(Sr) Director, Intellectual Property counsel

ORIC is a research-driven company dedicated to discovering and developing novel therapies that can Overcome Resistance In Cancer. Our collaborative, empowering culture gives scientists authority, responsibility, and support to do cutting-edge work on therapies for treatment-resistant cancers. Our culture and values support our mission, provide a shared understanding of how we work together as a company and provide a clear sense of what is most important to us as an organization.

ORIC is seeking an experienced Intellectual Property Counsel to join our legal team to support all matters related to our intellectual property portfolio.  The successful candidate will collaborate with all levels within the organization and be considered a trusted advisor on all aspects of our patent portfolio. This ideal candidate is a self-starter who is comfortable (a) working independently with minimal supervision and some administrative support, (b) taking a hands-on approach to regularly drafting patent applications, prosecution-related documents, and business-development related documents such as term sheets and agreements, (c) proactively strategizing with colleagues to develop robust patent portfolios, and (d) presenting to executives, partners, and collaborators.

Responsibilities include and are not limited to the following:

• Head the intellectual property legal function, serving as a strategic business partner for all IP and related matters at ORIC
• Work collaboratively with ORIC’s retiring Chief IP Counsel to ensure a smooth transition
• Contribute to and own ORIC’s IP strategy
• Identify, develop, expand, and maintain ORIC’s IP portfolios, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets
• Direct and manage the filing and prosecution of patent, trademark, and copyright applications
• Evaluate and advise on freedom-to-operate, infringement, and validity, and prepare applicable analyses
• Support business activities, including research and clinical development, business development, and diligence activities
• Stay current regarding ongoing business activities to ensure the timely filing of patent applications that cover ORIC’s inventions
• Support the review, negotiation, and drafting of agreements that impact IP rights, including licensing agreements, CDAs, and MTAs
• Review proposed public disclosures, including presentations, publications, abstracts, SEC filings, and press releases, related to IP matters
• Develop and implement policies to protect ORIC’s trade secrets
• Build strong partnerships with internal teams and educate them on IP matters
• Stay current regarding IP case law and policy developments and timely advise management on any potential business implications
• Advise senior management on IP strategy, risks, and opportunities
• Engage with external partners and vendors on IP matters
• Together with the GC, manage outside counsel and related budgets

Provide legal advice and support on other corporate matters as needed

Desired Skills and Qualifications:

• Juris Doctorate (J.D.) from an accredited law school with 7+ years of practice as an Intellectual Property attorney, preferably with a combination of law firm and in-house pharmaceutical experience
• Ph. D in organic chemistry or related chemistry discipline desired
• Admitted to practice law in at least one state and before the USPTO
• Hands-on work ethic with the desire to independently produce work product in a timely manner
• Excellent organizational and project-management skills and the ability to work independently and with minimal administrative support
• An ability to proactively anticipate business needs and problem solve
• Demonstrates an ability to develop and implement short-term and long-term IP strategies
• A broad range of patent related experience including patent preparation and prosecution, portfolio strategy, and analysis with a focus in the areas of small molecules, pharmaceutical manufacturing processes, pharmaceutical formulations, biomarkers, and methods of treatment
• Some experience with patent litigation, especially in the Hatch-Waxman context, and a solid understanding of the interaction of patent- and regulatory-based exclusivities in the U.S. and other major pharmaceutical markets
• Experience negotiating and drafting term sheets and agreements, including licensing agreements, MTAs, and CDAs
• Strong client-service attitude to become a trusted business partner and collaborator
• Proven ability to provide high-quality, timely, and practical legal advice and risk assessments
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain complex legal issues and advise senior management
• Experience developing budgets and working with outside counsel to manage budgets
• Scientific and technical agility to operate outside of core area of expertise
• Excellent judgment
• Strong presentation and interpersonal skills
• Strong and demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment
• Excitement to work at ORIC and a commitment to its purpose of Overcoming Resistance In Cancer!

The anticipated salary range for candidates who will work in our San Diego location is between $250,000-$320,000 for a senior director level and $225,000-$275,000 for a director level. The final salary offered to a successful candidate will be dependent on several factors that may include but are not limited to the title, type and length of experience within the job, type and length of experience within the industry, education, etc. 

ORIC Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. ORIC does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristics.