Vice President (VP), Intellectual Property

Akebia Therapeutics•Waltham, MA

12h•Hybrid

About The Position

Akebia is seeking an experienced intellectual property lawyer to lead its intellectual property function and manage complex IP matters. Reporting to the Chief Legal Officer, the Vice President, Intellectual Property will serve as a strategic business partner and positive cultural leader. The role works closely with research and development (R&D) and chemistry, manufacturing, and controls (CMC) teams to identify patent opportunities and develop and execute patent portfolio strategies. The position also advises colleagues on patent portfolios and strategy, supports due diligence for potential in-licensing opportunities, and manages IP litigation matters. The role is based in Cambridge/Waltham, Massachusetts. Akebia’s offices are currently in Cambridge and are expected to relocate to Waltham later this year. The company uses a flexible “magnet not mandate” approach to in-office work, encouraging collaboration and onsite engagement while supporting hybrid flexibility based on role and business needs.

Requirements

J.D. and admission to the Patent Bar.
Either a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, Biology, or a similar discipline and 10 years of experience in a law firm or in-house biopharmaceutical company setting, or a bachelor’s degree in Organic Chemistry, Biology, or a similar discipline and 15 years of experience in such settings.
Small-molecule and/or biologic patent experience.
Strong litigation experience.
Ability to build strong relationships across functions.
Excellent interpersonal, decision-making, organizational, and communication skills.

Nice To Haves

In-house experience with biopharmaceutical companies.
Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to handle multiple tasks and prioritize and make decisions quickly and effectively.
Ability to think strategically and communicate complex concepts in ways that cross-functional teams can understand and act on.
Strong attention to detail and a proactive approach.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Confident, pragmatic, approachable, and solution-oriented manner.
Comfort working in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
Self-motivated ability to perform independently with minimal supervision.

Responsibilities

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