Director, Intellectual Property & Transactions

Role Summary

Director, Intellectual Property & Transactions at Novavax. A patent attorney with 10-12 years of experience, combining law firm and in-house experience, advising on a wide range of IP-related matters. Reports to the Vice President, Chief IP Counsel.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate with research & development to identify new inventions; implement strategies for patent protection throughout all phases of development.
• Direct outside counsel on preparation and prosecution of worldwide patent portfolio; assist with patentability assessments.
• Develop a thorough understanding of Novavax’s current and planned business activities, products, competitors, and markets, and keep abreast of developing IP and other legal trends, laws and regulations.
• Lead freedom-to-operate initiative and support mitigation measures.
• Identify training needs within the company and develop training materials on relevant IP laws and related business issues.
• Other matters and duties as may be assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a life science discipline with emphasis in organic chemistry and/or immunology preferred.
• Advanced degree preferred.
• Juris Doctorate degree.
• Registration as a patent attorney with USPTO and member of a state bar.
• 10-12 years of relevant experience in patent prosecution with global portfolios.
• Strong core patent prosecution skills and ability to independently manage IP dockets and drive strategy with outside counsel.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate, build, and sustain effective partnerships with key stakeholders and project teams.
• Ability to travel internationally up to 25%

Skills

• Patent prosecution and portfolio management
• Strategic IP counseling and transactional support
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Training and knowledge dissemination on IP laws