Head of Intellectual Property

Who We AreCogent Biosciences is a biotechnology company focused on developing precision therapies for genetically defined diseases. Our most advanced program, bezuclastinib, is a clinical-stage tyrosine kinase inhibitor designed to selectively and potently inhibit the KIT D816V mutation. This mutation is responsible for driving systemic mastocytosis (“SM”), a rare and serious disease caused by unchecked proliferation of mast cells. We are also studying bezuclastinib to treat patients with advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumors (“GIST”), a type of cancer with strong dependence on oncogenic KIT signaling. Bezuclastinib is currently in three ongoing registrational clinical trials for patients with advanced SM, non-advanced SM and GIST, with top-line results expected for all three trials by the end of 2025. In addition to bezuclastinib, the Cogent Research Team is developing a portfolio of novel targeted therapies to help patients fight serious, genetically driven diseases initially targeting mutations in FGFR2, ErbB2 and PI3Kα.The RoleWe are looking for an experienced IP attorney, either an Executive Director or Vice President level depending on experience, to join our legal team and establish an internal IP function. This position will report to the Chief Legal Officer and has the flexibility to be remote, in office (Waltham, MA or Boulder, CO) or hybrid.What You Will DoDirect and execute IP strategy and establish collaborative and positive working relationships with all functional areas, including R&D, CMC, business development, commercial, and regulatory teams, acting as an advisor on a variety of IP related issuesDrive our portfolio prosecution and strategy; overseeing and conducting prior art searches, competitive landscape analysis, patentability, validity, non-infringement, and freedom to operate analysesServe as a strategic partner and IP thought leader for the Company in discovery, research, manufacturing, and development on patent, regulatory data exclusivity, trademark, trade secret, commercial launch strategies and other intellectual property issuesManage and partner with outside IP counsel, including ownership of IP budgetActively mine for patentable inventions by partnering with the Cogent Research Team to continue building a robust intellectual property portfolioDevelop a thorough understanding of current and planned business activities, programs, competitors, and markets and keep up-to-date on developing legal trends, laws and regulations to inform and adjust IP strategiesOversee competitive intelligence monitoring/activity including search, analysis, third party administrative activity and potential prosecution of focused patent claimsCollaborate on corporate transactions, including due diligence assessments, and advising on contract drafting and negotiationReview draft publications, presentations and external disclosures for IP considerationsFacilitate IP training session for employees to foster a culture of innovation and IP awarenessWhat You BringJ.D. degree from an accredited law schoolAdmission to practice before the USPTO and a state barMinimum of 10-15 years of relevant IP experience in the biotech/pharmaceutical industry, including significant law firm and in-house experienceAdvanced degree in chemistry strongly desiredExperienced, hands-on professional ready to embrace the challenge of establishing an internal IP functionProven track record of managing IP portfolios and developing IP strategies in a biotech or pharmaceutical companyDirect experience in small molecule patent prosecution, patent portfolio development and management, and managing products from discovery through development, marketing approval and post-approval preferredMust be comfortable participating in all aspects of intellectual property law including FTO, non-infringement, and invalidity analyses, IP due diligence, contract IP terms, and licensing negotiationsSalary$238,000 - $350,000 a year. Range will commiserate with experience.

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