Vice President (VP), Intellectual Property
Akebia Therapeutics
August 18, 2026
Remote friendly (Cambridge, MA)
United States
Corporate Functions
Job Summary
Akebia is seeking an experienced intellectual property lawyer to head its intellectual property function and manage complex IP matters. Reporting to the Chief Legal Officer, this role is a strategic business partner and cultural leader. Based in Cambridge/Waltham, MA, working closely with R&D and CMC teams to identify patent opportunities and execute patent portfolio strategies. Counsel on patent portfolio/strategy, support due diligence for new in-licensing opportunities, and manage IP litigation.
Essential Functions and Duties
- Develop and execute IP strategy; advise on IP matters impacting the business
- Collaborate with R&D and CMC to prepare, file, and prosecute patent applications
- Advise the Chief Legal Officer, Executive Leadership Team, and Board on IP matters
- Develop IP strategies for product candidates
- Work with collaboration partners on patent matters
- Support business development and lead IP due diligence
- Negotiate and draft IP provisions in agreements; advise on related IP risks
- Manage and direct outside counsel for patent prosecution, litigation, and other IP matters cost-effectively
- Monitor the competitive patent landscape for risks and opportunities
Basic Qualifications
- J.D. and admission to the Patent Bar
- PhD in Organic Chemistry or Biology (or similar)
- Small molecule and/or biologic patent experience
- Strong litigation experience
- 10+ years in law firm or in-house biopharmaceutical settings
- Strong relationship-building across functions
- Excellent interpersonal, decision-making, organizational, and communication skills
Preferred Qualifications
- In-house biopharmaceutical experience (plus)
- Strong project management; prioritize and decide quickly
- Strategic thinking; communicate complex concepts cross-functionally
- Strong attention to detail; proactive
- Excellent verbal and written communication
- Confident, pragmatic, approachable, solution-oriented
- Comfortable in fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
- Self-motivated; independent with minimal supervision
Benefits/Compensation
- Targeted base salary: $307,649 - $380,036 USD
- Eligible for corporate bonus/incentive program (if applicable) and equity; health care, vision, dental, retirement, PTO, etc.
Akebia is seeking an experienced intellectual property lawyer to head its intellectual property function and manage complex IP matters. Reporting to the Chief Legal Officer, this role is a strategic business partner and cultural leader. Based in Cambridge/Waltham, MA, working closely with R&D and CMC teams to identify patent opportunities and execute patent portfolio strategies. Counsel on patent portfolio/strategy, support due diligence for new in-licensing opportunities, and manage IP litigation.
Essential Functions and Duties
- Develop and execute IP strategy; advise on IP matters impacting the business
- Collaborate with R&D and CMC to prepare, file, and prosecute patent applications
- Advise the Chief Legal Officer, Executive Leadership Team, and Board on IP matters
- Develop IP strategies for product candidates
- Work with collaboration partners on patent matters
- Support business development and lead IP due diligence
- Negotiate and draft IP provisions in agreements; advise on related IP risks
- Manage and direct outside counsel for patent prosecution, litigation, and other IP matters cost-effectively
- Monitor the competitive patent landscape for risks and opportunities
Basic Qualifications
- J.D. and admission to the Patent Bar
- PhD in Organic Chemistry or Biology (or similar)
- Small molecule and/or biologic patent experience
- Strong litigation experience
- 10+ years in law firm or in-house biopharmaceutical settings
- Strong relationship-building across functions
- Excellent interpersonal, decision-making, organizational, and communication skills
Preferred Qualifications
- In-house biopharmaceutical experience (plus)
- Strong project management; prioritize and decide quickly
- Strategic thinking; communicate complex concepts cross-functionally
- Strong attention to detail; proactive
- Excellent verbal and written communication
- Confident, pragmatic, approachable, solution-oriented
- Comfortable in fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
- Self-motivated; independent with minimal supervision
Benefits/Compensation
- Targeted base salary: $307,649 - $380,036 USD
- Eligible for corporate bonus/incentive program (if applicable) and equity; health care, vision, dental, retirement, PTO, etc.