Director, Intellectual Property (Hybrid)

Vertex Pharmaceuticals; California; Hybrid; USD 216,000 - 324,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading biotechnology company is seeking a Director of Intellectual Property to support its innovative cell and gene therapy programs. The role involves managing IP portfolios, advising on patent strategies, and collaborating with external partners. This hybrid position offers flexibility in work arrangements and is based in San Diego, CA.

Benefits

Generous Paid Time Off

Educational Assistance Programs

Commuting Subsidy

401(k) Matching

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in biotechnology/pharmaceutical IP portfolio creation.
• Admission to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Responsibilities

• Manage intellectual property portfolios for cell and gene therapy candidates.
• Advise management on key IP issues.
• Supervise outside counsel in patent application preparation.

Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Attention to Detail

Communication

Intellectual Curiosity

Education

Undergraduate or Advanced Degree in Life Sciences

United States Law Degree (JD)

Job description

Director, Intellectual Property (Hybrid) page is loaded

Director, Intellectual Property (Hybrid)

Apply locations San Diego, CA time type Full time posted on Posted 30+ Days Ago job requisition id REQ-24748

Job Description

Vertex Pharmaceuticals is seeking a Director, Intellectual Property to support its research and development organization. The role will primarily support cell and gene therapy programs. The Director will advise Vertex on a wide range of intellectual property matters, including patent preparation and prosecution, opposition proceedings, due diligence, and transaction support, in addition to client counseling.

The position will be based at our research site in San Diego and report to the Executive Director, Intellectual Property. The position can be either full time in the office or hybrid (3-days in the office and 2-days working remotely).

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage intellectual property portfolios for cell and gene therapy candidates, including drafting and filing patent applications, responses to office actions and briefs, and assist in establishing US and International Patent strategies
• Conduct periodic patent portfolio reviews
• Conduct prior art searches, analyze third-party patent positions, and conduct due diligence to support business development activities
• Support the drafting of confidentiality agreements, material transfer agreements, and sponsored research agreements.
• Review draft scientific publications for relevance to the IP strategy for programs

• Implement and manage intellectual property portfolio strategies worldwide to maximize value and utility of IP assets
• Supervise outside counsel in the preparation and prosecution of patent applications worldwide
• Coordinate with Vertex’s external collaborators on intellectual property matters

• Support potential IPRs, PGRs and Oppositions
• Advise management on key IP issues

Knowledge and Skills

• Strong knowledge of US and foreign patent law
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, high EQ, ability to multi-task in fast paced environment
• An ability to manage timelines, including prioritization of the most important tasks, and enlisting assistance from other colleagues / outside law firms where required
• Excellent work ethic, integrity, and commitment to professionalism
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills
• Strong attention to detail, ability to meet deadlines, prioritize work
• Strong team player
• Good sense of humor
• Intellectual curiosity

Education and Experience

• An undergraduate degree or advanced degree in life sciences such as biology, cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, or other area relevant to pharmaceutical IP practice.
• A United States law degree (JD) with a current “good standing” admission to at least one US state bar
• Admission to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
• 7+ years of experience in biologics, preferably cell and gene therapy, (biotechnology/pharmaceutical) intellectual property portfolio creation, strategy, and counseling

#LI-AR1

#LI-Hybrid

Pay Range:

$216,000 - $324,000

Disclosure Statement:

The range provided is based on what we believe is a reasonable estimate for the base salary pay range for this job at the time of posting. This role is eligible for an annual bonus and annual equity awards. Some roles may also be eligible for overtime pay, in accordance with federal and state requirements. Actual base salary pay will be based on a number of factors, including skills, competencies, experience, and other job-related factors permitted by law.

At Vertex, our Total Rewards offerings also include inclusive market-leading benefits to meet our employees wherever they are in their career, financial, family and wellbeing journey while providing flexibility and resources to support their growth and aspirations. From medical, dental and vision benefits to generous paid time off (including a week-long company shutdown in the Summer and the Winter), educational assistance programs including student loan repayment, a generous commuting subsidy, matching charitable donations, 401(k) and so much more.

Flex Designation:

Hybrid-Eligible Or On-Site Eligible

Flex Eligibility Status:

In this Hybrid-Eligible role, you can choose to be designated as:
1. Hybrid: work remotely up to two days per week; or select
2. On-Site: work five days per week on-site with ad hoc flexibility.

Note: The Flex status for this position is subject to Vertex’s Policy on Flex @ Vertex Program and may be changed at any time.

Company Information

Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation.

Vertex is committed to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to a person's race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any characteristic protected under applicable law. Vertex is an E-Verify Employer in the United States. Vertex will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law.

Any applicant requiring an accommodation in connection with the hiring process and/or to perform the essential functions of the position for which the applicant has applied should make a request to the recruiter or hiring manager, or contact Talent Acquisition at [e-mail]

Help Us Achieve Our Mission

Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation to create transformative medicines for people with serious diseases. The company has approved medicines that treat the underlying causes of multiple chronic, life-shortening genetic diseases — cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease and transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia — and continues to advance clinical and research programs in these diseases. Vertex also has a robust clinical pipeline of investigational therapies across a range of modalities in other serious diseases where it has deep insight into causal human biology, including APOL1-mediated kidney disease, acute and neuropathic pain, type 1 diabetes, myotonic dystrophy type 1 and alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency .

Founded in 1989 in Cambridge, Mass., Vertex's global headquarters is now located in Boston's Innovation District and its international headquarters is in London. Additionally, the company has research and development sites and commercial offices in North America, Europe, Australia, Latin America and the Middle East. Vertex is consistently recognized as one of the industry's top places to work, including 14 consecutive years on Science magazine's Top Employers list and one of Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For. For company updates and to learn more about Vertex's history of innovation, visit www.vrtx.com or follow us on Facebook , Twitter/X , LinkedIn , YouTube and Instagram .

The diversity and authenticity of our people is part of what makes Vertex unique, and we recognize that each employee brings diverse perspectives and strengths. By embracing those strengths and celebrating differences, we are fostering an inclusive culture where each of us can bring our authentic selves to work, inspire innovation together, and change people’s lives.

Our vision is clear: to be the place where an authentic, diverse mix of talent want to come, to stay, and do their best work.