Director / Senior Director, Intellectual Property
Ladders · South San Francisco, CA · Yesterday
On-siteLegal$255k–$312k/yrFull-time
About the role
This role will lead work at the intersection of data, AI-enabled capabilities, and scalable technology delivery. You will partner with business, technical, and operational stakeholders to build reporting, surface trends, and translate analysis into action. The position offers the opportunity to strengthen data-driven execution and help teams focus on the metrics that matter most within a life sciences environment.
Responsibilities
- Draft and prosecute U.S. and international patent applications
- Manage inventorship, ownership, and assignment matters
- Design and evolve IP strategy in accordance with AI-native pharma legal landscape changes
- Monitor competitors' patent filings and provide strategic insights
- Oversee trademark portfolio and support trade-secret protections
- Conduct freedom-to-operate and patentability analyses while advising teams on data-use agreements
- Identify and capture patentable innovations via collaboration with R&D teams
Qualifications
- J.D. with active state bar membership and USPTO registration (patent bar) required
- Ph.D. in a life-science field essential
- 8-10+ years as a patent attorney with significant pharmaceutical/biopharma experience
- Experience balancing both offensive and defensive patent strategies
- Comprehensive knowledge of patents, trademarks, and trade secrets; experience in partnerships a plus
- Deep expertise in nucleic-acid and/or antibody therapeutics preferred; knowledge of AI/ML applications is a bonus
- Willingness to learn AI tools and workflows
Benefits
- 401(k) plan with employer matching
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, including mental health support
- Flexible vacation policy allowing for open time off
- At least 16 weeks of paid parental leave for birthing parents and 10 weeks for other new parents
- Quarterly budget for self-development through books and online courses
- New hire stipend for home office setup, enhancing remote productivity
- Monthly stipends for cell phone and internet expenses
- Onsite perks including free baristas and daily lunches for hybrid employees
- Access to a free commuter bus network within the Bay Area