Vice President, Head of IP and Strategic Transactions
Recursion
June 24, 2026
Remote friendly (Salt Lake City, UT)
United States
Corporate Functions
In This Role, You Will
Patent Strategy & Oversight
- Develop and lead patent prosecution and enforcement strategy to protect chemical and technological innovations.
- Oversee global pharmaceutical patent portfolio development, including prosecution and coordination with outside counsel.
- Identify emerging IP risks and opportunities with scientific and business leaders.
- Provide guidance on patentability, freedom to operate, and IP risk for R&D and business decisions.
- Interpret evolving IP laws and competitive dynamics to shape portfolio and enforcement strategy.
Strategic Transactions
- Advise on and support complex life sciences transactions (collaborations, licensing, and strategic deals).
- Lead negotiation and execution of key agreements.
- Conduct and guide IP diligence for in-licensing and out-licensing.
- Integrate IP considerations, risks, and obligations into transaction strategy.
- Advise stakeholders on IP risks, compliance, and business implications across partnerships.
The Experience You’ll Need
- 10+ years drafting and prosecuting life sciences patent applications (US and international), including portfolio management (law firm and/or in-house).
- Significant experience supporting strategic transactions (term sheets through negotiation).
- Leadership/managerial experience.
- Deep knowledge of patent and trade secret laws (pharma/biotech).
- Ability to operate independently with scientists and business leaders.
- Interest in emerging biotech/AI workflows across the drug development lifecycle.
- Ability to communicate complex technical/legal matters clearly.
- Registered to practice at the USPTO.
- Admitted to practice in at least one state and eligible to practice law in Utah as in-house counsel.
Working Location & Compensation
- Hybrid role (50% in office) in New York City, NY or Salt Lake City, UT; relocation support may be provided.
- Annual base salary range: $371,470–$475,200 (NYC/Boston/SF Bay Area) or $337,700–$432,000 (SLC/all other US). Eligible for annual bonus, equity, and comprehensive benefits package.
Patent Strategy & Oversight
- Develop and lead patent prosecution and enforcement strategy to protect chemical and technological innovations.
- Oversee global pharmaceutical patent portfolio development, including prosecution and coordination with outside counsel.
- Identify emerging IP risks and opportunities with scientific and business leaders.
- Provide guidance on patentability, freedom to operate, and IP risk for R&D and business decisions.
- Interpret evolving IP laws and competitive dynamics to shape portfolio and enforcement strategy.
Strategic Transactions
- Advise on and support complex life sciences transactions (collaborations, licensing, and strategic deals).
- Lead negotiation and execution of key agreements.
- Conduct and guide IP diligence for in-licensing and out-licensing.
- Integrate IP considerations, risks, and obligations into transaction strategy.
- Advise stakeholders on IP risks, compliance, and business implications across partnerships.
The Experience You’ll Need
- 10+ years drafting and prosecuting life sciences patent applications (US and international), including portfolio management (law firm and/or in-house).
- Significant experience supporting strategic transactions (term sheets through negotiation).
- Leadership/managerial experience.
- Deep knowledge of patent and trade secret laws (pharma/biotech).
- Ability to operate independently with scientists and business leaders.
- Interest in emerging biotech/AI workflows across the drug development lifecycle.
- Ability to communicate complex technical/legal matters clearly.
- Registered to practice at the USPTO.
- Admitted to practice in at least one state and eligible to practice law in Utah as in-house counsel.
Working Location & Compensation
- Hybrid role (50% in office) in New York City, NY or Salt Lake City, UT; relocation support may be provided.
- Annual base salary range: $371,470–$475,200 (NYC/Boston/SF Bay Area) or $337,700–$432,000 (SLC/all other US). Eligible for annual bonus, equity, and comprehensive benefits package.