences sectors.
• A minimum of 10 years of legal experience, with at least 5 years in the biopharma, life sciences, or biotech sectors. Experience in both top-tier law firms and in-house legal departments is preferred.
• Knowledge of life sciences regulatory environments, particularly FDA and EMA regulations, and an understanding of the unique challenges faced by biotech companies.
• Experience in corporate governance, M&A, licensing, and strategic partnerships within the biotech or healthcare space.
• Proven experience in drafting and negotiating a broad range of industry specific agreements such as material transfer and research agreements, licensing and collaboration agreements, vendor agreements, and clinical trial agreements.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to create clear, concise, and effective legal documents.
• Ability to think strategically, assess risks, and provide practical and creative legal solutions for a small company.
• Demonstrated ability to solve complex legal problems and make timely decisions in the context of evolving business needs and scientific innovation.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to interact effectively with senior management, scientific teams, business partners, and regulatory authorities. Proven ability to explain complex legal concepts in a clear and actionable manner to non-legal stakeholders.
• Strong understanding of business strategy, market dynamics, and the biotech industry. Ability to balance legal risks with business objectives and advise senior executives and boards of directors on high-level legal and business matters.

Our Values: 

Our values govern the work we do at Arbor, and we’re hoping that they resonate as strongly with you as they do with us!

· Purposeful Action: Start with The Why

· Bold Resilience: Adopt a Growth Mindset

· Humble Authenticity: Start in the Heart

We promote diversity and inclusion not just in our recruitment processes, but in everything we do. We’re an equal opportunity employer and we will continue to ensure our recruitment process is free of bias and our workplace is inclusive, positive, and free of discrimination and respecting of all backgrounds and beliefs.