Senior Counsel- Business Development

Senior Counsel, Business Development
Boston, MA or Gaithersburg, MD
Global Legal
Hybrid, on average 3 days a week in office

AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-focused biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development, and commercialization of prescription medicines for some of the world’s most serious diseases. But we’re more than one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies. We’re valued partners who are trusted to do the right thing. We believe it’s not just about getting the best solution, it’s also about doing it the right way – ethics, compliance, and transparency are front and center of everything we do. 

We’re a global legal function that values flexibility, creativity, and a willingness to stretch and accept new challenges. We focus on professional and personal development and place a premium on providing lawyers with broad exposure and the opportunity to counsel diverse stakeholders on legal risks. 

As a member of the BioPharma , Corporate and Operations Legal group, you’ll be part of a team of transaction lawyers, focused on delivering the most important projects for our Business Development teams. Your work will focus on licensing and collaborations, as well as asset deals, M&A projects and other matters supported by our Business Development teams. We’re looking for a skilled, ambitious lawyer to help AstraZeneca become a world leader in our therapeutic areas of focus, including Oncology, Biopharmaceuticals (including cardiovascular, renal & metabolism; respiratory & immunology; and infectious disease therapies) and Rare Disease. Your specialist expertise will be key to achieving this ambition! 

What you'll do

In this Global role, you’ll provide legal advice across AstraZeneca’s global organization, working closely with senior leaders. Your key responsibilities would include:

• Serving as the primary legal advisor for your deals, advising from term sheet through signing and closing;

• Drafting and negotiating agreements;

• Conducting legal due diligence and advising on risk;

• Managing external law firms and deal budgets;

• Working closely with business development, IP, finance, Tax, R&D, and other functions;

• Providing clear and practical advice to the business, including senior leaders; and

• Leveraging AI to drive efficiencies in deal making and reduce external spend

Essential for the role

• Juris Doctor (JD) and active bar license in the U.S.

• 5+ years of experience in corporate and transactional practice at a law firm and/or an in-house legal department

• Significant experience in life sciences transactions

• Strong leadership capabilities and business judgment

• Solution and action orientated approach 

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills 

• Ability to manage complexity  

• Demonstrable accountability and integrity 

• Ability to act independently and drive projects to completion 

• Strong working knowledge of AI-enabled legal and business tools 

Office Working Requirements

When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash bold thinking with the power to inspire life-changing medicines. In-person working gives us the platform we need to connect, work at pace and challenge perceptions. That’s why we work, on average, a minimum of three days per week from the office. But that doesn’t mean we’re not flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our unique and ambitious world.

The annual base pay for this position ranges from $184,228.00 - 276,342.00 USD. Our positions offer eligibility for various incentives—an opportunity to receive short-term incentive bonuses, equity-based awards for salaried roles and commissions for sales roles. Benefits offered include qualified retirement programs, paid time off (i.e., vacation, holiday, and leaves), as well as health, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms of the applicable plans. ​

Date Posted

05-Oct-2026

Closing Date

18-Oct-2026

Our mission is to build an inclusive environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees. In furtherance of that mission, we welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their protected characteristics. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please complete the corresponding section in the application form.

About Us

AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-focused biopharmaceutical company. We

focus on discovering, developing and commercialising prescription medicines for some

of the world’s most serious diseases. But we are more than one of the world’s leading

pharmaceutical companies.

At AstraZeneca, we’re dedicated to being a Great Place to Work. Where you are empowered

to push the boundaries of science, challenge convention and unleash your entrepreneurial

spirit. To embrace differences and take bold actions to drive the change needed to meet

global healthcare and sustainability challenges.

There is no better place to make a difference in medicine, patients, and society. An inclusive

culture where you will connect different thinking to generate new and valuable opportunities.

Where you will find a commitment to lifelong learning, growth and development for all.

Championing Inclusion and Diversity

Our Inclusion & Diversity (I&D) mission is to create an inclusive and equitable environment where people belong, using the power of our diversity to push the boundaries of science to deliver life-changing medicines to patients.

Inclusion and diversity are fundamental to the success of our company, because innovation requires breakthrough ideas that only come from a diverse workforce empowered to challenge conventional thinking.

Life at AstraZeneca

We’re curious about science and the advancement of knowledge. We find creative ways to approach new challenges. We’re driven to make the right choices and be accountable for our actions.

As an organisation centred around what makes us human, we put a big focus on people. Across our business, we want colleagues to wake up excited about their day at the office, in the field, or in the lab. Along with our purpose to bring life-changing medicines to people across the globe, we have a promise to you: to help you realise the full breadth of your potential.

Here, you’ll do work that has the potential to change your life and improve countless others. And, together with your team, you’ll shape a culture that unites and inspires us every day. This is your life at AstraZeneca.