Corporate Counsel

Metagenomi is a gene editing company committed to developing potentially curative therapeutics by leveraging a proprietary toolbox of next-generation gene editing systems to accurately edit DNA where current technologies cannot. Our metagenomics-powered discovery platform and analytical expertise reveal novel cellular machinery sourced from otherwise unknown organisms. We adapt and forge these naturally evolved systems into powerful gene editing systems that are ultra-small, extremely efficient, highly specific and have a decreased risk of immune response. These systems fuel our pipeline of novel medicines and can be leveraged by partners. Our goal is to revolutionize gene editing for the benefit of patients around the world. 

Whether it's the biological diversity of our gene editing systems or the people that help discover them, Metagenomi celebrates the diversity of life. This is achieved through a compassionate culture that acknowledges the dimensions of our diversity.  We know that when people feel a sense of inclusion and belonging in the workplace, they have a safe space to bring creativity and innovation to everything they do. We are intentional about building and maintaining a culture where people are valued and respected, there is equity in opportunities, and our respective opinions and differences matter.

The Corporate Counsel will provide comprehensive legal support to Metagenomi’s business, addressing complex legal matters in-house. The role focuses on providing legal advice, managing contract negotiations, and supporting business functions across various departments. This position is critical to reducing legal risks, ensuring regulatory compliance, and lowering external legal spend. It offers opportunities to broaden legal expertise and contribute to the company’s strategic initiatives. This position will be on-site in Emeryville, California (+80%).

What You’ll Do:

• Provide strategic, business-focused legal counsel and risk management advice to internal partners and stakeholders.
• Advise on a broad range of corporate legal matters, with a focus on cross-functional business projects.
• Draft, review, and negotiate various legal agreements, including clinical trial and supply agreements, informed consent documents, research and material transfer agreements, consulting agreements, nondisclosure agreements, and vendor contracts.
• Develop and manage legal templates and procedures to improve efficiency and standardize legal processes.
• Support transactional activities such as licensing, collaborations, and business agreements, ensuring alignment with Metagenomi’s strategic goals.
• Foster and maintain strong relationships with internal clients and external partners to ensure contracts align with the company’s objectives.
• Deliver legal expertise to support the development of innovative products and services, helping the company stand out in the biotech industry.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of global biopharmaceutical laws and regulations, conducting legal research, preparing summaries, and presenting findings to internal stakeholders.
• Mentor and oversee junior legal staff, while leading or supporting legal teams as needed.

What You Bring:

• Juris Doctorate (JD) degree with at least 3 years of legal practice, ideally within a life sciences company or a reputable law firm specializing in life sciences.
• Active license to practice law and membership in good standing in California or another U.S. state, with the ability to meet California Bar requirements for in-house counsel.
• Extensive experience in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating legal agreements with a keen focus on precision and clarity.
• Expertise in healthcare and regulatory compliance, employment law, privacy, and risk management.
• Ability to build consensus with diverse stakeholders and foster collaborative relationships.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the capacity to provide independent, concise legal advice on complex issues.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, delivering results with high accuracy and efficiency within tight deadlines.
• Leadership and mentoring skills, with experience supervising legal staff and supporting legal teams.
• Integrity, professionalism, and a commitment to ethical business practices in all legal matters.

California Pay Transparency Disclosure:

Under the Federal Labor Standards Act, this position is classified as exempt. Its anticipated base salary range will be $190,000 to $245,000.  Depending on the position offered, you will also be eligible to receive equity, bonuses, and a full range of benefits. Please note that individual total compensation for this position will be determined at the Company’s sole discretion and may vary based on location, skill level, years and depth of relevant experience, and education. 

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What makes Metagenomi a unique place to work?

• We are passionate about developing technologies derived from microbial-rich ecosystems that have the power to enable therapeutic development and the potential to cure devastating diseases.
• We have cultivated an amazing culture that values teamwork, curiosity, scientific rigor, and fun. We have a strong commitment to work/life balance, host a weekly employee happy hour and events, provide catered lunches and endless snacks, and more! 
• We offer competitive compensation, including a market-benchmarked salary, annual target bonus potential, equity, comprehensive benefits plan, 401(k) with company matching, retirement safe harbor plan, and other perks.
  

At Metagenomi, we know that our people drive our success. We are an equal opportunity employer and believe in and value diversity and inclusion. Metagenomi provides an open, collegial, and friendly work environment where we empower people and provide them with opportunities to develop their long-term careers. Metagenomi does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender, age, physical or mental disability, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law. 

Applicants/Employees have rights under various State and Federal Employment Laws, including without limitation:

• Family & Medical Leave Act 
• Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
• Employee Polygraph Protection Act 
• California Family Rights Act 
• California Fair Employment and Housing Act

Notice to agencies: Our in-house Talent Acquisition Team manages all employment opportunities at Metagenomi. Agencies and independent recruiters must be approved as a vendor by Metagenomi’s Talent Acquisition team. To protect the interests of all parties, Metagenomi will not accept unsolicited resumes, profiles, or biographies. Any unsolicited resumes sent to Metagenomi will be considered referrals and the property of Metagenomi.

Metagenomi Applicant Privacy Notice

Purpose of Data Collection

At Metagenomi, we are committed to protecting the privacy of our job applicants. The personal information you provide during the application process is collected to evaluate your suitability for employment with Metagenomi. This notice outlines how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal data.

Types of Data Collected

We may collect and process the following types of personal information:

• Contact Information: Name, address, phone number, email address.
• Employment History: Previous employers, job titles, dates of employment.
• Education: Educational institutions attended, degrees earned.
• References: Names and contact information of your references.
• Other Relevant Information: Any additional information you choose to provide in your application or resume.

Data Usage

The personal information we collect is used for the following purposes:

• To process and evaluate your job application.
• To communicate with you about your application status.
• To conduct background checks and verify your information.
• To comply with legal and regulatory requirements.

Data Sharing

We may share your personal information with:

• Internal Departments: Relevant Metagenomi departments involved in the recruitment process.
• Third-Party Service Providers: Background check companies, recruitment agencies, and other service providers who assist us in the recruitment process. These providers are obligated  to protect your information and use it only for the purposes specified by Metagenomi.
• Legal Authorities: As required by law or in response to legal processes.

Data Storage and Security

Your personal information is stored securely in our databases and systems. We use appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your data against unauthorized access, loss, or misuse. Your data will be retained for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected or as required by law.

Applicant Rights

You have the following rights regarding your personal information:

• Access: You can request access to the personal information we hold about you.
• Correction: You can request corrections to any inaccurate or incomplete information.
• Deletion: You can request the deletion of your personal information, subject to legal and regulatory obligations.
• Objection: You can object to the processing of your personal information in certain circumstances.

Metagenomi complies with applicable data protection laws, including the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring that your personal information is handled in accordance with the highest standards.

By submitting your application, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Applicant Privacy Notice and consent to the processing of your personal data as described above.