Scholar Rock is a biopharmaceutical company that discovers, develops, and delivers life-changing therapies for people with serious diseases that have high unmet need. As a global leader in the biology of the transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) superfamily of cell proteins and named for the visual resemblance of a scholar rock to protein structures, the clinical-stage company is focused on advancing innovative treatments where protein growth factors are fundamental. Over the past decade, the company has created a pipeline with the potential to advance the standard of care for neuromuscular disease, cardiometabolic disorders, cancer, and other conditions where growth factor-targeted drugs can play a transformational role.
Scholar Rock is the only company to show clinical proof of concept for a muscle-targeted treatment in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). This commitment to unlocking fundamentally different therapeutic approaches is powered by broad application of a proprietary platform, which has developed novel monoclonal antibodies to modulate protein growth factors with extraordinary selectivity. By harnessing cutting-edge science in disease spaces that are historically under-addressed through traditional therapies, Scholar Rock works every day to create new possibilities for patients. Learn more about the company’s approach at ScholarRock.com and follow @ScholarRock and on LinkedIn.
Summary of Position:
We have an exciting opportunity for a qualified European patent attorney to join the Legal Department at Scholar Rock to support all aspects of the company’s global intellectual property portfolio.
Scholar Rock is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to discovering, developing, and delivering therapies that create new possibilities for patients suffering from rare neuromuscular diseases. The company is preparing for potential FDA and EMA approval of apitegromab for the treatment of children and adults living with SMA.
Since its foundation in 2012, Scholar Rock has steadily built an extensive patent portfolio to protect its intellectual property. As a rare disease-focused company, Europe is a key jurisdiction, where strong IP protection can generate value to the company.
This is a highly visible position where you will build partnerships across the business to drive the IP strategy. The company is seeking a seasoned European patent attorney with extensive experience in EPO opposition practice to work from the company’s Zug, Switzerland office.
You will lead EPO opposition matters and work cross-functionally to provide proactive support, harvest inventions, conduct FTO searches and analyses, from target to launch. Robust scientific curiosity, commitment to excellence, and the ability to do so through effective communication and collaboration are key elements for success for this position. This role reports into the SVP, Head of IP. Prior global patent litigation exposure preferred.
Position Responsibilities
- You will be embedded within R&D project teams and working collaboratively with other members of the Intellectual Property group to fully scope out opportunities, risks, breadth of inventions and prosecution strategies.
- You will take a lead in EPO opposition matters and manage external legal counsel in these matters.
- You will be involved in providing training/education to various business functions on the value of IP and driving IP strategies for multiple projects.
- You will be expected to be comfortable with a level of autonomy with drafting and prosecuting patent applications, oppositions, due diligence, negotiating legal agreements with external parties, and proactively work towards risk assessment and risk mitigation.
Candidate Qualifications
- Qualified Patent Attorney (EPA and/or CPA or equivalent national qualification).
- Over 15 years experience working within the biopharmaceutical sector, with solid training in a law firm setting, as well as prior in-house experience.
- Advanced degree in relevant disciplines, such as biology, biochemistry, immunology, etc.
- Expertise in European opposition and UPC practice; additional litigation experience a plus.
- Strong skills in formulating filing strategies and drafting and prosecuting biopharmaceutical patent applications.
- Intellectual ability, integrity, a high level of commercial awareness and professionalism, and the drive to excel as an attorney.
- A team player with strong interpersonal, communication, analytical and problem-solving skills.
Scholar Rock is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
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