Astellas is seeking an IP Counsel in its Boston, Massachusetts office.
Developing innovative therapies is one of the most challenging, essential and personally rewarding fields in science. This is the most exciting time to be a part of Astellas, a company with a uniquely collaborative and patient-focused culture.
There's something special about working at Astellas. It's reflected in our focus on the people we serve, the way we treat each other and the results we achieve together as a company.
Purpose & Scope:
- Responsible for providing practical, timely and high-quality IP support to Astellas' cell therapy research sites in Seattle/San Francisco and other initiatives in the Boston, MA region.
- Participates in cross functional teams, identifies legal and IP related business issues, provides legal options and analysis of possible solutions and gives recommendations for addressing critical issues so that business and legal objectives are met, while keeping manager appropriately informed.
- Advises and consults with employees and management and educates clients about ongoing initiatives and proactive measures to reduce legal and IP-related business risks for the company.
- Position is expected to start around January 2021.
Essential Job Responsibilities:
- Assesses the patentability of new technologies developed by US research teams and prepares and prosecutes related patent applications.
- Ensures patent portfolios are aligned with and support overall commercial and development objectives.
- Understands the competitive IP landscape and counsels development teams accordingly.
- Executes timely, comprehensive freedom to operate analysis and develops sound, tactical approaches to minimize third party IP risk to product initiatives.
- Participates in the creation and implementation of IP policies and procedures within the US IP team.
- Routinely engages in client counseling and education.
- Supports administrative proceedings to invalidate third party patent rights (e.g.
- Post grant proceedings, opposition, etc.), where appropriate.
- Some travel as needed.
Quantitative Dimensions:
- Responsible for operating within the IP budget, and any applicable project specific budgets.
Organizational Context:
- Reports to Executive Director, Rx+ and New Technologies.
Required Qualifications
- JD degree and admitted to practice before the USPTO and a state Bar.
- BS degree in biology, chemistry, biochemistry or a related field (preferably Ph.D.).
- Minimum of 5 years IP experience in patent drafting and prosecution, FTO analysis, client counseling and agreement review, preferably at least 2 years in cell therapy.
- Ability to craft and execute complex patent strategies related to pharmaceutical and cell therapy development.
- Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the pharmaceutical industry, including R&D, regulatory, manufacturing and commercial elements.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and efficiently manage multi-dimensional projects in a fast-paced environment.
- Self-motivated, detail oriented, strategic thinker, able to manage multiple projects, appropriately prioritize and provide high quality, timely advice to clients.
- Business acumen with a strong track record of strategic thinking and behavior.
- Understanding of and ability to manage the cultural and logistical challenges of working with a foreign parent company and within a global organization.
- Strong negotiation, oral and written communication, presentation, training, organizational and teamwork skills.
- Solid understanding of global patent laws and ability to advise clients from a global perspective, as well as a US perspective.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience providing IP support to clients in a wide range of technologies, including pharmaceuticals and regenerative medicine
Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Women/Protected Veterans/Disabled
Apply online at: https://astellascareers.jobs/boston-ma/ip-counsel/E4239DB828E44ACEA0E4DA8B0630C80B/job/
Include a resume with your submission.
Additional Info
Employer Type: Large Corporation
Job Location: Boston, MA