Vice President, Head of Intellectual Property

Position: Vice President, Head of Intellectual Property

Key Responsibilities:
- Own the development and execution of a global IP strategy for antibodies and small molecules (early research through clinical and commercial), covering composition of matter, formulation/CMC, and lifecycle management
- Build, manage, expand, and optimize patent portfolio strategy across composition of matter, method of treatment, formulation, dosing, manufacturing, and biomarker claims
- Serve as the patent advisor to support transition from clinical-stage biotech to commercial company; ensure IP goals meet timeline/quality standards
- Collaborate with R&D, clinical, and manufacturing to identify/capture inventions; advise on IP implications; support publication and data generation strategies
- Oversee outside counsel; supervise prosecution of patent applications in the US and globally
- Coordinate IP protection with in-license and out-license partners
- Create and implement patent lifecycle and secondary IP strategies to extend/strengthen exclusivity
- Oversee regulatory exclusivity matters (e.g., FDA Orange/Purple Book) and interplay between regulatory and patent protections
- Lead IP due diligence for BD/licensing, evaluating exclusivity, patentability, validity, enforceability, and freedom-to-operate risk
- Draft and negotiate IP provisions in research collaborations, license agreements, MTAs, and other commercial contracts
- Monitor competitive patent landscape; advise leadership and the Board
- Manage trademark portfolios and oversee trademark counsel
- Manage/protect trade secrets and implement trade secret protection procedures
- Develop and maintain IP policies/procedures (invention disclosure, record-keeping, outside counsel management)
- Manage IP budget (outside counsel spend, annuity and maintenance fees)
- Educate/train internal stakeholders on IP strategy and confidential information protection

Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant scientific discipline (advanced degree strongly preferred)
- J.D., active USPTO registration (patent bar), and bar membership in at least one U.S. jurisdiction; Massachusetts license preferred
- 8–13 years of patent law experience with meaningful life sciences exposure; direct antibody and/or small molecule patent experience; in-house biotech/pharma experience preferred
- Demonstrated experience managing complex global patent portfolios and overseeing prosecution through outside counsel
- Solid understanding of Hatch-Waxman and/or BPCIA frameworks and related patent litigation
- Familiarity with Orange and Purple Book listing requirements and regulatory (data) exclusivity mechanisms
- Experience conducting/overseeing IP due diligence (including FTO analyses)
- Strong scientific acumen; ability to engage credibly with research/clinical teams
- Clear communication skills across all organizational levels and the Board
- Strong analytical/problem-solving skills; creativity and adaptability in a fast-moving start-up environment

Compensation/Benefits:
- Eligible for a competitive compensation and benefits package
- Base salary pay range: $283,200 to $354,000

(Apply via company hiring process—application instructions not provided in the text)