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Cytokinetics

Senior Director, Legal Counsel

Cytokinetics See More Job Openings by This EmployerArrow
  • Full Time
  • South San Francisco, CA
March 23, 2026 Attorney

Job Description

Cytokinetics is a specialty cardiovascular biopharmaceutical company, building on its over 25 years of pioneering scientific innovations in muscle biology, and advancing a pipeline of potential new medicines for patients suffering from diseases of cardiac muscle dysfunction.

Responsibilities

  • Participate and potentially lead the negotiation of complex corporate arrangements and agreements connected with business development / licensing matters, corporate financings, and acquisitions of technology, either working individually or with outside counsel.
  • Exercise direct or supervisory responsibility for the drafting and negotiation of contracts of varying complexity typical to: (1) small- to medium-sized public companies and (2) companies in the biopharmaceutical industry; strong knowledge of the key provisions of such agreements that give rise to negotiation issues such as indemnities, limitations of liability,  warranties and covenants, , termination and matters connected with intellectual property protections, and regulatory concerns
  • Identify, review and evaluate legal technology systems, including AI solutions, aimed at improving the efficiency of legal operations and lead or assist with the implementation of such systems, including by developing workflows, templates, etc.
  • Independently provide leadership on cross-functional teams, identify legal issues, provide legal options and analysis of possible legal solutions, and give recommendations for addressing critical issues so that business and legal objectives are met.
  • May also provide support and advice to G&A departments and investor relations.
  • Manage outside counsel effectively and efficiently, and consistent with applicable budgets. Work creatively with outside counsel to minimize fees and costs.

Qualifications

  • JD degree
  • Admitted to at least one state bar. Admitted to California bar or admitted as Registered In-House Counsel in California is a plus
  • Minimum of 8-10 years of experience as in-house counsel in a biotechnology, pharma or healthcare company or a combination of in-house corporate and/or nationally recognized law firm specializing in the area of interest
  • Detail-oriented with a high level of intellectual, professional and interpersonal agility and flexibility, combined with strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • An ability to operate independently
  • Excellent communication skills, both oral and written
  • Intellectually curious with a willingness to take responsibility Well-organized and hardworking, with the ability to manage numerous projects simultaneously under deadline pressure
  • Excellent analytical skills, with a strong ability to draft and review legal documents, analyze legal advice and apply legal advice to business needs
  • Ability to form strong working relationships with all levels of management, employees, and partners while maintaining firm adherence to proper legal standards
  • Team-oriented and collegial, with sound judgement and a willingness to take initiative

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Pay Range:

In the U.S., the hiring pay range for fully qualified candidates is $333,000 - $368,000 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors.

Our employees come from different backgrounds, and we celebrate those differences. We are looking for the best candidates for our open roles, but do not expect applicants to meet every qualification in order to be considered. If you are excited about what you could accomplish at Cytokinetics and believe you can add value to our team, we would love to hear from you.

Please review our General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) policy PRIOR to applying.  

Our passion is anchored in robust scientific thinking, grounded in integrity and critical thinking. We keep the patient front and center in all we do – all actions and decisions are in service of the patient and their caregivers. We champion integrity, ethics, doing the right thing, and being our best selves.

Fraud Warning: How to Identify Impersonated Cytokinetics Job Postings and Offers

Recently, there have been fraudulent employment offers being sent to candidates on behalf of Cytokinetics. Please be advised that all legitimate offers from Cytokinetics will come directly from our official email domain (Cytokinetics.com) and will only be made after completing a formal interview process.

Here are some ways to check for authenticity:

  • We do not conduct job interviews through non-standard text messaging applications

  • We will never request personal information such as banking details until after an official offer has been accepted and verified

  • We will never request that you purchase equipment or other items when interviewing or hiring

  • If you are unsure about the authenticity of an offer, or if you receive any suspicious communication, please contact us directly at talentacquisition@cytokinetics.com

Please visit our website at: www.cytokinetics.com

Cytokinetics is an Equal Opportunity Employer



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