Senior Intellectual Property Counsel - Legal

Ignite Human Capital•San Diego, CA

2d•$165,000 - $2,000,000

About The Position

We are seeking a Senior Intellectual Property Counsel to serve as a strategic legal partner in developing, managing, and protecting the company's global IP portfolio. This is a high-impact role at the intersection of cutting-edge science and commercial strategy, supporting R&D, Clinical Development, Regulatory Affairs, Business Development, and Executive Leadership teams to maximize the value of our innovations and ensure freedom to operate across key therapeutic and technology platforms. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in biotechnology patents, IP strategy, licensing, and transactions — and ideally has hands-on experience supporting siRNA therapeutics or RNA platform technology programs.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school
Admission to at least one state bar in good standing
USPTO registration to practice before the Patent and Trademark Office (strongly preferred)
Advanced degree in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Immunology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related life sciences discipline — PhD preferred, MS considered
8+ years of IP legal experience with significant biotechnology or pharmaceutical focus
Experience managing complex global patent portfolios
Demonstrated expertise in patent prosecution, FTO analyses, licensing, and IP due diligence
In-house biotech or pharma experience strongly preferred
Strong command of U.S. and international patent laws and regulations
Ability to translate complex scientific concepts into actionable IP strategy
Excellent drafting, negotiation, analytical, and communication skills
Strong business acumen and executive presence
Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced, evolving environment

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting siRNA therapeutics or RNA platform technology programs
Background supporting publicly traded biotechnology companies
Experience with licensing and strategic alliance transactions
Familiarity with FDA regulatory frameworks and their intersection with IP strategy

Responsibilities

Develop and execute comprehensive global IP strategies aligned with corporate and product development objectives
Manage and expand the patent portfolio through invention harvesting, prosecution, portfolio optimization, and lifecycle management
Advise leadership on patentability, freedom-to-operate analyses, patent validity, and competitive IP positioning
Identify opportunities to leverage IP assets to support business growth and valuation
Collaborate with scientists, research leaders, and external patent counsel to prepare and prosecute patent applications worldwide
Review invention disclosures and evaluate patent filing opportunities
Oversee responses to patent office actions and coordinate global prosecution strategies
Monitor competitor patent activity and emerging industry trends
Manage outside counsel relationships and budgets
Support licensing, collaboration, co-development, M&A, financing, and strategic partnership transactions
Lead IP due diligence related to investments, acquisitions, and partnering opportunities
Draft, review, and negotiate IP-related commercial agreements
Evaluate IP risks and opportunities associated with corporate transactions
Manage IP disputes, oppositions, inter partes reviews, and other IP-related proceedings
Coordinate with external litigation counsel as needed
Assess and mitigate risks related to infringement claims and competitive patent challenges
Develop strategies to protect company innovations and maintain freedom to operate
Partner with R&D, Clinical Development, Regulatory Affairs, Commercial, and Executive teams on IP matters
Educate internal stakeholders on IP best practices, invention disclosure processes, and confidentiality obligations
Provide strategic counsel to senior leadership on IP risks, portfolio value, and business opportunities