Overview
This role involves supporting and executing the global intellectual property (IP) strategy for the organization, working closely with senior IP leadership. The Counsel, Intellectual Property will be responsible for identifying, protecting, and defending innovations related to proprietary formulations, novel treatment protocols, and an expanding pipeline. The position requires collaboration with scientific, legal, and commercial teams to ensure the IP portfolio aligns with the organization's goals in advancing mental healthcare.
Location: Hybrid in New York City office or remote on the East Coast, US.
Reports to: Vice President, Intellectual Property.
Responsibilities
- Collaborate with the IP team and key stakeholders to develop and execute global IP strategy protecting innovations, including synthetic psilocybin and other pipeline assets
- Manage preparation, filing, and prosecution of patent applications worldwide to secure protection for novel therapies, formulations, and treatment protocols
- Conduct validity, freedom-to-operate (FTO), patentability, and infringement searches and analyses to inform R&D and commercialization strategies
- Partner with R&D, Clinical, and Commercial teams to identify inventions and file patent applications throughout product lifecycle
- Support strategic direction and management of external patent counsel to ensure quality and cost-effective patent prosecution and legal advice
- Monitor and analyze competitive patent landscape in mental health and psychedelic therapy sectors, reporting risks and opportunities
- Assist with IP support for business development, including due diligence for partnerships, licensing, and acquisitions under VP guidance
- Educate and advise internal stakeholders on IP matters to promote IP awareness and compliance
- Support potential patent litigation or administrative proceedings (e.g., US IPRs, European oppositions) as needed under VP guidance
Requirements
- Qualified US Patent Attorney registered to practice before the USPTO
- Advanced degree (Ph.D. or Master's) in chemistry, pharmacology, biochemistry, or closely related scientific field
- Strong understanding of small molecule chemistry
- Minimum 5 years' experience drafting and prosecuting patent applications, conducting FTOs, and managing IP portfolios, preferably in pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry
- Knowledge of drug development process from discovery through clinical trials and commercialization
- Ability to translate complex scientific and legal concepts into actionable business advice for cross-functional teams
- Experience working with external counsel and managing allocated budgets effectively
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a collaborative and proactive problem-solving approach
- Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment while contributing to a mission-driven team
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in mental health or psychedelic therapy sectors is advantageous
Compensation & Benefits
Details regarding compensation and benefits will be provided during the recruitment process.