Interim Head of Privacy (Fully Remote)- CHF200k- Global Pharma

Interim Head of Privacy / Senior Privacy Counsel (Fully Remote)

Switzerland (preferred) | Remote/Flexible Across Europe

We're currently supporting a growing international biotechnology organisation seeking an experienced privacy lawyer or privacy leader to provide strategic support across its European operations.

This is a rare opportunity to join a highly innovative business operating at the intersection of clinical research, healthcare data, digital health and global regulatory compliance.

The successful candidate will work closely with Legal, Compliance, Clinical Development, Medical Affairs, Security and Commercial teams, helping to shape and enhance privacy governance across multiple jurisdictions.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop privacy and data protection strategy across Europe and international markets
• Advise senior stakeholders on GDPR, UK GDPR and wider international privacy requirements
• Support privacy aspects of clinical trials, patient data usage and health-data driven initiatives
• Oversee DPIAs, privacy risk assessments and cross-border data transfer arrangements
• Partner with commercial, R&D and medical teams to ensure compliant use of sensitive healthcare and clinical data
• Support regulatory inspections, audits and privacy investigations where required
• Review and negotiate privacy and data protection provisions in commercial agreements and strategic partnerships
• Drive privacy awareness, training and governance initiatives across the organisation
• Ideal Background

We are particularly interested in speaking with candidates who have experience within:

• Pharmaceuticals
• Biotechnology
• Life Sciences
• Medical Devices
• Clinical Research Organisations (CROs)
• Healthcare Technology
• Digital Health

Suitable candidates are likely to have held positions such as:

• Head of Privacy
• Data Protection Officer (DPO)
• Senior Privacy Counsel
• Privacy & Compliance Lead
• Clinical Development Counsel with significant privacy responsibilities
• Legal Counsel supporting clinical research, medical affairs or healthcare data programmes
• Experience Required
• Strong knowledge of GDPR and international privacy frameworks
• Experience handling sensitive health, patient or clinical trial data
• Experience supporting highly regulated life sciences or healthcare environments
• Familiarity with clinical research, medical affairs, pharmacovigilance or healthcare innovation
• Ability to operate independently and engage directly with senior leadership teams
• Privacy qualifications such as CIPP/E, CIPM, CIPT or DPO certifications are advantageous

Please contact: gbalasubrama@mlaglobal.com for further details.