Overview
Vaxart is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing a range of oral recombinant vaccines based on its proprietary delivery platform. Vaxart vaccines are designed to be administered using pills that can be stored and shipped without refrigeration and eliminate the risk of needle-stick injury. Vaxart believes that its proprietary pill vaccine delivery platform is suitable to deliver recombinant vaccines, positioning the company to develop oral versions of currently marketed vaccines and to design recombinant vaccines for new indications. Vaxart’s development programs currently include pill vaccines designed to protect against coronavirus, norovirus and influenza, as well as a therapeutic vaccine for human papillomavirus (HPV), Vaxart’s first immune-oncology indication. Vaxart has filed broad domestic and international patent applications covering its proprietary technology and creations for oral vaccination using adenovirus and TLR3 agonists.
We are looking for an Associate General Counsel / Sr. Director, Legal to join our South San Francisco team. This is an onsite position in our South San Francisco Office.
Summary:
The Associate General Counsel in partnership with the General Counsel is responsible for advising the Chief Executive Officer, members of the executive leadership team and the Board of Directors on various critical legal and business matters. The Associate General Counsel provides legal advice on corporate governance, legal and compliance risks, disclosure issues, contracts, and business terms. The Associate General Counsel is expected to develop a good understanding of the Company's operations and possess the ability to evaluate and balance both legal and business factors when providing recommendations. A successful candidate will have a broad knowledge base in areas appropriate for an experienced in-house counsel at a life science company. The right candidate will thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and exhibit uncompromising ethics, excellent communication and influencing skills, as well as sound judgment to effectively balance risk mitigation and achievement of business objectives. The Associate General Counsel will take on leadership responsibilities in absence of the General Counsel, with this part-time position (20 hours/week) being based at Vaxart’s corporate headquarters in South San Francisco.
Responsibilities:
- Advises executives, senior management and the Board of Directors on various matters such as legal rights and obligations, and new and existing laws.
- Assists in leadership and management of legal and compliance function.
- Contributes to the selection, retention, management, and evaluation of all outside counsel.
- Provides legal advice related to public company reporting and compliance, including SEC rules and regulations, stock listing standards, statutory filings and licenses.
- Manages and provides advice on corporate governance and disclosure matters. Assists in the maintenance of corporate records and contracts.
- Manages the organization's legal matters, including conducting legal research and reviewing company's litigation strategy pertaining to legal actions as necessary.
- Actively participate in corporate-level transactions, including identifying key issues and risks, evaluating new business partnerships with vendors and subcontractors.
- Develops corporate governance, business and compliance policies and practices, enforce policies and regulations in all aspects and levels across the Company.
- Oversees compliance with corporate governance and the Company's disclosure and communications compliance program, including applicable policies and procedures; participate in training of employees.
- Works closely with the various departments and provide recommendations and comprehensive legal and compliance support where required; guide interdisciplinary teams and management on regulatory issues and health care compliance and provide time and effective legal advice and risk guidance on daily activities; provide risk management and mitigation counseling.
- Advise on applicable laws, regulations and regulatory guidelines governing scientific conduct, scientific exchange of information, as well as regulatory interactions to ensre compliance with SEC laws and regulations, False Claims Act, the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act and HIPAA, regulations.
- A hands-on approach and attention to detail in performing various duties, including drafting, reviewing, and negotiating various agreements. Example agreements include contracts with suppliers of materials or services, clinical trial agreements, professional services agreements, consulting agreements, consents and permissions forms, confidentiality agreements, and other miscellaneous contracts and corporate documents.
- Advise business managers throughout the contract negotiation process with respect to the areas of legal risk and exposure, while recommending strategies to achieve a satisfactory outcome.
- Creates/modify appropriate template contracts tailored to the business needs; draft agreements that minimize risks and maximize legal rights; manage contract database.
- Oversee corporate records and document preservation.
- Board and committee meeting preparation; preparation of Board and committee minutes; facilitate director education.
- Experience overseeing legal issues relating to human resource functions and compliance with federal and state employment and employee benefit and executive compensation laws are a bonus.
Requirements:
- J.D. degree from an accredited college with strong academic credentials
- 10+ years of hands-on legal experience supporting corporate governance issues, public company reporting, corporate contracting activities and healthcare compliance activities, and corporate secretarial duties
- Leading law firm and/or in-house medical device/biotechnology/pharmaceutical industry experience is required.
- Active State Bar member.
- Knowledge of securities law and contract documents and strong drafting skills, attention to details is important.
- Understanding drug development regulations, including GxP regulations, to allow for management of Quality Assurance personnel and issues.
- Experience in strategic alliances and M&A activities.
- Strong understanding of biotech or pharmaceutical operations and the ability to create policies and programs that work for the business.
- Strong negotiating skills, ability to prioritize, handle multiple tasks and work independently under tight deadlines.
- Proven track record of delivering consistently on complex projects under challenging circumstances with a sense of urgency, but with the ability to also keep broader strategic objectives in focus.
- Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing in both individual and group settings
- Excellent oral written communication skills and critical thinking skills.
- Ability to work as a team member, multi-task and be very flexible to adapt to the ever-changing work priorities and requirements of a dynamic, fast-growing company.
- Proficient knowledge and skill in Microsoft Office Suite applications.
