Counsel, AI Governance

Position Summary

The Counsel, AI Governance provides day‑to‑day legal and compliance support for designing, developing, deploying, and overseeing AI systems across the enterprise. Sitting within the AI, Data and Privacy Law and Compliance department, this role partners closely with Business Insights and Technology, Privacy, Data Governance, and business stakeholders to operationalize the company's global AI governance framework. The Counsel translates evolving AI laws, regulations, and standards into practical guidance, reviews AI use cases for legal and ethical risk, and helps drive responsible AI adoption in a highly regulated life sciences environment.

• Provide legal counsel on AI initiatives across the AI lifecycle.
• 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, playbooks, standards, and training materials.
• Review and negotiate AI‑related contractual provisions with vendors, partners, and customers.
• Advise on generative AI and high‑risk AI use cases.
• 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, and contribute to internal thought leadership on responsible AI.
• 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.
• 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.
• Demonstrated ability to translate complex regulatory requirements into pragmatic, business‑aligned guidance.
• Strong drafting, analytical, and stakeholder management skills.
• Sound judgment and discretion.

• CIPP and/or IAPP AIGP certification.
• Prior experience in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, healthcare, or life sciences industry.
• Familiarity with privacy laws and frameworks and their intersection with AI.
• Experience with AI assurance artifacts and governance tooling.
• Working understanding of machine learning concepts, data science workflows, and digital product development.
• Experience supporting third‑party/vendor AI risk reviews and contracting.
• Engagement with industry working groups, standards bodies, or responsible AI forums.
• Comfort using AI‑enabled tools to enhance legal workflows.

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

The starting compensation range is listed above for a full‑time employee basis. Additional incentive cash and stock opportunities may be available. Final individual compensation will be decided based on demonstrated experience.

• Health Coverage:
  Medical, pharmacy, dental, and vision care.
• Wellbeing Support: BMS Well‑Being Account, BMS Living Life Better, Employee Assistance Programs.
• Financial Well‑being and Protection: 401(k) plan, disability, life insurance, accident insurance, supplemental health insurance, business travel protection, personal liability protection, identity theft benefit, legal support, and survivor support.

• Paid Time Off: US exempt employees flexible time off, unlimited with manager approval, 11 paid national holidays, etc.

BMS will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records, pursuant to applicable laws. We will never request payments, financial information, or social security numbers during the application process. BMS is dedicated to ensuring people with disabilities can excel through a transparent recruitment process and reasonable workplace accommodations.