Director, Corporate Counsel Technology and Transactions (Hybrid)

At 4D Molecular Therapeutics, Inc. (“4DMT”), we boldly innovate to unlock the full potential of genetic medicines for countless patients. We are committed to breaking boundaries and daring to cure as we develop new and foundational products and product components through our growing technology platforms.4DMT is a clinical-stage biotherapeutics company harnessing the power of directed evolution for targeted genetic medicines. We seek to unlock the full potential of gene therapy using our platform, Therapeutic Vector Evolution (TVE), which combines the power of directed evolution with our approximately one billion synthetic AAV capsid-derived sequences to invent evolved vectors for use in our products. We believe key features of our targeted and evolved vectors will help us create targeted product candidates with improved therapeutic profiles. These profiles will allow us to treat a broad range of large market diseases, unlike most current genetic medicines that generally focus on rare or small market diseases.We have built a deep portfolio of AVV-based gene therapy product candidates, with five product candidates in clinical trials: 4D-150 for the treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD) and diabetic macular edema (DME), 4D-710 for the treatment of cystic fibrosis lung disease, 4D-310 for the treatment of Fabry disease cardiomyopathy, 4D-125 for the treatment of X-linked retinitis pigmentosa (XLRP), and 4D-110 for the treatment of choroideremia. In addition, we have two product candidates in preclinical studies: 4D-175 for geographic atrophy (GA) and 4D-725 for alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.To-date, we have demonstrated clinical proof-of-concept for three evolved vectors in three therapeutic areas and routes of administration with five products and patient populations. We believe this validates the power of our directed evolution platform for discovering superior vectors compared to wildtype viral vectors. We have built a robust and efficient product engine with 6 open Investigational New Drug Applications (INDs) in the U.S., 1 IND in Taiwan, and 1 Clinical Trial Approval (CTA) in Australia. We believe we are positioned to create, develop, manufacture and, if approved, effectively commercialize targeted genetic medicines that could transform the lives of patients suffering from debilitating diseases.In addition to TVE, our technology includes a robust AAV manufacturing platform and onsite manufacturing facility that allows us to rapidly produce and test research grade material and scale up to GMP clinical material. This internal capability and close collaboration between our R&D and Manufacturing teams has greatly accelerated the pace of discovery at 4DMT.Company Differentiators:Fully integrated clinical-phase company with internal manufacturingDemonstrated ability to move rapidly from idea to INDFive candidate products in the clinic and two declared pre-clinical programsRobust technology and IP foundation, including our TVE and manufacturing platformsInitial product safety and efficacy data substantiates the value of our platformsOpportunities to expand to other indications and modalities within genetic medicineGENERAL SUMMARY:4DMT is seeking an experienced technology and commercial transactions attorney to support and counsel its Business Development, Manufacturing, and Research & Developmentteams , with an emphasis on drafting, negotiating, executing and managing contracts with industry partners, universities, government agencies, CROs, and other company vendors. This role sits within the 4DMT legal team and may be required to support legal needs in other parts of the business, including in G&A. The ideal candidate must be an experienced attorney, with a strong background in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry and excellent business judgment and interpersonal skills. Substantive experience drafting and negotiating IP licenses, corporate partnering agreements, and contract manufacturing agreements is essential. In depth knowledge of the drug development process, regulatory and compliance requirements, strategic partnerships, and intellectual property is strongly preferred.In this role, the Director, Technology and Commercial Transactions will report directly to the Chief Legal and HR Officer, based out of our Emeryville, CA office.RESPONSIBILITIES:Drafting, structuring, and negotiating agreements, including licenses, option, collaboration and development, joint venture, master services (including CRO and CMO), sponsored research, confidentiality, consulting, commercial, supply, and other agreements essential to 4DMT’s business.Advising on the various legal risks, business strategies, and other issues related to company partnerships and collaborations and helping create mitigation strategies.Leading the continuous improvement of law department operations through problem solving, strategic planning, project management, process, and systems improvement (include contracts management systems), and financial/budget management, including through the implementation of new software tools.Assisting with development of law department policies and procedures relating to law department activities.Providing guidance on regulatory matters and assisting with development and implementation of compliance strategies.Assisting with other law department matters, including litigation support, SEC compliance and reporting, records management, due diligence, employment, immigration, and EH&S as required.Managing the use of outside counsel for transactions and determining which outside counsel to use taking into account cost, speed of review, and technical expertise.Provide legal analyses of applicable laws, regulations, and industry guidance.Advise internal clients regarding legal issues, including identifying, managing, and communicating risks and opportunities in commercial transactions.Assist with the development of standard template language to be used in contracts, ancillary documents and associated playbooks.Support continuous improvements of forms, policies and processes to help streamline and simplify deals and product/service terms.Work cross functionally across the company to analyze legal risks, devise creative solutions and develop strong, trusted advisor relationships.QUALIFICATIONS:Education:BA/BSc and JD degree or equivalent from an accredited law school required.PhD or MS in molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, or other biological field related to the biopharma industry strongly preferred.Admission to, and in good standing with, at least one U.S. state bar (preferably CA).Experience:8 or more years practice as an attorney, including experience at a well-regarded law firm.In-house experience at a publicly traded biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or biopharmaceutical company preferred.Experience in counseling life sciences BD teams with respect to day-to-day transactions.Prior experience working on intellectual property and technology related transactions preferred.Experience handling commercial contract disputes and dispute resolution.Excellent analytical skills; creative, pragmatic problem-solving abilities in a transactional context; and efficient, precise drafting of customized agreements.Experience working with Finance teams and managing contracts processes and policies, and using contracts lifecyle management (CLM) tools.Experience with life sciences technology transactions with large pharma companies.Strong drafting skills with keen attention to detail.Excellent analytical, communication and organizational skills, and demonstrated ability to effectively collaborate and manage several simultaneous projects under deadline pressure.Experience working with data privacy and security issues.Flexible mindset combined with technical knowledge and passion for innovation.Proven ability to provide entrepreneurial, quick-thinking, pragmatic, business- oriented advice and to properly balance risks and business reward with a dedication to superior customer service.Ability to triage a heavy workflow, setting appropriate expectations with internal clients and delivering results efficiently and effectively.Skills:Knowledge of current and relevant laws, regulations and industry standards, including intellectual property law.Service-oriented focus with ability to work as part of cross-functional teams and drive results.Highest integrity, excellent judgment, and the ability to proactively recognize and effectively communicate legal issues to the Chief Legal and HR Officer and other members of company management.Bay Area Range: $250,000/yr - $312,000/yrNational Range: $213,000/yr - $278,000/yr4DMT provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, status as a covered veteran, and any other category protected under applicable federal, state, provincial and local laws.Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

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