Corporate Counsel - Nkarta, Inc.

Nkarta is a publicly traded (Nasdaq symbol NKTX), biotechnology company headquartered in South San Francisco focused on the discovery, development and manufacturing of off-the-shelf, natural killer (NK) cell therapies. Our near-term goal is to bring cell therapy out into the community setting, dramatically expanding access for patients. 

Founded in 2015 at the birthplace of biotechnology, Nkarta is a fast-growing, fast-moving, clinical-stage company that has built an extensive cell therapy manufacturing operation in anticipation of product commercialization. Our developmental pipeline of engineered NK cell therapies includes clinical programs in B-cell malignancies and autoimmune diseases.

Complementing our broad research and development capabilities, Nkarta has also built an extensive cell therapy manufacturing operation.  We recently built out a 23,000-square foot clinical good manufacturing practice, or cGMP, facility on-site at our primary corporate location in South San Francisco, California.

Nkarta is a people-driven company looking for passionate, collaborative, driven team members galvanized by a paradigm-shifting opportunity to change the cell therapy landscape.  

The Corporate Counsel will be responsible for managing and supporting the day-to-day contracting needs of a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, including drafting and negotiating a wide range of contracts and managing the contract workflow process. Although the primary focus of the role will be contracts, from time to time, the Corporate Counsel will also assist with other general corporate matters. The ideal candidate will be able to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and be a self-starter.  

• Serve as the primary point of contact in the legal department for all of Nkarta’s day-to-day contract needs.
• Review, draft, negotiate and manage the full range of contracts supporting Nkarta’s entire organization, including research & development and business development activities, clinical programs, manufacturing, and business operations.
• Advise the business on contract interpretation, dispute resolution, risk and negotiating strategies.
• Manage the workflow of the contracting process and provide contract lifecycle support to internal stakeholders.
• Facilitate cross-functional communication with internal stakeholders to gather necessary information for legal agreements and ensure contract negotiations advance in alignment with operational objectives.
• Improve and optimize the contract review process and procedures, including creating guidance documents and best practices guides for employee reference.
• Conduct training on contract-related policies and procedures.
• Manage, update and maintain Nkarta’s contract templates.
• Educate and guide internal stakeholders regarding contract process.
• Oversee implementation and maintenance of Nkarta’s contract management system.
• Collaborate with various internal stakeholders effectively and promptly to address legal and business questions.
• Assess, implement, and maintain technological aides to increase efficiencies in contract review and management workflows.
• Manage outside transaction counsel and other contracts personnel, as applicable.
• Assist with other general corporate legal matters, as needed.

• JD degree from an accredited law school, preferably top tier.
• Four-year degree from an accredited college or university is required, preferably in one of the life sciences.
• Admitted to California bar (preferred) or eligible to register as in-house counsel in California.
• A combination of experience at both a top-tier law firm and small in-house legal department is preferred.
• 5-7 years of experience drafting and negotiating a range of contracts for biotechnology and/or pharmaceutical companies, including clinical trial agreements, informed consent forms, collaboration agreements, and service agreements.
• Experience in IP transactions with an understanding of IP law and experience in drafting, reviewing and negotiating IP license agreements.
• Working knowledge of privacy laws and regulatory and compliance matters relevant to the drug development process.
• Excellent written/verbal communication, negotiation, sound judgment, and critical thinking skills.
• Able to work independently and thrive in a fast-paced, small-company environment.
• Collaborative, flexible, positive, and pragmatic work style.
• Ability to meet tight deadlines, handle multiple tasks, and changing priorities using strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Highly detail-oriented and meticulous with their work.
• Role is hybrid, with at least 2 days/week on site in our South San Francisco office. Local candidates preferred.

The common requirements of an office environment (computers, computer screens, workstations, etc.) apply when not working in or around the laboratory environment. Car and airplane travel might be required of this role for conferences and meetings. This role is local to the office in South San Francisco; however, the team works a hybrid schedule with work from home days.

A reasonable estimate of the current salary range for this position is $220,000 - $270,000.  There are several factors taken into consideration in determining base salary, including but not limited to: job-related qualifications, skills, education and experience, as well as the value of other elements of an employee’s total compensation package.  Nkarta also offers an annual discretionary bonus, equity grant(s), medical, dental, vision and life insurance coverage, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans.  Other benefits include 401K plan, flexible spending account, ESPP, employee assistance program, paid vacation, holiday and personal days, paid parental, pregnancy, and bereavement leave.

The 150+ team members describe working at Nkarta through some of the following comments. While getting better work-life balance and improving communications between groups in an early stage start up environment are two areas on which we are working, here are real, anonymous comments about or regarding why people think Nkarta is a great place to work.

• “People are always open to ideas. This company provides a safe place for its employees (covid testing, etc.)”
• “Exceptionally talented, committed, *kind* & supportive team.”
• “The CEO is transparent and honest with expectations for the whole company. There is genuine care amongst the leadership team for their peers and employees. I believe this is unique.”
• “Not to sound corny, but the emphasis on people as a valuable resource is something I recognize doesn't often exist elsewhere, and it's here in ample supply, which is great.”
• “It's the first place that I've worked where the executive team truly values the employees. It's a pretty amazing thing not to hear that employees can be replaced with someone new. Institutional knowledge is understood.”
• “We have a very diverse team with executives that are friendly and accessible.”
• “Smart and dedicated colleagues. Mission to make a difference in patients’ lives. Empower us with tools needed to succeed. Open and transparent culture. Transparent leadership. Handling of covid and running the company was done very well.”

To learn more about our work at Nkarta and the career opportunities that will drive us forward to serve patients, please visit the company’s website at https://www.nkartatx.com.