Deputy General Counsel

Using living cells to treat – and sometimes even cure – cancer is one of the most dramatic advances in modern medicine. Patients with hematologic malignancies have been successfully treated with cell therapies. However, these profound results have not yet been achieved in patients with solid tumors, representing approximately 90% of all cancers. And for patients with hematologic malignancies, there is a need for next-generation cell therapies that can deliver increased response rates and longer duration of response.  We are a clinical-stage company advancing a pipeline of next-generation CAR T-cell therapies for patients with solid tumors or hematologic malignancies. Lyell’s product candidates are enhanced with novel technology designed to generate T cells that resist exhaustion and have qualities of durable stemness in order to drive durable tumor cytotoxicity and achieve consistent and long-lasting clinical response. We were founded by cell therapy pioneers whose decades of research elevated the broader understanding of T-cell biology and its interaction with cancer. In our quest to advance next-generation CAR T-cell therapies, we have built a fully integrated company capable of discovering new technologies, translating science into therapies, manufacturing cell therapy products, and clinically evaluating them in patients. Our culture is based on Science, Respect, Collaboration, and Courage and reflects who we are, the environment we create, and our mission's urgency.  The Deputy General Counsel is responsible for a broad range of legal, corporate governance, public company reporting and compliance duties to support the company’s needs. This leader will deliver confident and proactive support, work collaboratively as well as autonomously, and be comfortable with, and skilled in, interacting with senior management and employees at all levels throughout the company. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Proactively support all operational functions within the company, including our Research, Clinical Development, Clinical Operations, Medical Affairs, Nonclinical Development, Translational Science, Regulatory, Finance, HR and IT teams Collaborate on strategic initiatives, including Business Development matters  Draft, review and negotiate (and oversee management of) confidentiality agreements, consulting agreements, services agreements, research and collaboration agreements, clinical trial agreements, license agreements and other agreements Review Exchange Act filings, including Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K, Proxy Statement and Section 16 reports, and support compliance with other public company reporting requirements Assist with corporate governance and stock plan administration activities; provide expertise and insights for developing and messaging communications and training for employees Lead compliance and privacy programs; design, deliver and monitor training for employees Oversee management of corporate minute books, other corporate records and contracts and form agreements databases Collaborate with outside counsel and manage external spend efficiently Manage Legal team members; guide performance and development for staff in alignment with Lyell performance practices This role may be based either in South San Francisco, CA or Seattle (at either the Downtown Seattle, WA or Bothell, WA location) PREFERRED EDUCATION: Law school graduate and Bar member PREFERRED EXPERIENCE: 15+ years post-Bar experience, gained in pharmaceutical/biotech environment and/or a top-tier law firm representing healthcare and biotechnology clients Broad experience working with different functional teams; prior experience with an expanding organization during its growth phase is preferred Deep knowledge of SEC and Nasdaq public company reporting obligations Entrepreneurial spirit; experience in a growing company is a plus Self-starter with demonstrated ability to work independently, to manage and support others, to lead and to make sound decisions quickly Proven ability to interact effectively with senior management and others at all levels of an organization Highly effective organization skills to successfully manage wide-ranging workload and projects Excellent legal, business, analytical and presentation skills Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a strong ability to influence and negotiate Excellent collaboration skills with a desire to bring out the best in others Fluency in English KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Ability to be both an “architect” and a “plumber” – to see the big picture and to execute it Ability to explain complex concepts and problems in simple terms, and communicate clearly and effectively at all organization levels (including senior management) Ability to elevate colleagues’ performance Strong sense of ownership for projects and results and passionate about his/her work Analytical mindset; good problem-solving skills; able to work effectively to identify issues, gather relevant data points, assess risks and provide solution-based recommendations The salary range for this position is $360,000 to $400,000, annually, with the opportunity to earn an annual bonus. The salary range is an estimate, and the actual salary may vary based on Lyell’s compensation practices and an applicant’s qualifications and experience. Employees are also eligible to participate in Lyell’s Equity Incentive Plan. At Lyell, we believe that highest performing teams include people from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences who respectfully challenge each other. We are committed to building an open, diverse and inclusive culture for all employees. Lyell is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, citizenship status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, age, religion, creed, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, veteran status or any