<p><span data-contrast="auto">Cambridge, UK | Full-time | Permanent | Hybrid</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">About us</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="none">Riverlane’s mission is to master quantum error correction (QEC) and unlock a new age of human progress. From advances in material and climate science, to complex chemistry simulation for new drug design, quantum computers will help humanity solve some of its most important challenges. But without QEC, the industry’s defining technical challenge, such breakthroughs can never be achieved. Riverlane is the world leader in QEC technology. QEC is a complex problem that requires a range of skills, talent and passion. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559740":276}"> </span></p>
<p><span class="TextRun SCXW243923852 BCX8" lang="EN-US" data-contrast="none"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW243923852 BCX8">Having raised more than $125M in funding to date to accelerate our </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW243923852 BCX8">cutting-edge</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW243923852 BCX8"> R&D in quantum error correction (QEC), Riverlane partners with many of the world’s leading quantum hardware providers and government agencies to make fault-tolerant quantum computing a reality. </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW243923852 BCX8">We’re</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW243923852 BCX8"> making remarkable progress and growing fast. </span></span><span class="EOP SCXW243923852 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">About the role</span></strong><strong><span data-contrast="none"> </span></strong></p>
<p>We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced, commercially minded lawyer to take on a senior, strategic role in our legal function. We're looking for a self-starter who is confident leading on complex high value matters and able to shape the legal frameworks that support our continued growth, whilst operating as part of a close-knit team.</p>
<p>As Senior Legal Counsel, you will act as a trusted advisor to the General Counsel and senior leadership, owning significant transactions, managing high-risk legal issues, and driving strategic legal projects across the business. You’ll work directly with senior stakeholders in R&D, Operations, Commercial, and HR, helping to balance legal risk with commercial opportunity in a fast-moving, science-led environment.</p>
<p>You will also play a key role in building the future of our legal operations – designing scalable processes, developing risk frameworks, and introducing tools and training that empower teams to handle day-to-day matters more efficiently.</p>
<p>The role will suit a confident and pragmatic solicitor with significant experience in commercial contracts and cross-functional advisory work, who thrives working in a team and is comfortable making judgement calls at speed. You’ll combine excellent legal knowledge and technical skills with strong business acumen and have the credibility to influence decision-making at the highest levels.</p>
<p><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">What you will do </span></strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Lead negotiation and risk allocation on complex, high-value commercial agreements, including strategic partnerships, Government funded projects, IP licensing, and enterprise-level customer/supplier contracts.</li>
<li>Devise bespoke arrangements tailored to the evolving quantum ecosystem, utilising your knowledge of black letter law to draft contracts and templates from scratch where required.</li>
<li>Develop the business’s legal risk & prioritisation framework.</li>
<li>Design the legal intake & self-serve model, including strategic oversight of template suites and contract automation tools, to reduce dependency on General Counsel.</li>
<li>Monitor legal and regulatory trends, translating them into actionable strategies for the business.</li>
<li>Devise and deliver internal training programs to upskill the business and to manage legal and regulatory risks.</li>
<li>Lead complex, strategic cross-functional initiatives with internal R&D, Operations, Commercial, and HR teams.</li>
<li>Lead high-impact legal and operational projects aligned with business growth and risk appetite.</li>
<li>Own complex, high-value transactions end-to-end, negotiating directly with senior counterparts.</li>
<li>Lead compliance initiatives, for example data, export control & AI governance projects.</li>
</ul>
<p><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">What we need</span></strong></p>
<ul>
<li>6+ years’ post-qualification experience (PQE) as a solicitor (England & Wales or equivalent), with significant experience in-house.</li>
<li>A proven track record of leading high-value, complex commercial transactions and strategic legal projects from inception to completion.</li>
<li>Deep expertise in commercial contract law.</li>
<li>Strong business acumen, with the ability to balance legal risk against commercial objectives and influence decision-making at senior levels.</li>
<li>Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the capability to present to and advise senior-level stakeholders.</li>
<li>Demonstrated leadership and mentoring skills, including uplifting capability in junior legal team members and non-legal colleagues.</li>
<li>Highly organised and self-sufficient, with the ability to prioritise effectively in a fast-paced, scaling environment without close supervision.</li>
<li>The ability to act as a trusted advisor, with the confidence to build relationships with executives, regulators, and external counsel.</li>
<li>A proactive and solutions-oriented approach, with a track record of driving process improvements and legal innovation.</li>
</ul>
<p><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">Even better if you have…</span></strong></p>
<ul>
<li>You have worked in a science, technology, or research-led organisation.</li>
<li>You’ve supported internal compliance or training initiatives.</li>
<li>You’re familiar with legal processes and issues in R&D-heavy or IP-sensitive environments.</li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">What can you expect from us</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="22" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">A comprehensive benefits package that includes an annual bonus plan, private medical insurance, life insurance, and a contributory pension scheme </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="22" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Equity, so that our team can share in the long-term success of Riverlane </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="22" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="3" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">28 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and enhanced family leave </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="22" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="4" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">A diverse work environment that brings together experts in many fields (including software and hardware development, quantum information theory, physics and maths) and over 20 different nationalities </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="22" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="5" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">A learning environment that encourages individual, team and company growth and development, including a regular programme of learning events and training and conference budgets</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<p><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">How to apply</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Please upload a CV and covering letter by clicking 'Apply'. Your covering letter should explain why you are applying for the job and what skills and experience you can bring to the role.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">We review CVs as we receive them and interview as soon as we have applications that look like a good match. We do not use closing dates. So, please apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out on this role.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">If you have any queries, please contact </span><a ----- data-contrast="none"><span ----- data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">com</span></span></a><span data-contrast="auto">.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559740":259}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559740":259}"> </span></p>
<p><em><span data-contrast="auto">Everyone is welcome at Riverlane. We are an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from eligible and suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender reassignment, religion or belief, sexual orientation, marital or civil partnership status, or pregnancy and maternity/paternity.</span></em><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<p><em><span data-contrast="none">Women and other underrepresented groups may be less likely to apply for a role unless they meet all or nearly all of the requirements. If this applies to you, we still encourage you to apply - you may be a great fit, even if you don’t meet every single qualification. We’d love to hear from you.</span></em><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":276}"> </span></p>
<p><em><span data-contrast="auto">If you need any adjustments made to the application or selection process so you can do your best, please let us know. We will be happy to help.</span></em><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span data-ccp-props="{}">GDPR notice: Riverlane collects and processes personal data in accordance with applicable data protection laws. If you are a European Job Applicant see the <strong><a id="OWA843b0309-1485-8922-978c-b4a29d28b8a6" class="x_x_fui-Link x_x____1q1shib x_x_f2hkw1w x_x_f3rmtva x_x_f1ewtqcl x_x_fyind8e x_x_f1k6fduh x_x_f1w7gpdv x_x_fk6fouc x_x_fjoy568 x_x_figsok6 x_x_f1s184ao x_x_f1mk8lai x_x_fnbmjn9 x_x_f1o700av x_x_f13mvf36 x_x_f1cmlufx x_x_f9n3di6 x_x_f1ids18y x_x_f1tx3yz7 x_x_f1deo86v x_x_f1eh06m1 x_x_f1iescvh x_x_fhgqx19 x_x_f1olyrje x_x_f1p93eir x_x_f1nev41a x_x_f1h8hb77 x_x_f1lqvz6u x_x_f10aw75t x_x_fsle3fq x_x_f17ae5zn x_x_OWAAutoLink" href="https://riverlane.workable.com/gdpr_policy/v1?lang=en" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="1">privacy notice</a></strong> for further details.</span></p>
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