Legal Counsel

The role

As Legal Counsel, you will support KeyGene on a broad range of legal matters, with a strong focus on commercial contracts and business partnering. You will work closely with colleagues across R&D, commercial, finance, and management, helping them navigate legal risks and opportunities in a pragmatic way.

This is a hands-on role for a legal professional who enjoys working in an innovative, international setting and who is able to translate complex legal issues into clear and workable solutions for KeyGene.

Key responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate a variety of commercial agreements, including:
  • collaboration agreements,
  • service agreements,
  • supply agreements,
  • non-disclosure agreements, and
  • framework agreements;
• Provide practical legal advice to internal stakeholders across R&D, business, finance, and management;
• Support KeyGene in identifying and managing legal risks and commercial opportunities;
• Help improve and maintain contract templates, legal processes, and internal guidelines;
• Liaise effectively with external counsel where needed and ensure proper documentation and follow-up of legal matters.

Key requirements

• A completed law degree (LL.M., Master of Laws, or equivalent);
• 3–5 years of experience as an in-house counsel and/or lawyer in an international environment;
• Proven experience in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating commercial contracts;
• Excellent command of English and Dutch, both written and spoken;
• Ability to translate complex legal issues into practical business advice;
• Strong analytical skills, sound judgment, and the ability to work independently;
• Strong negotiation skills and a pragmatic, commercially minded approach;
• Experience working with and advising a broad range of stakeholders, including R&D, commercial teams, finance, and management.

KeyGene offer

• A challenging legal role in an innovative and international biotechnology environment;
• The opportunity to work on impactful collaborations and commercial projects at the intersection of science and business;
• Close collaboration with highly skilled colleagues across multiple disciplines;
• Room for professional development and growth, including on-the-job learning and external education for professional accreditation;
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements;
• A competitive salary based on experience;
• 25 holidays and 13 ADV days (based on full time);
• Company-sponsored sports membership and bike plan.

Why join KeyGene?

At KeyGene, you will have the opportunity to work on meaningful legal matters in a company driven by innovation, scientific excellence, and collaboration. You will be part of a dynamic and scientific environment where legal advice directly supports business decisions, research partnerships, and long-term value creation.

The position is based in Wageningen (The Netherlands), a worldwide renowned centre of agricultural research.

How to apply

Additional information about the position can be obtained from Bart Postmus, VP IP & LA, by email bart.postmus@keygene.com . For more information about the application procedure, please contact KeyGene’s HR department at careers@keygene.com.

If you are interested in this vacancy, please upload your letter of motivation and cv via the form below, before August 31 .