Director, Intellectual Property

Zymeworks; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 150,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading biotechnology company is seeking a Head of Intellectual Property to spearhead its IP strategy and operations. The successful candidate will manage patent and trademark programs, provide strategic guidance, and foster a high-performance culture within the IP team. This role requires a JD or LLB and a PhD in a relevant scientific field, along with extensive experience in IP law.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in a law firm or in-house IP department.
• Licensed to practice before the US PTO and/or CIPO.
• Knowledge of antibody-based therapeutics.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with executive leadership to implement the company's IP strategy.
• Oversee all aspects of the IP program, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets.
• Lead and mentor the IP team.

Skills

Analytical skills

Strategic thinking

Communication skills

Leadership skills

Education

JD or LLB with bar admission in the US or Canada

PhD or equivalent in Molecular Biology, Structural Biology, Immunology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, or related field

Job description

Job Description

We are seeking a highly experienced Head of Intellectual Property to lead our company's IP strategy and operations. The successful candidate will collaborate with senior leadership to develop and protect our intellectual property assets, oversee patent, trademark, copyright, and trade secret programs, and manage external counsel for patent prosecution and litigation.

The role involves providing strategic guidance on patent filings, freedom-to-operate analyses, and IP risk management, as well as supporting R&D programs by identifying inventions and drafting disclosures. The candidate will also handle IP-related negotiations, compliance, and due diligence activities, and foster a culture of high performance within the IP team.

Responsibilities

1. Collaborate with executive leadership to implement the company's IP strategy.
2. Oversee all aspects of the IP program, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets.
3. Lead and mentor the IP team, promoting engagement and high performance.
4. Partner with cross-functional teams to identify patent opportunities and develop protection strategies.
5. Support R&D by identifying inventions, drafting disclosures, and planning patent applications.
6. Manage external counsel for patent prosecution, landscape, and adversarial proceedings.
7. Advise on IP aspects of business agreements and monitor compliance.
8. Conduct patent searches and assessments of patentability and freedom to operate.
9. Inform senior management of IP risks and mitigation strategies.
10. Lead IP due diligence and manage existing IP portfolio, including licensing and divestitures.
11. Develop policies and training to ensure IP law compliance and best practices.

Qualifications

• JD or LLB with bar admission in the US or Canada, plus a PhD or equivalent in Molecular Biology, Structural Biology, Immunology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, or related field.
• 10+ years of experience in a law firm or in-house IP department.
• Licensed to practice before the US PTO and/or CIPO, with knowledge of antibody-based therapeutics.

Skills and Abilities

• Deep understanding of USPTO rules, regulations, and procedures.
• Experience with complex prior-art and freedom-to-operate searches.
• Proven ability to draft and prosecute patent applications.
• Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and communication skills.
• Experience advising on IP strategy, risk, and litigation management.
• Leadership skills with the ability to mentor and develop team members.