Senior Counsel Legal, R&D and Supply Chain
Akebia Therapeutics
August 19, 2026
Remote friendly (Waltham, MA)
United States
Corporate Functions
Job Description
Senior Counsel (Sr. Director) Legal, R&D and Supply Chain
Responsibilities:
- Serve as strategic business partner and provide solution-oriented legal advice to Research & Development, Manufacturing and Supply Chain.
- Draft, negotiate, review, and interpret agreements (supply, quality, clinical trial, and license).
- Liaise with internal and external partners to align on initiatives and resolve disputes.
- Manage and mentor direct report(s) and other legal team members.
- Serve on program teams for clinical-stage assets and support R&D and supply strategic planning.
- Review R&D disclosures/decks for investors, including securities filings.
- Adopt business-oriented, creative problem-solving.
- Coordinate with procurement and cross-functional partners on contracting process/policy updates.
- Stay abreast of industry law changes and inform the business.
- Build strong cross-functional relationships to tackle complex issues.
- Manage delivery of services by outside counsel as needed.
Qualifications
Required:
- JD from an accredited law school; admitted to practice in good standing in Massachusetts.
- 10+ years experience with life science companies (large firm and/or in-house).
- Experience with R&D teams, collaborations, and strategic transactions.
- Experience drafting/negotiating licenses, clinical trials, supply, master service, and consulting agreements.
- Ability to make pragmatic risk-based recommendations and lead discussions for risk-appropriate contract strategies.
Preferred:
- Business-focused, solution-oriented; strong problem solving/analytical skills.
- Strong stakeholder management and ability to communicate complex concepts to cross-functional teams.
- Self-motivated; strong drafting/proofreading and attention to detail; strong written/verbal communication.
- Strong organizational and project management; management skills and teamwork.
Benefits/Compensation:
- Targeted Base Salary: $248,305 – $306,730 USD.
- Additional benefits may include health care, vision, dental, retirement, and PTO.
Application instructions: Not specified.
Senior Counsel (Sr. Director) Legal, R&D and Supply Chain
Responsibilities:
- Serve as strategic business partner and provide solution-oriented legal advice to Research & Development, Manufacturing and Supply Chain.
- Draft, negotiate, review, and interpret agreements (supply, quality, clinical trial, and license).
- Liaise with internal and external partners to align on initiatives and resolve disputes.
- Manage and mentor direct report(s) and other legal team members.
- Serve on program teams for clinical-stage assets and support R&D and supply strategic planning.
- Review R&D disclosures/decks for investors, including securities filings.
- Adopt business-oriented, creative problem-solving.
- Coordinate with procurement and cross-functional partners on contracting process/policy updates.
- Stay abreast of industry law changes and inform the business.
- Build strong cross-functional relationships to tackle complex issues.
- Manage delivery of services by outside counsel as needed.
Qualifications
Required:
- JD from an accredited law school; admitted to practice in good standing in Massachusetts.
- 10+ years experience with life science companies (large firm and/or in-house).
- Experience with R&D teams, collaborations, and strategic transactions.
- Experience drafting/negotiating licenses, clinical trials, supply, master service, and consulting agreements.
- Ability to make pragmatic risk-based recommendations and lead discussions for risk-appropriate contract strategies.
Preferred:
- Business-focused, solution-oriented; strong problem solving/analytical skills.
- Strong stakeholder management and ability to communicate complex concepts to cross-functional teams.
- Self-motivated; strong drafting/proofreading and attention to detail; strong written/verbal communication.
- Strong organizational and project management; management skills and teamwork.
Benefits/Compensation:
- Targeted Base Salary: $248,305 – $306,730 USD.
- Additional benefits may include health care, vision, dental, retirement, and PTO.
Application instructions: Not specified.