Senior Director, IP Counsel

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Sr. Director, Intellectual Property (IP) plays a leading role in protecting the company's significant and ongoing investment in research and development, supporting company growth via technology and commercial transactions, developing a robust and sophisticated IP strategy concerning current and new product offerings, including FTO analysis and survey of complex competitive IP landscapes; mitigating IP risks associated with a competitive commercial environment, and optimizing IP policies and infrastructure.   

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Provide strategic IP advice to enable business objectives worldwide. 

Develop a strategic vision and plan for the company's IP.

Develop a deep understanding of the competitive and IP landscape and identify opportunities, including acquisitions, in-licensing and out-licensing of IP, and mitigation of identified threats.

Conduct FTO clearances and IP landscapes, and assist with product design from an IP perspective.

Support and assist with licensing, M&A, and other commercial transactions.

Support the litigation team, including supporting the development of strategies around infringement, validity, etc.

Manage and grow patent estate consistent with overall business objectives and the strategic IP vision in the US and worldwide.

Develop and optimize company IP systems and infrastructure and assist with the development of standardized agreements and processes impacting IP.

Manage team members as needed.

Performs other duties as assigned. 

QUALIFICATIONS:

JD required. 

Advanced degree in Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry, Bioinformatics, Statistics, Applied Mathematics preferred. 

Registered and in good standing with USPTO and relevant attorney bar. 

Minimum 15 years of related experience with 7 years of experience in the IP field.

Significant in-house company experience preferred. 

Familiarity with patent licensing and contracts preferred. 

Familiarity with patent challenge procedures and practice, including inter-partes review (IPRs) and patent invalidation in administrative and judicial proceedings preferred. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Uses a sophisticated understanding of IP law and the company's business objectives to advise colleagues and to develop and implement an effective IP strategy.

Develops and deploys robust company IP policies and infrastructure. 

Accepts feedback positively and constructively to improve competencies. 

Strong sense of personal accountability. 

Highly effective written and oral communicator.  

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Duties are typically performed in an office setting. 

This position requires the ability to use a computer, communicate over the telephone and read printed material. 

Duties may require working outside normal working hours (evenings and weekends) at times.

The pay range is listed and actual compensation packages are based on a wide array of factors unique to each candidate, including but not limited to skill set, years & depth of experience, certifications and specific office location. This may differ in other locations due to cost of labor considerations.San Carlos, CA $259,600—$324,500 USD

OUR OPPORTUNITY

Natera™ is a global leader in cell-free DNA (cfDNA) testing, dedicated to oncology, women’s health, and organ health. Our aim is to make personalized genetic testing and diagnostics part of the standard of care to protect health and enable earlier and more targeted interventions that lead to longer, healthier lives.

The Natera team consists of highly dedicated statisticians, geneticists, doctors, laboratory scientists, business professionals, software engineers and many other professionals from world-class institutions, who care deeply for our work and each other. When you join Natera, you’ll work hard and grow quickly. Working alongside the elite of the industry, you’ll be stretched and challenged, and take pride in being part of a company that is changing the landscape of genetic disease management.

WHAT WE OFFER

Competitive Benefits - Employee benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life and disability plans for eligible employees and their dependents. Additionally, Natera employees and their immediate families receive free testing in addition to fertility care benefits. Other benefits include pregnancy and baby bonding leave, 401k benefits, commuter benefits and much more. We also offer a generous employee referral program!

For more information, visit www.natera.com.

Natera is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are comm