General Counsel

Arch Oncology is focused on the discovery and development of new antibody therapeutics, with best-in-class potential, to treat patients living with cancer.

Arch Oncology's next-generation anti-CD47 antibodies are highly differentiated, with the potential to improve upon the safety and efficacy profile relative to other agents in this class. Our lead antibody, AO-176, works by blocking the "don't eat me" signal, a standard mechanism of other anti-CD47 antibodies. However, beyond blocking this signal, AO-176 also directly kills tumor cells. Importantly, AO-176 preferentially binds to tumor cells compared with normal cells, and binds even more potently to tumors in their acidic microenvironment (Low pH). AO-176 is currently in a Phase 1 clinical trial for the treatment of patients with solid tumors.

Aiming high in the fight against cancer takes an experienced team of driven and collaborative professionals. Arch Oncology has two locations. Corporate Headquarter is in Brisbane, CA, a gateway of biotechnology innovation, and our scientific research laboratory is in St. Louis, MO, home of the Gateway Arch. This position is based in Brisbane, CA. The company is backed by leading investors including RiverVest Venture Partners, Roche Venture Fund, 3X5 RiverVest Partners and Lightchain.

Position Summary:

The General Counsel will manage the legal affairs of the company and report directly to the Chief Executive Officer. This position requires the ability to both advise senior management on a range of legal issues and to perform day-to-day hands-on legal work. We are looking for an experienced attorney who can astutely balance risk assessment with business judgement, possesses excellent verbal and written communication skills, and can multi-task and prioritize effectively.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience:

Serve as the primary legal counsel and strategist to the Chief Executive Officer, the executive leadership and, with outside counsel, the Board of Directors of the company.

Manage and oversee all legal issues and the provision of legal services, provide counsel and advice to senior management; partner with multiple groups within the organization, including clinical development, manufacturing, finance, human resources and business development, to help achieve business objectives while managing risk.

Manage all legal matters, including compliance, regulatory, patent, trademark and other intellectual property matters, licensing, clinical agreements, employment, corporate governance and, if applicable SEC reporting and disclosure matters.

Oversee the design and implementation of strategies to protect and maximize the value of Arch's intellectual property rights.

Draft, review, edit, and negotiate a variety of contracts including clinical, research, business development, licensing and collaboration agreements.

Provide legal representation with respect to transactions including negotiating and advising on transactions, such as mergers and acquisitions.

Manage relationships with various outside counsel to ensure high quality, cost effective legal representation.

Manage the operations of and individuals in the Legal department.

Develop, implement and improve processes and systems to increase the efficiency of the Legal department.

Oversee risk management and compliance from the legal/business perspective; assess legal risks independently and communicate them, along with risk mitigation strategies, to applicable stakeholders

If and when applicable, play key role in preparing organization for initial public offering and status as a public company.

Develop and implement processes and procedures to increase the ability to effectively manage a high volume of transactions.

Ensure that business activities and contracts comply with internal policies and guidelines, federal, state and local laws and industry regulations.

Assist in the preparation and distribution of materials for Board of Directors and Board committee meetings (e.g., Board Books).

Act as the corporate Secretary, prepare resolutions and minutes for Board and committee meetings and provide governance advice and counsel to the Board and its committees.

Manage the corporate governance compliance needs of the company.

Assume responsibility for all aspects of legal document tracking; develop and maintain contract templates in accordance with changes in laws, regulations, or corporate policies or best practices.

Advise business owners of contractual terms and their implications; provide guidance on risks and alternatives for quick resolution of issues.

Skills & Qualifications

Education/Experience Requirements:

12+ years as a corporate attorney, preferably as either General Counsel or Associate General Counsel.

Solid background in drafting and negotiating complex agreements, including license and collaboration agreements, either in-house or at a well-respected firm; both in-house and law firm experience preferred.

Experience in equity financing transaction, both public and private.

Experience in securities laws and investor relations and public disclosure matters in a public company.

Solid track record of working with boards of directors and board committees and counseling on corporate governance matters.

Pharmaceutical and/or biotech experience required.

Experience in oversight of IP portfolio management.

J.D. or equivalent degree from a top-tier law school.

Member of the California Bar or willingness to become a member.

Other Qualifications:

Role requires strong leadership, management, technical, analytical, problem-solving and negotiation skills.

Excellent business judgement and strategic thinking.

Ability to balance legal/contractual issues with business risk.

Solid track record of building strong relationships and working with different personality types and all levels of company.

Flexible, well organized and able to manage a high-volume workload and numerous projects simultaneously under deadline pressures.

Accustomed to a fast-paced and ever-changing environment with the ability to constantly reprioritize.

Strong, organizational skills and attention to details.

Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, both written and oral.

Positive work ethic and dedication to improving professional service to all the company's constituents.

Compensation:

Arch Oncology offers competitive salary, bonus and equity compensation, with a generous benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, and disability insurance, as well as paid leave and a 401k plan.

Arch Oncology is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against applicants due to race, ethnicity, gender, veteran status, or on the basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.