Counsel, AI Governance

Counsel, AI Governance Working with Us

Challenging. Meaningful. Life‑changing. Those aren’t words that are usually associated with a job. But working at Bristol Myers Squibb is anything but usual. Here, uniquely interesting work happens every day, in every department. From optimizing a production line to the latest breakthroughs in cell therapy, this is work that transforms the lives of patients, and the careers of those who do it.

The Counsel, AI Governance provides day-to-day legal and compliance support for the design, development, deployment, and ongoing oversight of AI systems across the enterprise. Sitting within the AI, Data & Privacy, Law and Compliance department and reporting to the Head of AI Governance, this role partners closely with Business Insights and Technology (BI&T), Privacy, Data Governance, and business stakeholders to operationalize the company’s global AI governance framework.

• Provide legal counsel on AI initiatives across the AI lifecycle, including intake review, risk classification, model development, deployment, monitoring, and decommissioning
• Conduct and document AI legal risk assessments covering intellectual property, privacy, bias and fairness, transparency, safety, accountability, and third‑party risk
• Support implementation of the enterprise AI governance framework, including model inventory, lifecycle controls, human oversight protocols, and incident response workflows
• Track and interpret global AI laws, regulations, guidance, and standards, and translate them into actionable policies
• Review and negotiate AI‑related contractual provisions with vendors, partners, and customers
• Advise on generative AI and high‑risk AI use cases, including R&D, commercial, medical, manufacturing, and enabling functions
• Partner with Privacy Law & Compliance on intersecting issues such as automated decision‑making, profiling, cross‑border data transfers, and data subject rights
• Support engagement with regulators, industry groups, and standards bodies
• Help design and deliver AI governance and compliance training
• Maintain clear documentation to support audit readiness, regulatory inquiries, and governance maturity assessments

• JD (or equivalent legal degree) and active bar membership in at least one U.S. jurisdiction required
• 5‑7 years of combined legal experience at a top law firm or in‑house
• Minimum 2 years of substantive experience in AI legal and compliance or AI governance
• Working knowledge of key AI laws and frameworks, including the EU AI Act, NIST AI RMF, ISO/IEC 42001, OECD AI Principles
• Demonstrated ability to translate complex regulatory requirements into pragmatic, business‑aligned guidance
• Strong drafting, analytical, and stakeholder management skills
• Sound judgment and discretion in handling novel, ambiguous, and high‑visibility issues

• CIPP (e.g., CIPP/US, CIPP/E) and/or IAPP AIGP certification preferred
• Prior experience in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, healthcare, or life sciences industry
• Familiarity with privacy laws and frameworks (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA, CCPA/CPRA, China PIPL)
• Experience with AI assurance artifacts (model cards, system cards, impact assessments) and governance tooling
• Working understanding of machine learning concepts, data science workflows, and digital product development

Princeton – NJ – US: $163,970 – $198,687

The starting compensation range(s) for this role are listed above for a full‑time employee (FTE) based on the location. Incentive cash and stock opportunities (based on eligibility) may be available.

• Medical, pharmacy, dental, and vision care
• BMS Well‑Being Account, BMS Living Life Better, and Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
• 401(k) plan, short‑ and long‑term disability, life insurance, accident insurance
• Flexible time off (unlimited, with manager approval), 11 paid national holidays
• Global Shutdown between Christmas and New Year’s Day