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Ascendis Pharma, a global biopharmaceutical company, is seeking a Senior Legal Counsel to join its R&D Legal team in Hellerup, Denmark. This role supports the company's innovative TransCon® technology platform across the full product lifecycle—from early discovery through pre-clinical research, clinical development, and commercial manufacturing.
You will serve as a key legal partner to multiple business functions, with primary focus on Product Supply and Quality. Your responsibilities include:
• Advising on and negotiating commercial supply and manufacturing-related contracts, supporting day-to-day supply chain operations
• Supporting global clinical trials and studies, including negotiating trial site agreements, reviewing informed consent forms, and managing vendor contracts with CROs
• Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating a broad range of contracts: confidentiality agreements, service agreements, consultancy agreements, research agreements, license agreements, collaboration agreements, and material transfer agreements
• Providing legal and contract support to Research, Medical Affairs, and Regulatory Affairs departments
• Collaborating with stakeholders across Denmark, the US, and Germany to improve legal processes and contract templates
• Contributing to a collaborative team culture within the R&D Legal team (5 colleagues total)
You will report directly to Sara Weiss, Head of R&D Legal, and work in an informal, open environment where innovation and change are central. Travel is minimal (2–5 days per year).
QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS:
• Master's degree in Law
• Minimum 7–8 years of experience as in-house legal counsel or attorney in a law firm, preferably in pharmaceutical or life sciences
• Proven expertise in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating complex contracts in the pharma industry
• Solid experience supporting Product Supply and Quality, including commercial supply and manufacturing agreements
• Strong understanding of intellectual property law in contractual contexts
• Advantageous: Experience with Chemistry, Manufacturing and Controls (CMC), including CMO/CDMO agreements
• Advantageous: Experience with clinical trial agreements and informed consent form review
• Business-oriented legal mindset; ability to translate complex legal concepts into practical guidance
• Strong stakeholder collaboration skills; ability to work proactively with cross-functional teams (scientists, project managers, external partners)
• Risk assessment and mitigation capabilities; ability to identify legal risks early and propose balanced solutions
