Do you want to be part of an inclusive team that works to develop innovative therapies for patients? Every day, we are driven to develop and deliver innovative and effective new medicines to patients and physicians. If you want to be part of this exciting work, you belong at Astellas!

Astellas Pharma Inc. is a pharmaceutical company conducting business in more than 70 countries around the world. We are committed to turning innovative science into medical solutions that bring value and hope to patients and their families. Keeping our focus on addressing unmet medical needs and conducting our business with ethics and integrity enables us to improve the health of people throughout the world. For more information on Astellas, please visit our website at www.astellas.com .

This position is based in Northbrook, Illinois. Remote work from certain states may be permitted in accordance with Astellas’ Responsible Flexibility Guidelines. Candidates interested in remote work are encouraged to apply.

Purpose and Scope:

Responsible for providing practical, timely, and high-quality IP support to Astellas’ gene therapy research sites. Participates in cross functional teams, identifies legal and IP related business issues, provides legal options and analysis of possible solutions and gives recommendations for addressing critical issues so that business and legal objectives are met, while keeping manager appropriately informed. Advises and consults with employees and management and educates clients about ongoing initiatives and proactive measures to reduce legal and IP-related business risks for the company.

Essential Job Responsibilities:

  • Assesses the patentability of new technologies developed by US project teams and prepares and prosecutes related patent applications.

  • Ensures patent portfolios are aligned with and support overall commercial and development objectives.

  • Understands the competitive IP landscape and counsels’ development teams accordingly.

  • Collaborates with other members of the legal team to support IP aspects of contracts, litigation, and complex due diligence initiatives.

  • Executes timely, comprehensive freedom to operate analysis and develops sound, tactical approaches to minimize third party IP risk to product initiatives.

  • Participates in the creation and implementation of IP policies and procedures within the US IP team.

  • Routinely engages in client counseling and education.

  • Initiates and oversees administrative proceedings to invalidate third party patent rights (e.g., Post grant proceedings, opposition, etc.), where appropriate.

  • Some travel as needed.

Quantitative Dimensions: Responsible for operating within the IP budget, and any applicable project specific budgets.

Organizational Context:

Reports to IP INV Lead, Cell and Gene Therapies

Qualifications

Required

  • JD degree and admitted to practice before the USPTO and a state Bar.

  • BS degree in biology, chemistry, biochemistry or a related field.

  • Minimum of 8 years IP experience in patent drafting and prosecution, FTO analysis, client counseling and agreement review, preferably at least 4 years in a corporate legal department of a pharmaceutical company.

  • Ability to craft and execute complex patent strategies related to pharmaceutical and cell therapy development.

  • Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the pharmaceutical industry, including R&D, regulatory, manufacturing and commercial elements.

  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and efficiently manage multi-dimensional projects in a fast-paced environment.

  • Self-motivated, detail oriented, strategic thinker, able to manage multiple projects, appropriately prioritize and provide high quality, timely advice to clients.

  • Business acumen with a strong track record of strategic thinking and behavior.

  • Understanding of and ability to manage the cultural and logistical challenges of working with a foreign parent company and within a global organization.

  • Strong negotiation, oral and written communication, presentation, training, organizational and teamwork skills.

  • Solid understanding of global patent laws and ability to advise clients from a global perspective, as well as a US perspective.

Preferred

  • Transactional experience in drafting and negotiating a wide range of agreements including patent license, collaboration agreements, and development agreements

  • Experience providing IP support to clients in a wide range of technologies, including pharmaceuticals and gene therapy

Benefits

  • Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance

  • Generous Paid Time Off options, including Vacation, Sick time, plus national holidays including Heritage Days, and Summer and Winter Breaks

  • 401(k) match and annual company contribution

  • Company paid life insurance

  • Annual Corporate Bonus and Quarterly Sales Incentive for eligible positions

  • Long Term Incentive Plan for eligible positions

  • Referral bonus program

Astellas is committed to equality of opportunity in all aspects of employment. EOE including Disability/Protected Veterans.

*LI-CH1

Category IP Innovation and New Technologies

Astellas is committed to equality of opportunity in all aspects of employment.

EOE including Disability/Protected Veterans

Apply Now
Apply Now

Current Search Criteria