Vice President, Intellectual Property Counsel

BlueRock Therapeutics, a wholly–owned and independently operated subsidiary of Bayer AG, is a leading engineered cell therapy company using its unique cell+gene platform to direct cellular differentiation and genetically engineer cells to create a new generation of cellular medicines that address large patient populations suffering from neurological, cardiovascular, and immunology diseases.

The convergence of cell biology and genetic engineering is creating fundamental new ways to impact disease. Founded in 2016 to capitalize on these technological breakthroughs, we are advancing our novel cell+gene platform to develop, manufacture, and deliver an entirely new generation of authentic and engineered cell therapies across three therapeutic areas: neurology, cardiology, and immunology.

What Are We Doing?

Our foundational science harnesses the ability to create and then direct the differentiation of universal pluripotent stem cells into authentic, functional cells that can be used as allogeneic cellular therapies to treat a broad array of diseases. We can also further engineer these cells, enabling them to produce enzymes, antibodies, and other proteins for additional therapeutic benefit.

We are passionate about delivering on the promise of cellular and gene therapy, shaping the future of cellular medicine, and delivering new therapies to millions of patients with treatment options.

We are seeking individuals who are collaborative, thrive in a fun and dynamic culture, and are steadfast in the commitment to advance cutting–edge cellular therapies to impact patients' lives.

BlueRock is seeking a Vice President, Intellectual Property to join our Legal team. The role will report to the General Counsel and is based out of our U.S. Headquarters located in Cambridge, MA. The Vice President, Intellectual Property will partner with legal, scientific, and business colleagues to define, execute, and monitor the intellectual property strategy of the Company. This role will quickly develop an in–depth understanding of the Company's intellectual property, research, development and collaborative activities. The incumbent will also oversee and contribute to global patent preparation and prosecution, conduct patentability and freedom–to–operate evaluations, counsel leadership and scientists on matters related to intellectual property. Additionally, the incumbent will be responsible for leading, developing and advancing a team of professionals who are critical to the legal department and overall BlueRock team.

An ideal candidate has a strong scientific background, substantial patent prosecution and strategy experience and works well in a fast–paced and dynamic work environment with aggressive timelines in an emerging market area with tremendous potential.

Responsibilities:

Oversee the Company's patent portfolio in collaboration with the current IP team and key stakeholders

Oversee and align IP strategies across portfolios to develop and implement an overall corporate IP strategy to protect the Company's assets and identify opportunities to capitalize on the value on the IP assets

Ensure support and communication across the company and with collaborators regarding the identification and development of IP

Identify and address additional areas for engagement (or increased involvement) within the company and with partners and collaborators

Manage and develop IP attorneys and IP team members and collaborate with other legal department members to provide effective and consistent legal support

Perform patentability, validity and freedom–to–operate analyses and IP landscape evaluations

Develop, review and, as necessary, revise IP policies and training as required

Ensure timely responses to business development colleagues on requests such as IP due diligence assessments and review of contractual IP terms

Oversee the selection, engagement, work product and budgets for external IP counsel

Proactively identify risks and opportunities

Generate reports, presentations, spreadsheets and other documents for the Legal group, internal stakeholders and/or the senior management team, as requested.

15+ years of experience practicing patent law

Registration to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)

Experience working in, or advising on, cell therapy, gene therapy or large molecule drug discovery and/or a graduate degree in chemistry, biology or other life sciences or medical field (Ph.D. preferred, MS considered)

Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of intellectual property concepts, principles, and practices

Three or more years of people management experience in–house

Excellent verbal and written communications skills and ability to communicate complex issues clearly

Demonstrated ability to navigate, problem–solve, execute, and lead in a dynamic, fast–paced and evolving environment

Sound judgment – ability to assess risks and benefits

Licensed to practice law in good standing in at least one state

Highly effective communication, organizational and interpersonal skills

BlueRock Therapeutics Company Culture Highlights

Winner of Comparably's Award for Best Company for Diversity 2022

Winner of Comparably's Award for Best Company for Women 2022

Winner of Comparably's Award for Best CEO 2022

BlueRock Therapeutics is ranked in the top 5% of companies for Overall Culture on Comparably.

Engineering Department is ranked in the top 5% of companies for Overall Culture on Comparably.

Equal Opportunity Workplace: At BlueRock, we welcome and support differences and diversity and we are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. Please let us know if you require disability–related accommodation or other grounds protected by human rights legislation during the recruitment process so that we can work with you to meet your needs.

SETH ETTENBERG, PH.D.
Top 5% of Similar Sized Companies on Comparably

Our LT acknowledges areas for improvement and makes intentional efforts to "be better" or "do better". They have the right attitude even in difficult or challenging times.

Bluerock's employees care about each other and about patients. We really have a strong sense of community.

BlueRock Therapeutics' Employee Net Promoter Score (eNPS) is 71, as rated by 114 employees. This means 75% of BlueRock Therapeutics employees would encourage their friends to become coworkers today.