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Summit Therapeutics, Inc.

Director, Corporate Counsel

Summit Therapeutics, Inc., Princeton, New Jersey, us, 08543

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Location:

Menlo Park, CA; Miami, FL; Princeton, NJ (onsite)

I vonescimab, known as SMT112, is a novel, potential first‑in‑class investigational bispecific antibody combining the effects of immunotherapy via blockade of PD‑1 with the anti‑angiogenesis effects of blocking VEGF into a single molecule. Ivonescimab displays unique cooperative binding to each of its intended targets with multifold higher affinity when both PD‑1 and VEGF are present. Summit has begun its clinical development of ivonescimab in non‑small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), with three active Phase III trials:

HARMONi – Phase III trial evaluating ivonescimab plus chemotherapy versus placebo plus chemotherapy in EGFR‑mutated, locally advanced or metastatic non‑squamous NSCLC patients who progressed after 3rd‑generation EGFR TKI.

HARMONi‑3 – Phase III trial evaluating ivonescimab plus chemotherapy versus pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy in first‑line metastatic NSCLC.

HARMONi‑7 – Phase III trial evaluating ivonescimab monotherapy versus pembrolizumab monotherapy in first‑line metastatic NSCLC patients with high PD‑L1 expression.

Ivonescimab is investigational and not approved by any regulatory authority in Summit’s license territories, including the United States and Europe. It was approved for marketing in China in May 2024 and granted Fast Track designation by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration for the HARMONi trial setting.

Overview of Role The Director, Corporate Counsel is responsible for drafting, negotiating and executing company contracts across multiple departments. The role partners with clinical operations, medical affairs, finance, R&D, IT, human resources, facilities, and other internal clients to draft and negotiate agreements that protect the company from risk, support business objectives, and ensure compliance with company guidelines.

Role and Responsibilities

Draft, review, analyze and negotiate a wide range of contracts, with an emphasis on clinical trial agreements and independent study agreements. Additional agreements include contracts with contract research organizations, sponsored research, advisory boards, collaborations, licensing, consulting, master services, vendor, IT/software, facilities, leases, HR/employee benefits, and confidentiality or non‑disclosure agreements.

Act as the primary contact between internal business units and external parties, ensuring all legal and contractual matters are addressed efficiently and promptly; escalating matters to reduce company risk and help meet business objectives.

Develop strong working relationships with functional groups and project teams.

Respond promptly to complex inquiries regarding contract obligations and revisions.

Identify risks and issues, and suggest alternatives that meet business objectives while reducing risk.

Prepare and disseminate information regarding contract status, compliance, and modifications.

Review, analyze and track in‑process and ongoing agreements.

Report the status of contracts to internal clients using established processes and update them as necessary.

Provide training to company employees on contract review and management processes.

Coordinate with Intellectual Property Counsel on IP-related issues in agreements.

Coordinate with Regulatory Counsel and Compliance to address regulatory/compliance issues.

Coordinate with Quality Assurance on quality matters.

Prepare template agreements, modify existing templates, and draft unique agreements as required.

Ensure clear and prompt communication with employees and external parties about contract status or issues.

Handle miscellaneous legal tasks or special assignments on an as‑needed basis.

Perform all other duties as assigned.

Experience, Education and Specialized Knowledge and Skills

Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school and admission to a U.S. state bar in good standing.

Minimum of 7+ years of contracting and negotiation experience at a law firm or in‑house role within the pharmaceutical, medical device, or healthcare industry.

Prior clinical trial agreement negotiation and drafting experience (U.S. and international) with a pharmaceutical company.

Precise drafting and strong legal analysis skills, with knowledge of regulations, statutes, and industry guidelines affecting pharmaceutical research, development and commercial contracts, including GDPR and other data privacy laws.

Proficiency with Word and a working knowledge of Excel.

Excellent written and oral communication skills; ability to work effectively with all levels of management and personnel.

Ability to handle multiple projects in a timely manner.

Strong interpersonal skills and a sense of teamwork.

Strong business acumen and ability to diagnose legal problems and present creative solutions and alternatives.

Strong organizational and planning skills with meticulous attention to detail.

Ability to work independently while exercising initiative, flexibility, and good judgment.

Works well under pressure to meet specific deadlines.

Must be flexible due to rapidly changing business environment for a growth company.

The pay range for this role is $184,000–$230,000 annually. Actual compensation packages are based on several factors unique to each candidate, including skill set, depth of experience, certifications, and specific work location. The total compensation package may also include bonus, stock, benefits and/or other variable compensation.

Summit does not accept referrals from employment businesses and agencies for the vacancies posted on this site. All employment businesses/agencies are required to contact Summit’s Talent Acquisition team at recruiting@smmttx.com to obtain prior written authorization before referring any candidates to Summit.

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