Director, Intellectual Property (Hybrid)

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

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Pay Range:

Disclosure Statement:

Flex Designation:

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 ApplicationAssistance@vrtx.com