BioSpace
Senior Director, IP Counsel
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BioSpace Join us to lead IP strategy and protect the innovative IP portfolio at a rapidly growing technology‑driven pharma company, Formation Bio.
About Formation Bio Formation Bio is an AI‑powered pharma company founded in 2016 (originally TrialSpark Inc.) that accelerates drug development and clinical trials.
The company builds technology platforms, processes and capabilities to enhance every stage of development and partners, acquires or in‑licenses drugs from other pharmaceutical and biotech organizations.
Backed by leading investors such as a16z, Sequoia, Sanofi, Thrive Capital and others, Formation Bio partners with pharmaceutical companies and research organizations to develop clinical‑stage assets, drive evidence generation, and bring new medicines to patients.
About The Position From its origins as a clinical development company, Formation Bio is leveraging deep learning and AI to break clinical development paradigms.
We are seeking a senior IP leader to protect, enhance, and maximize the value of our portfolio throughout the entire lifecycle—from initial diligence through clinical development and eventual partnering or exit.
The preferred candidate will be based in a U.S. Northeast hub (NYC or Boston) but we welcome other Northeast professionals who can regularly work from our office.
Responsibilities
Develop and execute IP strategies that maximize asset value from in‑licensing through exit.
Lead IP due diligence for pharmaceutical and biologic acquisitions, identifying risks and hidden value in complex transactions.
Build IP portfolios during clinical development to strengthen competitive position and support potential asset exit opportunities.
Drive IP strategy and negotiation in pharma/biotech transactions, working closely with dealmakers on IP strength and longevity.
Manage relationships with outside IP law firms.
Navigate formulation findings, method of use patents, lifecycle management strategies, process‑related discoveries, and labeling‑related IP issues.
Oversee trademark, trade secret and data exclusivity strategies.
Advise multidisciplinary scientific and engineering teams, including ML/data scientists, on IP matters related to AI product features.
Collaborate cross‑functionally with clinical, CMC, business development and AI/tech teams to identify patentable innovations and position IP assets for maximum strategic value.
About You Experienced IP attorney (JD required, active bar membership preferred) with 10‑15+ years in pharmaceutical IP, ideally spanning both law firm and in‑house experience.
Strong strategic thinking, autonomy, and an ability to navigate cross‑functional collaborations are essential.
Essential Experience
Deep expertise in pharma/biologics IP lifecycle management from early development through commercialization.
Track record managing IP for Phase 1 and Phase 2+ clinical programs.
Experience with both in‑licensing and out‑licensing transactions.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple law firms and global patent portfolios.
Proficiency in drafting claims, prosecuting patents, and litigation/dispute resolution as a bonus.
Strong understanding of regulatory exclusivities and competitive intelligence.
Independent, results‑oriented approach from day one while building strong internal relationships.
What Sets You Apart
Experience with Chinese or JPAC pharmaceutical partnerships and transactions.
Experience with preclinical assets, such as IND‑enabling studies.
Track record of preparing assets for successful exits or partnerships.
Comfort with AI and modern legal technology tools.
Scientific background and familiarity beyond pure legal experience.
Nice‑to‑Haves
Experience with Chinese pharmaceutical or biotech companies or partnership experience in Asian markets.
Prior experience in both law firm and in‑house roles, evidencing a balanced perspective on deadline‑driven and autonomous work environments.
Why Join Us?
Impact: Shape IP strategy as our senior legal leader for a portfolio of clinical assets that can bring new therapies to patients.
Ownership: Build the IP legal function with high autonomy and strategic influence.
Innovation: Work at the intersection of AI and pharma, defining new approaches to IP protection.
Culture: Collaborate with a team that values speed, innovation and results over process.
Compensation Target salary range: $275,000 – $350,000 (base only).
Additional compensation includes equity, comprehensive benefits, generous perks, and hybrid flexibility. Salary ranges may vary by geographic location.
You will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
Seniority level Director
Employment type Full‑time
Job function Legal
Industries Internet News
Location New York, NY; Boston, MA – candidate must reside in these locations or be willing to relocate.
