Legal Counsel
Who we are
Exponential Science Foundation (www.exp.science) is a pioneering foundation led by visionary founders Profs. Paolo Tasca and Nikhil Vadgama. With a dedicated mission of leveraging blockchain, AI, Quantum, and other exponential technologies, we aim to develop innovative, secure, and inclusive solutions transforming scientific discovery into industry solutions. As part of the Exponential Science Group, we also operate Exponential Science Capital—an investment fund actively supporting visionary founders and transformative technologies addressing complex, interdisciplinary challenges. Our strategic early-stage investments focus on the convergence of emerging technologies, particularly blockchain, AI, and Quantum, to foster inclusive and impactful technological progress.
Role Overview
We are looking for a Legal Counsel (circa 2 years PQE) or high experienced and competent Paralegal (circa 5+ years experience) to support the full legal spectrum of Exponential Science. The successful candidate must already have hands-on experience in financial services and technology related transactions (including crypto-asset and data-protection regimes) as well as solid IP / commercial contract skills. The role reports directly into the General Counsel.
Role purpose
Provide agile, business-oriented legal support that protects IP, drives compliant deal-making, and navigates complex regulatory landscapes (financial-services, crypto-asset, data-protection) for both charitable and commercial activities.
Key responsibilities
- Contract drafting & negotiation: research collaborations, grants, IP licences, MSAs, NDAs, SHAs, investor side letters, SAFEs, Convertibles Loans and general commercial contracts.
- Regulatory & compliance:
- Interpret and apply EU/UK financial-services rules.
- Manage crypto-asset registrations/filings and advise on token-issuance, custody, staking, or DeFi structures.
- Oversee data-protection compliance (GDPR/UK GDPR, cross-border transfers, data-sharing).
- Investment support: assist with legal due diligence (corporate, IP, regulatory), prepare reports and manage closings and post-closing actions.
- Venture-builder support – structure spin-outs, form entities, draft founder/option agreements, advise on go-to-market regulatory footprints.
- IP & data: manage invention disclosures, registrations, open-source licences and data-sharing agreements.
- Policy & training: maintain legal playbook, template suite, and internal trainings.
- Stakeholder engagement: translate legal & regulatory risk into plain-English options for scientists, founders, investors, and regulators.
Required qualifications & experience
- Admission as a solicitor or barrister or attorney.
- 2 years post-qualification experience, including training or secondment at a recognised international law firm.
- LL.B. or equivalent from a leading university.
- Genuine interest in Web 3, AI, fintech and deep-tech or evidence of rapid learning ability.
Core competencies
- Legal craft: sharp analysis; crisp drafting; ability to balance legal precision with commercial pragmatism.
- Regulatory instinct: comfort interpreting evolving rulesets and advising on risk-mitigation strategies.
- Business mindset: “enable-not-block” approach aligned with both commercial returns and philanthropic mission.
- Communication & collaboration – concise, audience-tailored explanations.
- Self-management: thrives in distributed teams; disciplined work habits; proactive problem-solver.
- Ethics & integrity: commitment to open science, diversity, and responsible tech development.
What we offer
- Competitive base salary + performance bonus
- Fully remote set-up with annual team off-sites.
- Generous training and professional membership support.
- Opportunity to shape cutting-edge tech with meaningful societal impact.
To Apply
Please submit your CV and a brief cover letter highlighting your relevant experience to hr@exp.science.