Senior Director, Intellectual Property

About the role Sana Biotechnology is growing, and we are hiring new team members who believe in the potential of engineered cells as medicines, who want to challenge the status quo, and who lead with the desire to work on novel ideas. As a Senior Director you will assist in the implementation of the company’s intellectual property strategy in the cell and gene therapy space, as well as counsel clients, manage patent drafting and prosecution, and assist in patent landscape activities, review publications and support business activities as needed. The Senior Director will be an integral working partner with the company’s research and development (R&D) organization.What you’ll do Partner with R&D to develop a deep understanding of the science and technologies at Sana, including work in cutting edge technologies in the cell therapy spaceBe the responsible lead IP attorney for certain pre-clinical and clinical programs and leverage knowledge about Sana’s science and technologies to develop patent portfolio strategiesPartner with R&D to identify patentable subject matter and implement patent protection strategies, including drafting, filing and prosecuting patent applicationsConduct or direct patent landscape overviews, freedom-to-operate analyses, validity assessments and patentability assessmentsAdvise and provide guidance to senior managers on IP-related issuesDevelop IP policies and provide IP-related education to the companyProvide direction, strategy, and/or support for third-party IP issues, as needs arise (e.g., oppositions, third-party observations, inter party reviews, litigation, etc.)Manage external relationships with outside counsel and collaboratorsWork on additional legal projects, as neededWhat we’re looking forBachelors plus at least 12 yrs or equivalent combination of relevant education and experienceJ.D. degreeMembership in at least one state barAdmitted to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office5+ years experience in patent drafting and prosecution, including global portfoliosExperience managing high-volume intellectual property workflowIntense commitment to high moral standards and business ethicsStrong collaborator who can work successfully and build relationships with internal legal colleagues, internal stakeholders, and external parties to achieve business goalsExcellent oral and written communication skills, articulate, direct and forthrightBe part of a team of business focused, creative, and strategic thinkers with broad perspectivesStrong organizational and administrative skillsMust have attention to detail and excellent drafting skillsStrong ability to adapt to changes and be agileWhat will separate you from the crowd Ph.D. degree in biochemistry, biology, immunology, or another technical field relevant to the biotech industryExperience managing intellectual property for cellular therapiesExperience both in the law firm and in-house legal department settingsWhat you should know The base pay range for this position at commencement of employment is expected to be between $275,000 and $325,000/year for Senior Director; however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experienceHow we work together for patientsLead from every seat – we seek to understand, act with honesty, and engage in the crucial conversationsThrive as a team – we hire amazing people, are intensely curious, and cultivate inclusion and personal connectivityMake it happen – we value vigorous debate, alignment around our decisions, and resilient executionGet to know usAt Sana, we believe that a workforce with varied backgrounds strengthens us as a company and helps us to achieve our mission to meaningfully change the outcome of many human diseases. This belief is a pillar of our business and is critical to our success. Our goal is that Sana is the place for talented people to bring their authentic selves to work, to have a great career and to deeply, positively impact patients.Core to our values, we believe there is nothing more important than the health and wellness of you and your family. For benefit eligible employees, we cover a generous portion of the cost for employee health coverage, making high-quality care more accessible and affordable. We offer ample time-off (various paid time off benefits, such as holidays, vacation, sick time, and parental leave), short- and long-term disability, employer paid basic life insurance, additional voluntary life insurance protection, financial wellness programs including financial planning resources, a 401(k) Plan with an immediately vested employer match, Tuition Reimbursement and Student Loan Repayment, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, commuter subsidy and a variety of wellness offerings to support each person individually. For more details on our benefits, visit Sana’sBenefits Portal.We are committed to providing a workplace free of discrimination and harassment based on race, color, religion, age, gender, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental or sensory disability (including the use of a trained guide dog or service animal by a person with a disability), genetic information, actual or perceived HIV or Hepatitis C infection, medical condition (cancer or a record or history of cancer and genetic characteristics), marital status, sexual orientation, sexual preference, pregnancy (including childbirth and related medical conditions), disability, veteran status, political ideology, social class (including caste/caste identity), taking or requesting statutorily protected leave, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.To perform this job successfully, you must be able to perform each job responsibility satisfactorily. The job description listed above is representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required for this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions described above.