Executive Director, Intellectual Property Counsel

Madrigal Pharmaceuticals•Waltham, MA

About The Position

Madrigal is a biopharmaceutical company focused on delivering novel therapeutics for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), a serious liver disease that can progress to cirrhosis, liver failure, need for liver transplantation and premature mortality. Every member of our Madrigal team is connected by our shared purpose: leading the fight against MASH. Madrigal’s medication, Rezdiffra (resmetirom), is a once-daily, oral, liver-directed THR-β agonist designed to target key underlying causes of MASH. Rezdiffra is the first and only medication approved by both the FDA and European Commission for the treatment of MASH with moderate to advanced fibrosis (F2 to F3). An ongoing Phase 3 outcomes trial is evaluating Rezdiffra for the treatment of compensated MASH cirrhosis (F4c). Our success is driven by our people. We are building a dynamic, inclusive, and high-performing culture that values scientific excellence, operational rigor, and collaboration. To support our continued growth, we are strengthening our workforce strategy to ensure we have the right talent, at the right time, in the right way. Madrigal Pharmaceuticals is seeking an Executive Director, Intellectual Property Counsel, to lead and execute global intellectual property strategy. This role will be responsible for building, managing, and protecting the company’s IP portfolio across its pipeline and marketed products, and will serve as a key advisor on intellectual property matters impacting business and corporate strategy. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in pharmaceutical intellectual property, including patent prosecution, portfolio development, and strategic counseling, along with the ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, science-driven environment. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the intellectual property strategy of a growing biopharmaceutical company, working cross-functionally to safeguard innovation and enable the successful advancement of its pipeline.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited U.S. law school; active license in at least one U.S. jurisdiction
Admission to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office required
Strong expertise in patent prosecution, portfolio strategy, and global IP management
Excellent communication and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to translate complex scientific concepts into actionable IP strategies
Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and work cross-functionally
18+ years of relevant experience with 10+ years of intellectual property experience in the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree in a life sciences discipline (e.g., chemistry or related field)
Prior in-house experience in the biopharmaceutical industry
Experience supporting small molecule or metabolic disease portfolios
Familiarity with ex-U.S. patent strategy and global IP frameworks

Responsibilities

Develop and implement global intellectual property strategies aligned with corporate and portfolio objectives
Build, manage, and optimize patent portfolios for pipeline and marketed assets
Oversee patent preparation and prosecution activities globally in partnership with outside counsel
Conduct patentability, freedom-to-operate, and competitive landscape analyses
Lead IP support for business development activities, including due diligence and transaction-related matters
Advise on IP aspects of collaborations, licensing, and other strategic agreements
Review scientific disclosures and publications to ensure protection of intellectual property
Coordinate with external partners, collaborators, and outside counsel on IP matters
Support and manage IP disputes and administrative proceedings, including oppositions and post-grant challenges
Counsel senior leadership on IP risks, opportunities, and competitive positioning