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Director/Sr. Director, Intellectual Property (m, f, d)
21.11.2024 / Silence Therapeutics sucht/seeks Director/Sr. Director, Intellectual Property (m, f, d)
Company Overview
Our 20-plus years of RNAi experience together with our validated mRNAi GOLD™ platform make us a partner of
choice for pharmaceutical companies looking to access the benefits of the siRNA and add this revolutionary
modality to their discovery pipeline. As pioneers in the design and development of siRNAs (short interfering
RNAs), Silence Therapeutics is advancing a new generation of medicines to potentially address the needs of
patients who have limited or inadequate treatment options.
Role Overview
Silence Therapeutics is poised at an exciting time in its growth and has a quickly expanding IP portfolio. As Silence
intensifies its efforts in the field of RNAi therapeutics, there is need for additional resource within our IP function.
This role will report to the Head of IP and be ready to form strategy and supervise other IP team members. As
part of our global team, they will need to regularly engage with our scientific staff in Berlin and be able to work
a flexible schedule as needed.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
- In partnership with the Head of IP, strategically manage Silence’s worldwide patent portfolio to maximize value
- Participate in the development and implementation of IP strategies aligned with the company’s business goals and R&D initiatives.
- Provide competitive intelligence based on analysis of third-party IP to inform the company strategy.
IP Portfolio Management
- Regularly discuss new or ongoing projects with scientists and take part in internal scientific meetings to identify potential IP issues, key inventions, and other IP opportunities as they arise
- Evaluate inventions for patentability and strategic relevance to the company goals and coordinate IP decisions internally and with collaboration partners
- Supervise drafting of patent applications and responses to office actions worldwide
- Work with scientists and external counsel to ensure Silence has strong and enforceable patent rights
- Manage and review ongoing third-party patent searches
- Assess the infringement/validity of third-party IP, draft opinions and devise mitigation strategies as needed to ensure “freedom to operate”
- Monitor and analyze IP publications to spot trends in the fast-evolving field of RNAi
- Assist the business development team to pursue potential partnering opportunities based on IP generating collaborations
Legal & Compliance Activities
- Provide IP support to legal for agreements, regulatory filings, and due diligence activities
- Review Silence publications before they are released
- Ensure compliance with the German Employee Inventions Act
- Manage and support IP disputes or patent oppositions as needed
- Provide IP training to the company
- Keep up to date with legal developments in the IP field
- Manage relationships with external patent counsel
Minimum Job Requirements
- Degree in chemistry or biology, preferably a PhD, with 6 years experience in the pharma/biotech industry.
- A Juris Doctor (JD) or equivalent legal degree is required, with a focus on intellectual property law and admission to a relevant bar.
- A minimum of 6 years of experience in intellectual property law, including time spent in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology sectors.
- Prior experience in senior legal or IP management roles, demonstrating the ability to lead teams and manage complex IP portfolios.
- Proven track record in handling IP litigation, patent prosecution, and negotiating licensing agreements.
- Deep understanding of patent law, regulatory issues, and the drug development process.
- Ability to develop and implement IP strategies that align with the company’s business goals.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills to effectively interact with internal stakeholders, external partners, and regulatory bodies.
- Proficiency in analysing complex legal and technical issues to provide sound legal advice.
- Familiarity with the pharmaceutical industry’s regulatory environment and market dynamics.
Preferred Skills & Experience
- Fluency in English is essential, and capability in German a distinct advantage.
- Excellent presentation skills and the ability to represent the company externally to outside agencies.
- Ability to adapt fast to a dynamic research organization.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, strong team player.
- Clear affiliation with our vision and values, and a true ambassador of our organization.
- Proven ability to effectively prioritize workload and strong organizational skills.
- Strong attention to detail and pride in the quality of their work.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Holds a passion for collaborative working, building relationships and excellent stakeholder management experience.
Essential Physical Requirements
- Ability to view video display terminal images < 18” away from face for extended period of time – up to four (4) hours at a time.
- Ability to operate a computer keyboard and telephone.
- Ability to sit for extended periods of time – up to four (4) hours at a time.
- Ability to articulate clearly and conduct verbal presentations with large and small audiences.
- Ability to travel via automobile and/or airplane.
- Ability to lift, tug, pull up to fifteen (15) pounds.
To be considered for this position, you must apply and meet the requirements of this opportunity.
Our Offering
Our mission is to continue to build Silence as a global leader in RNAi therapeutics, where our technology can
create a new generation of approaches to address unmet medical needs and improve the outcomes for patients.
Making a difference to people’s lives is at the heart of what we do, and this is no different when it comes to our employees.
We offer a vibrant culture and environment where employees are encouraged to bring their innovation and creativity. Small, dynamic, with slick decision making and unencumbered by bureaucracy, we recognise
contributions wherever they are made within the team.
