Director, Intellectual Property & Transactions

Role Summary

The Director, Intellectual Property & Transactions will serve as a senior IP attorney responsible for managing global patent and trademark activities, providing counsel on IP strategy, and supporting IP-related transactions and licensing. The ideal candidate has 10–12 years of experience in patent prosecution, with a mix of law firm and in-house experience, and will advise on a wide range of IP matters. This role 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’ 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

• Required: Bachelor's degree in a life science discipline with emphasis in organic chemistry and/or immunology; 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%
• Preferred: Advanced degree; additional relevant experience in a hybrid law firm/in-house setting

Education

• Juris Doctorate degree
• Bachelor's degree in a life science discipline with emphasis in organic chemistry and/or immunology (preferred)
• Advanced degree (preferred)

Additional Requirements

• Travel internationally up to 25%