Associate General Counsel

Share this job opening

Job description

About Galapagos

Galapagos is a global biotechnology company (Euronext & Nasdaq: GLPG) with operations in Europe, the U.S., and Asia, dedicated to transforming patient outcomes through life‑changing science and innovation. We are in a new chapter of our transformation, focused on disciplined capital stewardship and transformative business development to build a pipeline of innovative clinical programs. With a strong balance sheet, Galapagos is actively evaluating value‑accretive opportunities to deliver meaningful impact for patients and stakeholders.

Associate General Counsel

Location: Chicago, IL (hybrid 2–3 days/week)

Reports to: General Counsel (U.S.)

Type: Full-time

The Opportunity (Second-in-Command – U.S. Legal)

We are seeking an Associate General Counsel to serve as “second in command” within the U.S. legal function. This is a high‑visibility role for an attorney who excels at life sciences transactions and enjoys a broad in‑house practice. The position offers significant autonomy, direct partnership with senior stakeholders, and meaningful opportunities to expand leadership scope—particularly into U.S. public company securities and Nasdaq matters over time.

While experience with SEC filings and Nasdaq compliance is welcome, it is not required if you bring strong transactional experience, a demonstrated learning mindset, and the willingness to take ownership (with support from the General Counsel and outside counsel as needed).

Your role

Life Sciences Transactions (Core)

• Lead and support a wide range of life sciences/pharma transactions, such as licensing, collaborations, clinical development, manufacturing/supply, distribution, services, consulting, confidentiality, and other strategic commercial agreements.

• Provide practical, business‑oriented counseling to cross‑functional stakeholders (BD, R&D, Clinical, Commercial, Finance, Procurement, Compliance) and drive negotiations to timely closure.

• Support corporate development initiatives (e.g., partnerships, financings, M&A support as needed), including legal diligence and execution support.

• Efficiently manage outside counsel, including scoping, budgets, timelines, and deliverables.

Securities / Nasdaq / Governance (Growth Path)

• Partner with the General Counsel and Finance/IR to support U.S. securities compliance and disclosures, with an opportunity to take on increasing responsibility over time.

• Assist with drafting/reviewing public disclosures and periodic/current reporting materials (e.g., SEC reports and related releases, investor presentations, and other communications) and help maintain disclosure controls and calendars.

• Support Nasdaq compliance and corporate governance activities (Board/committee materials, policies, insider trading compliance, and related processes), with the expectation of growing into greater ownership as you ramp.

Broad In‑House Legal Support (Variety & Impact)

• Provide day‑to‑day legal support typical of a lean, high‑performing legal team, potentially including:

– Employment counseling and coordination with HR and outside counsel

– Litigation management (strategy, discovery coordination, budgeting, oversight)

– Real property/facilities and workplace matters

– Vendor/technology contracting and general commercial support

– Policy and process development (templates, playbooks, training)

Job requirements

Who are you ?

• J.D. from an accredited U.S. law school and active bar membership in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.

• 10+ years of relevant legal experience, including substantial experience in life sciences/pharma transactions (law firm and/or in‑house).

• Excellent drafting and negotiation skills, strong judgment, and the ability to translate legal risk into practical business guidance.

• Comfortable operating as a “corporate generalist” in a lean environment—able to move between strategic deals and hands‑on counseling.

• Strong ownership mindset: proactive, organized, responsive, and able to manage multiple priorities under time pressure.

• Prior in‑house experience in biotech/pharma (strongly preferred).

Preferred (Not Required)

• Exposure to public company securities, SEC reporting, disclosure controls, corporate governance, and/or Nasdaq compliance.

• Experience scaling legal processes (templates, playbooks, contracting and disclosure workflows).

Work Style / Location

• Hybrid role with an expectation of 2–3 days per week in office (Chicago area or San Francisco Bay Area), with flexibility for focused work.

• Travel may be required from time to time, including international travel to Europe.

What’s in it for you ?

Compensation Transparency

The anticipated base salary range for this role is:

• Chicago area: $300,000 – $340,000 base salary

Actual compensation will vary based on job-related factors permitted by law, such as experience, skills, education, and geographic location. This role may be eligible for an annual bonus and/or long‑term incentives (e.g., equity), where applicable.

Benefits & Other Compensation

Galapagos offers a comprehensive benefits package, which may include medical, dental, and vision coverage; 401(k) with company match; paid time off and company holidays; paid parental leave; wellness benefits; and other employee programs. Benefits and programs may vary by location and are subject to plan terms.

Equal Opportunity & Accommodations

Galapagos is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected status.

If you need a reasonable accommodation to apply or interview, please contact: [email protected]

Fair Chance / Criminal History (San Francisco)

For roles based in San Francisco, we will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in a manner consistent with applicable local ordinances.

Notice

This job posting describes the position in general terms and is not a contract of employment. Duties, responsibilities, and benefits may change at any time with or without notice, consistent with applicable law.

How to Apply

Please submit your resume and a brief cover note highlighting:

(1) your life sciences transactional experience, and

(2) your interest in expanding into securities/Nasdaq and broader in‑house leadership

Galapagos is dedicated to ensuring equal employment opportunities. Our hiring decisions are based on merit, considering qualifications, skills, performance, and achievements. We strictly prohibit discrimination against any employee or job applicant based on personal characteristics that are unrelated to their job.

We are Galapagos : together we can make it happen…!