Description
UKHSA's legal team supports the organisation's mission to protect people from health threats.
We are seeking a newly qualified solicitor to join this growing and dynamic team. This role offers an excellent opportunity to develop as an in-house lawyer in a uniquely varied and impactful environment. You will gain exposure to a broad mix of legal work across UKHSA's functions, including commercial and research agreements, information governance, and public law issues.
You will have a particular focus on life sciences, information law and public health law. This will include advising on scientific research collaborations, material transfer arrangements, the lawful use and sharing of data, and the regulatory frameworks underpinning UKHSA's work.
Responsibilities:
- Provide legal advice primarily in the areas of life sciences, information law and public health law;
- Support the Commercial, Vaccines and Countermeasures Department (CVCD) vaccine sector industry engagement programme;
- Support UKHSA's scientific teams and business development teams on contractual and regulatory matters;
- Advise on data protection and freedom of information matters;
- Provide legal support to outbreak management activities;
- Demonstrate good communication and collaboration skills when working with internal stakeholders and multidisciplinary teams;
- Manage a varied caseload and work with internal clients, government lawyers, external law firms and counsel as required;
- Contribute to the wider team by taking a proactive role in areas such as knowledge management, training and projects;
- Work flexibly across different legal disciplines and undertake such other duties as required.
Person specification: Essential criteria:
- Newly qualified solicitor with a current practising certificate and admitted to the roll of solicitors in England and Wales;
- Demonstrable interest and experience in life sciences, information law and public health law;
- Strong organisational skills;
- Sound legal judgement;
- Solutions-focused and commercially minded approach;
- Strong written and verbal communication skills;
- Ability to communicate clearly and sensitively with stakeholders.
Desirable criteria:
- Experience of working in an in-house legal team;
- An understanding of the government and wider public sector context.
Benefits:
- Salary of £46,310 - £52,113 per year;
- £13,416 contribution towards Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme;
- Learning and development tailored to your role;
- Flexible working options;
- Culture encouraging inclusion and diversity;
- Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%.