Vice President, Intellectual Property & Legal Affairs

We Are Genetic Navigators bringing together passionate, creative and dedicated professionals to join a rapidly-growing startup on our mission to translate novel genetic insights into lifesaving medicines. We are integrating human genetics and functional genomics to decode the mysteries of genetic modifiers, leading us to new medicines we’ll develop for a range of severe diseases.

We are seeking an experienced IP counsel with expertise in scientific patents and intellectual property, advanced contract initiation and review experience, and the ability to assess complex scientific programs. The successful candidate will have a deep understanding of biotech/pharmaceutical patent ownership and will support all activities to secure legal ownership of new molecules and drug programs. As counsel, you will develop, implement and execute a global intellectual property strategy for therapeutic product candidates (e.g., small molecules, genetic targets, gene therapies), including legal evaluation of new targets, chemical synthesis, formulations, process development methods.

Your Role in Navigating the Maze:

• Identify patentable subject matter and lead drafting, filing, and prosecuting patent applications globally
• Serve as counsel for various matters, including employee relations, business development, equity; lead partnering with external counsel on various legal matters
• Be a true business partner to CEO and Senior Leadership Team on all legal matters, IP and general
• Conduct external patent analysis to assess trademark and copyright issues
• Provide legal advice and counsel to research teams and gain a high-level understanding of our technology and drug programs in order to represent the patent process
• Manage IP portfolio and strategy; work with venture capital teams to evaluate therapeutic programs for unique ownership and the alignment of patent portfolio with Maze Therapeutics’ needs and resources
• Conduct IP due diligence, technology assessments, and provide direction to strategic alliances and licensing, ranging from broad strategic objectives and day-to-day drug discovery advancements
• Use sound business acumen to provide clear judgement of challenges and be the primary counsel in disputes, litigation, and contracting
• Lead all contracting initiatives, including overseeing the drafting, negotiating and executing of all legal contracts

Your Navigation Tools:

• J.D. is required; advanced degree in life sciences is highly preferred. A member of the patent Bar is preferred.
• 8+ years as counsel in biotech or pharmaceutical, preferably in a role serving as business legal partner to R&D or a patent office
• Knowledge of other corporate law matters such as employee relations, investment relations
• Skilled at integrating legal advice with drug discovery programs, preferably in a biotech startup focused on initial drug discovery and platform development
• Knowledge of drug discovery and development all the way from target identification to FDA approval
• Attentive project management skills and prior demonstration of a proactive approach in securing scientific patents
• Experience executing, negotiating, and filing complex contracts with US and international agencies
• Knowledge of competitive landscape will be an advantage
• Comprehensive understanding of NCE/NME development as it relates to the synthesis of new small molecules that target genetically defined diseases
• Detail oriented with excellent written and verbal communication, problem solving, negotiation, and analytical skills
• Level will be commensurate with experience