Senior IP Counsel / IP Counsel
- Scholar Rock Inc.
- Full time
- Cambridge, Massachusetts
- Posted: November 27, 2021
Company
Scholar Rock is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of innovative medicines for the treatment of serious diseases in which signaling by protein growth factors plays a fundamental role.
Our most advanced investigational product candidate, apitegromab (SRK-015), a selective inhibitor of the activation of the growth factor myostatin in skeletal muscle, is in development for the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy, or SMA. Following positive results from the TOPAZ Phase 2 trial in patients with Type 2 and Type 3 SMA, we are planning to advance to a Phase 3 trial by year-end. In addition, we are conducting our DRAGON Phase 1 proof-of-concept trial for SRK-181, a selective inhibitor of latent TGFβ1 activation, in patients with locally advanced and metastatic solid tumors.
By combining our deep structural insights with antibody drug discovery, Scholar Rock is creating a pipeline of novel product candidates with the potential to transform the lives of patients suffering from a wide range of serious diseases, including neuromuscular disorders, cancer, and fibrosis.
Summary of Position:
Director-level IP Counsel who will lead the IP strategy for the TGFβ Program, including global prosecution strategy and management of complex patent families. Both US and EP patent attorneys will be considered for this position. The individual will report to the Head of IP and work closely with internal and external stakeholders to ensure protection of valuable IP assets for clinical, preclinical and early-stage programs, in a dynamic, multi-functional environment. We seek a highly motivated, highly experienced and business-oriented individual with commitment to excellence, integrity, and passion for making a difference in patients’ lives.
Position Responsibilities:
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- Manage Scholar Rock’s patent portfolio drawn to TGFβ, including preparing US and foreign patent filings and responses to official actions.
- Manage and serve as a liaison with outside counsel.
- Interact with external stakeholders (e.g., collaborators and licensors).
- Work with scientific and clinical teams as well as other functions to understand new developments, and design and implement prosecution strategies to ensure the necessary protection of IP assets and alignment to business goals.
- Serve as IP lead on cross-functional program team developing therapeutic assets.
- Conduct freedom-to-operate analyses as needed.
- Review and evaluate the commercial and technical activities of third parties.
- Review technical manuscripts, posters and other materials intended for publication and draft patent applications in response as needed.
- Review IP provisions of agreements, including for collaborations, SRAs and MTAs.
Candidate Requirements:
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- 8+ years of experience in patent prosecution and IP due diligence and related work in life sciences, of which preferably at least 5+ years spent at a reputable law firm with highly regarded life sciences practice. Prior in-house experience preferred.
- Ph.D in biomedical research discipline strongly preferred (e.g., molecular/cellular biology, immunology, biochemistry, neurobiology, etc.). Master’s degree (MS) will be considered for candidates with extensive experience and particularly relevant background.
- Registered to practice before the USPTO and good standing in at least one state bar (for US attorney); or, qualified as Chartered Patent Attorney and/or European Patent Attorney (for EP attorney).
- Experience in post-grant proceedings and/or litigation preferred.
- Experience with transactional matters, including agreement drafting and contract negotiation.
- Ability to learn and handle IP-related matters involving a wide variety of therapeutic/diagnostic modalities and disease areas.
- Demonstrated ability to multi-task, problem-solve and operate in a fast-paced environment, particularly the ability to process complex sets of information and to effectively respond to rapidly changing priorities and deadlines.
- Excellent analytical and communication skills.
- Strong professionalism and interpersonal skills.
- Commitment to accountability, reliability and responsiveness to successfully engage with a cross-functional team.
Scholar Rock is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.