Vice President (VP), Intellectual Property

Akebia Therapeutics•Cambridge, MA

21d•$307,649 - $380,036•Hybrid

About The Position

Akebia is seeking an experienced intellectual property lawyer to join its high performing team, head its intellectual property function and manage a multitude of complex intellectual property-related matters for the company. Reporting to the Chief Legal Officer, the successful candidate will be both a strategic business partner and positive cultural leader. This position will be based in Cambridge/Waltham, MA and work closely with the research and development (R&D) and chemistry manufacturing and controls (CMC) teams to identify new patent opportunities and develop and execute corresponding patent portfolio strategies. The Vice President, Intellectual Property will also counsel colleagues in matters related to patent portfolio and strategy, support due diligence efforts for evaluation of new in-licensing opportunities, and manage any intellectual property litigation matters.

Requirements

J.D. and admission to the Patent Bar
PhD in Organic Chemistry or Biology (or similar discipline)
Small molecule and/or biologic patent experience
Strong litigation experience
At least 10 years of experience in law firm or in-house biopharmaceutical company settings
Ability to build strong relationships across functions
Excellent interpersonal, decision-making, organizational and communication skills

Nice To Haves

In-house experience with biopharmaceutical companies is a plus
Strong organizational and project management skills with an ability to handle multiple tasks and quickly and effectively prioritize and make decisions
Ability to think strategically and communicate complex concepts in ways that are understood and actionable by cross-functional teams
Strong attention to detail and proactive approach
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Confident, pragmatic, approachable and solution-oriented
Comfortable in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
Self-motivated and able to perform role independently, with a minimum level of supervision.

Responsibilities

Responsible for the development and execution of the IP strategy and serve as the key advisor on intellectual property matters impacting the business
Collaborate with Akebia’s R&D and CMC teams to prepare, file and prosecute patent applications
Advise the Chief Legal Officer, Executive Leadership Team and Board of Directors regarding intellectual property matters
Develop intellectual property strategies for Akebia’s product candidates
Work closely with Akebia’s collaboration partners on patent matters
Support business development efforts and lead IP due diligence work
Negotiate, and assist in drafting intellectual property provisions in agreements and advise the business on related intellectual property risks
Manage and direct outside counsel in intellectual property patent preparation and prosecution, litigation matters, and other intellectual property matters in a cost-effective manner
Monitor the competitive patent landscape for potential risks and opportunities