Senior Director, Patent Counsel

PTC Therapeutics is a global commercial biopharmaceutical company. For over 25 years our team has been deeply committed to a unified purpose: Extending life’s moments for children and adults living with a rare disease.

At PTC, we cultivate an inclusive culture where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds to join our team, fostering a strong sense of belonging.

Visit our website to learn more about our company and culture!
Site: www.ptcbio.com

Job Description Summary:

The Senior Director, Patent Counsel supports PTC’s global Intellectual Property (IP) legal needs. Working under the supervision and direction of the in-house, Global Head of Intellectual Property and in close partnership and collaboration with PTC’s research organization and with the internal IP legal team, the role is responsible for the preparation and prosecution of patent applications to support PTC’s Research and Development (R&D) goals.

The incumbent works cross-functionally with internal departments and external resources on IP-related issues.

The role ensures adherence to relevant regulatory requirements and company Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) as appropriate.

****This hybrid, office-based position is based out of our Warren, NJ or Mountain View, CA facility, with an onsite expectation of 2–3 days per week ***

Job Description:

Responsibilities:

• Prepares and prosecutes patent applications as needed to support PTC’s R&D goals. 

• Manage product related international patent docket.

• Interacts cross-functionally to gather and analyze information necessary to prepare patent  applications.

• Performs FTO and patent portfolio analyses for prospective BD activities.

• Attend internal meetings with key stakeholders to obtain subject matter background.

• Provides direction and support to ensure patentability requirements for applications drafted are met and aligned with the strategic timing of filing goals.

• Contributes expertise to R&D and IP team discussions to develop and execute strategy(ies) for patent preparation and filing efforts.

• Reviews examination communications from US and ex-US patent offices.

• Consults with IP team personnel as needed to provide instructions to external IP counsel regarding potential responses. Reviews draft responses provided by external IP counsel and provides direction or instructions as appropriate.

• Performs additional duties as requested or required.

Qualifications:

• JD degree and a minimum of 8 years of progressively responsible, related legal experience, at least 3 of which include patent preparation and prosecution (in-house or at a law firm) for pharmaceutical, biotechnology or related environments. Position also requires an advanced degree in a relevant chemistry discipline, pharmacy, or PharmD, preferred.

• Admission to at least one state bar.

• Registered to practice before the United States Patent Office.

• Demonstrated experience preparing, filing and prosecuting patent applications.

• Understanding of the role of patents in drug related regulatory environments.

• High degree of integrity and ability to handle confidential information with discretion.

• Strong attention to detail and the ability to adhere to strict deadlines and guidelines.

• Reliable self-starter with the ability to influence without direct authority.

• Demonstrated proficiency using the advanced functionality of Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, Excel and Word). 

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, as required, in a fast-paced, matrixed, team environment consisting of internal and external team members.

• Analytical thinker with excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt to changing priorities and deadlines. 

• Excellent planning, organization and time management skills including the ability to support and prioritize multiple projects. 

Special knowledge or skills and/or licenses or certificates preferred.

• Experience in a drug discovery role within a pharmaceutical, biotechnology or related environment.
• Hands-on, laboratory-based scientific experience.
• Experience filing patent applications with the USPTO or related entity.
• Experience with SharePoint, ChemDraw, EFS Web and/or Adobe.

 Travel requirements: ~10%

Expected Base Salary Range: $250,800 – $290,000. The base salary offered will be contingent on assessment of candidate education level, background, and experience relative to the requirements of the position they are being considered for, as well as review of internal equity.

In addition to base salary, PTC employees are also eligible for short- and long-term incentives. All eligible employees may also enroll in PTC’s medical, dental, vision, and retirement savings plans

EEO Statement:

PTC Therapeutics is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of race, color, national origin, gender, age, physical characteristics, social origin, disability, religion, family status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, veteran status or any unlawful criterion under applicable law. We are committed to treating all applicants fairly and avoiding discrimination.

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