Referrals Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at BioSpace by 2x.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
at
BioSpace Join us to lead IP strategy and protect the innovative IP portfolio at a rapidly growing technology‑driven pharma company, Formation Bio.
About Formation Bio Formation Bio is an AI‑powered pharma company founded in 2016 (originally TrialSpark Inc.) that accelerates drug development and clinical trials.
The company builds technology platforms, processes and capabilities to enhance every stage of development and partners, acquires or in‑licenses drugs from other pharmaceutical and biotech organizations.
Backed by leading investors such as a16z, Sequoia, Sanofi, Thrive Capital and others, Formation Bio partners with pharmaceutical companies and research organizations to develop clinical‑stage assets, drive evidence generation, and bring new medicines to patients.
About The Position From its origins as a clinical development company, Formation Bio is leveraging deep learning and AI to break clinical development paradigms.
We are seeking a senior IP leader to protect, enhance, and maximize the value of our portfolio throughout the entire lifecycle—from initial diligence through clinical development and eventual partnering or exit.
The preferred candidate will be based in a U.S. Northeast hub (NYC or Boston) but we welcome other Northeast professionals who can regularly work from our office.
Responsibilities
Develop and execute IP strategies that maximize asset value from in‑licensing through exit.
Lead IP due diligence for pharmaceutical and biologic acquisitions, identifying risks and hidden value in complex transactions.
Build IP portfolios during clinical development to strengthen competitive position and support potential asset exit opportunities.
Drive IP strategy and negotiation in pharma/biotech transactions, working closely with dealmakers on IP strength and longevity.
Manage relationships with outside IP law firms.
Navigate formulation findings, method of use patents, lifecycle management strategies, process‑related discoveries, and labeling‑related IP issues.
Oversee trademark, trade secret and data exclusivity strategies.
Advise multidisciplinary scientific and engineering teams, including ML/data scientists, on IP matters related to AI product features.
Collaborate cross‑functionally with clinical, CMC, business development and AI/tech teams to identify patentable innovations and position IP assets for maximum strategic value.
About You Experienced IP attorney (JD required, active bar membership preferred) with 10‑15+ years in pharmaceutical IP, ideally spanning both law firm and in‑house experience.
Strong strategic thinking, autonomy, and an ability to navigate cross‑functional collaborations are essential.
Essential Experience
Deep expertise in pharma/biologics IP lifecycle management from early development through commercialization.
Track record managing IP for Phase 1 and Phase 2+ clinical programs.
Experience with both in‑licensing and out‑licensing transactions.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple law firms and global patent portfolios.
Proficiency in drafting claims, prosecuting patents, and litigation/dispute resolution as a bonus.
Strong understanding of regulatory exclusivities and competitive intelligence.
Independent, results‑oriented approach from day one while building strong internal relationships.
What Sets You Apart
Experience with Chinese or JPAC pharmaceutical partnerships and transactions.
Experience with preclinical assets, such as IND‑enabling studies.
Track record of preparing assets for successful exits or partnerships.
Comfort with AI and modern legal technology tools.
Scientific background and familiarity beyond pure legal experience.
Nice‑to‑Haves
Experience with Chinese pharmaceutical or biotech companies or partnership experience in Asian markets.
Prior experience in both law firm and in‑house roles, evidencing a balanced perspective on deadline‑driven and autonomous work environments.
Why Join Us?
Impact: Shape IP strategy as our senior legal leader for a portfolio of clinical assets that can bring new therapies to patients.
Ownership: Build the IP legal function with high autonomy and strategic influence.
Innovation: Work at the intersection of AI and pharma, defining new approaches to IP protection.
Culture: Collaborate with a team that values speed, innovation and results over process.
Compensation Target salary range: $275,000 – $350,000 (base only).
Additional compensation includes equity, comprehensive benefits, generous perks, and hybrid flexibility. Salary ranges may vary by geographic location.
You will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
Seniority level Director
Employment type Full‑time
Job function Legal
Industries Internet News
Location New York, NY; Boston, MA – candidate must reside in these locations or be willing to relocate.
Referrals Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at BioSpace by 2x.
#J-18808-Ljbffr