Head of Legal, UK

Application Deadline: 29 May 2026

Department: Legal

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: UK (Home based)

Description

About us
We are Digital Science and we are advancing the research ecosystem. 
We are a pioneering technology company, and our vision is of a future where a trusted and collaborative research ecosystem drives progress for all. We believe in better, open, collaborative and inclusive research. In creating the next generation of tools and working in partnership with the community we tackle some of the biggest challenges to research. In order to achieve our vision, we need innovative, inspiring and dynamic people to join our team. 
Business Area Overview The global Digital Science business is scaling up, and is currently advised by a five-member legal team made up of a London-based General Counsel, supported by experienced lawyers working remotely in each of the UK , the US and Germany, and a more junior member in London.
Your new role As a senior member of the team, you will work alongside the General Counsel to form a key part of the legal team. The role is broad-based commercial/IT/IP, and while you will be provided with lots of support and opportunities to learn about the business and grow together with it, the position will require someone who takes ownership across a broad remit, has strong in-house experience in a fast-moving international business and works effectively with autonomy, hands-on, with excellent prioritisation skills. 

What you’ll be doing

• Supervising a junior team member and acting as a senior representative of the legal team 
• Drafting, reviewing and negotiating all types of commercial contracts – both simple and complex – including customer agreements, vendor agreements, reseller agreements, data licences and NDAs 
• Supporting sales activities, including reviewing proposals, providing RFP support and reviewing contract redlines 
• Advising on new laws and regulations (including data privacy), developing internal policy documentation and processes, legal templates and online terms 
• Supporting internal projects such as integrating new businesses acquired via M&A, advising on new product releases and information security improvements 
• Driving the adoption of new technologies, automated ways of working and improved processes within the legal team 
• Acting as a direct point of contact for business teams including HR, group IT, marketing, sales, product and technology, taking the lead on specific product and legal areas 

What you’ll bring to the role

• A current UK practising certificate 
• Private practice training at a leading law firm
• 15+ years PQE
• 5+ years of in-house experience, ideally in a growth SaaS, data or technology business
• A collaborative working style and a genuine interest in the success of those around you 
• A strong background in commercial contracts, with extensive experience drafting and negotiating a variety of agreements, with an emphasis on software-as-a-service and data licences 
• Working knowledge of data privacy law and regulations 
• A genuine enthusiasm for technology and a drive to adopt new tools and ways of working 

Don't worry if you don't meet every qualification—let us be the judge! Studies show that many qualified candidates from under-represented groups hesitate to apply unless they meet every single requirement. We are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive team and strongly encourage you to submit your application.

Living our Values

We invest in, nurture and support innovative businesses and technologies that make all parts of the research process more open, efficient and effective. 
The talent we secure is fundamental to us achieving our vision and our growth plans. The values we live by are:
We are brave in the pursuit of better We are collaborative and inclusive We are always open-minded We are from and for the community

At Digital Science, our vision is to see research flow seamlessly – trusted, collaborative, and accessible – fueling breakthroughs that push humanity forward. This ambitious mission is one we achieve together, by enabling open, collaborative, inclusive research.
We firmly believe that to truly innovate and solve the complex challenges faced by our customers, from researchers and universities to funders and publishers, we need diverse perspectives, experiences, and ideas. A rich mix of voices drives quality insights, fosters enhanced collaboration, and ultimately pushes knowledge forward more effectively.
As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to building and nurturing a workplace where every individual feels valued and belongs. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, colour, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status. Beyond recruitment, we strive to cultivate an environment where inclusivity is woven into the fabric of our culture, enabling everyone to be their best self and do their best work.