Executive Director, Intellectual Property

Syndax

Syndax

Waltham, MA, USA
Posted on Jan 9, 2025

Syndax Pharmaceuticals is looking for an Executive Director Intellectual Property

At Syndax, we are determined to realize a future in which people with cancer live longer and better than ever before. Syndax Pharmaceuticals is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company developing an innovative pipeline of cancer therapies.

The Role:

Syndax Pharmaceuticals is searching for a resourceful and integrative thinker to lead the execution of Syndax’s IP strategy as its Executive Director, Intellectual Property. This person will partner directly with scientists, senior management and a team of IP professionals to deliver a pragmatic approach to advancing Syndax’s IP rights. The ideal candidate will oversee a broad range of activities, including patent applications, due diligence and freedom-to-operate analyses, managing outside counsel, overall company strategy, and IP-related agreements.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Lead the implementation of Syndax’s intellectual property strategy in alignment with business strategy. Provide pragmatic solutions by engaging in thoughtful risk taking with a focus on the business and competitive landscape.
  • Collaborate with research and development, manufacturing, clinical development, medical and other functions to proactively identify and develop patentable intellectual property to prepare, file, and prosecute.
  • Lead a team of IP attorneys and professionals, and lead initiatives related to their ongoing professional development.
  • Oversee and coordinate relevant IP matters handled by outside counsel and manage matters to budget.
  • Collaborate with Legal & Compliance colleagues, Business Development, and other key leaders and functions on key strategic agreements, including licenses, research / collaboration agreements, and other business development efforts.
  • Conduct IP due diligence for business development activities and manage patentability, freedom-to-operate, infringement, validity, and regulatory exclusivity analyses.
  • Counsel and train internal clients on intellectual property and related opportunities and risks.
  • Review proposed publications and presentations for potential impact on the patent portfolio.
  • Lead the provision of IP landscapes, patentability, FTO opinions, and due diligence assessments for R&D pipeline programs and business development opportunities.
  • Assist in IP contentious matters in US and foreign patent offices and courts as needed.
  • Educate and advise colleagues, including the executive team, on IP issues and good practices.

Desired Experience/Education and Personal Attributes:

  • Juris Doctor from an accredited U.S. law school; admitted to USPTO, and at least one state bar.
  • A minimum of 15 years of relevant professional experience in biotech / pharma intellectual property portfolio creation, strategy, and counseling.
  • Meaningful preparation and prosecution experience with biotechnology or biopharmaceutical subject matter.
  • In-depth knowledge and experience in counseling drug discovery and development and commercial launch. Proven track record of patent portfolio development.
  • Experience with regulatory exclusivity candidates filed under BLA and NDA.
  • Experience with clearance, identification, and mitigation of third-party IP challenges, and preferably litigation experience.
  • Experience with business development agreements with IP implications.
  • Capable of communicating complicated intellectual property issues to scientists, management, and business leaders within the company, with strong abilities to work in teams.
  • Strong analytical thinking and attention to detail, with ability recognize, assess, and respond to urgent matters with timely, practical, and clear solutions.
  • Adept organizational skills with the ability to manage and drive projects cross-functionally across departments, to include an IP team with a Technology Specialist.
  • Experience managing outside counsel and related budgets.
  • Outstanding interpersonal, communication, negotiation, and presentation / public speaking skills.

Location: Syndax has offices in Waltham, MA and New York City.

About Syndax:
Syndax Pharmaceuticals is a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company developing an innovative pipeline of cancer therapies. Highlights of the Company's pipeline include Revuforj® (revumenib), an FDA-approved menin inhibitor, and Niktimvo™ (axatilimab-csfr), an FDA-approved monoclonal antibody that blocks the colony stimulating factor 1 (CSF-1) receptor. Fueled by our commitment to reimagining cancer care, Syndax is working to unlock the full potential of its pipeline and is conducting several clinical trials across the continuum of treatment. For more information, please visit www.syndax.com/ or follow the Company on X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn.

Syndax Pharmaceuticals is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any classification protected by federal, state, or local law.

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