For over a century, L'Oréal has operated on the idea that beauty needs science. In a world now transformed by digital acceleration and the emergence of new scientific fields, we are confident in our ability to transform these new opportunities into disruptive innovations, closely linked to the evolving expectations of consumers worldwide. Science and technology enable us to invent safe, reliable, sustainable, and responsible beauty products and experiences that will change people's lives.
L'Oréal R&I has continually invested in its research with a very high level of ambition. Our 4,100 R&I employees are talented & highly qualified, based around the world in our key markets, collaborative & open to the world.
The mission of the Intellectual Property & Legal Department for Research and Innovation is to support all Research & Innovation entities in their R&D activities (research collaboration, technology transfers, evaluation, clinical and consumer studies, etc.).
The Legal Department for Europe Research & Innovation is looking for a
Senior R&D Legal Counsel
Main Responsibilities: Within the Legal Department for Europe R&I (as a Senior R&D Legal Counsel), you are responsible for drafting, negotiating, and monitoring contracts related to Research & Development activities, particularly in the context of external collaborations, licensing-in, evaluations (MTA), clinical studies, and open innovation projects. As a reference point in your area of activity, you also act as legal counsel to scientific teams on all legal matters relating to the scope of Research & Innovation. You may also be required to provide advice and negotiate R&D contracts related to Group acquisitions (due diligence, licenses, etc.). This position will take you to the heart of tomorrow's innovations in the field of beauty.
You will increase contacts with R&I scientists, the Group's legal department, and the Group's support functions (Business Development, Purchasing, Finance, etc.), as well as with legal experts in charge of R&D activities in our hubs (research centers internationally).
Responsibilities:
• Contractual Drafting and Negotiation: Prepare, draft, and negotiate a wide variety of contracts in French and English, including research collaboration agreements, license agreements, MTAs, confidentiality agreements (NDAs), consortium agreements, Letters of Intent (LoI), and any other contract related to open innovation.
• Legal Advice: Provide clear and pragmatic legal advice to R&I teams and other relevant departments on contractual aspects, intellectual property, applicable regulations (particularly in the area of health law, where applicable), and legal risks associated with innovation projects.
• Legal Monitoring: Monitor changes in legislation and case law, particularly in the areas of contract law, intellectual property law, and health law, and inform the relevant teams of important changes.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Work closely with the Group's legal department, R&I teams, project teams, Purchasing, Intellectual Property and Regulatory Affairs departments, Business Development, as well as with external partners.
• Support for Open Innovation Projects: Support teams in setting up and developing partnerships by ensuring the legal security of projects and facilitating exchanges with external partners.
• Management of Pre-litigation and Litigation: Participate in the management of pre-litigation and litigation related to R&D activities.
Profile:
• Postgraduate degree in law, specializing in contract law and/or intellectual property law. A background in health law would be highly appreciated.
• Minimum 8 years of professional experience as in-house legal counsel or in a law firm.
• Significant expertise in drafting and negotiating complex Research & Development contracts, ideally in the healthcare, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or cosmetics industry, as well as a good knowledge of the public research ecosystem in general, and in particular of universities, organizations, or public research institutions.
• Excellent command of French and English, both oral and written (numerous negotiations in English).
• Ability to work autonomously and proactively, as well as in a team. • Strong communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills. • Rigor, organization, and a sense of confidentiality.
• Interest in innovation, science, and new technologies.
