Sr. Director, Intellectual Property

Job Description

Atara Biotherapeutics, Inc. seeks an exceptional intellectual property attorney who is passionate about saving lives. The Sr. Director, Intellectual Property develops, manages, and champions Atara's comprehensive IP strategy by developing and maintaining Atara international patent and trademark portfolios; effectively managing outside counsel's patent and trademark preparation and prosecution efforts; working closely with the research, clinical development, and technical operations teams to identify and harvest patents; developing and implementing efficient patent and trademark strategies and processes; monitoring competitor and invalidation activity; and managing the IP budget.

Reports to: Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer.

Location: Thousand Oaks, CA OR Remote, with occasional on-site meetings in Thousand Oaks, CA.

Responsibilties:

• Develops, implements and maintains a successful global patent and trademark acquisition and enforcement strategy, and associated processes.

• Works closely with research, clinical development and technical operations colleagues to identify patentable inventions, managing internal invention disclosure assessments, and providing guidance regarding the patentability of inventions under review.

• Effectively manages outside counsel's patent and trademark preparation and prosecution efforts including reviewing applications and prosecution materials prepared by outside counsel and providing technical and legal commentary to ensure overall application quality.

• Monitors competitor activity, including developing patentability, validity, infringement, and freedom-to-operate opinions.

• Initiates and controls measures to invalidate third party patent rights.

• Educates internal teams with regard to company IP policies and the importance of IP.

• Effectively manages the IP budget and sets priorities for investment in intellectual property.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree (preferably a Ph.D.) in a relevant life sciences field (immunology, cell biology, etc.) and JD degree from an ABA accredited law school.

• 5+ years of experience in intellectual property law in the life sciences sector.

• Admission in good standing to any state bar is required. Admission in good standing with the USPTO is required.

• Experience drafting and prosecuting patents in a law firm or in-house legal department.

• Experience managing a complex patent portfolio and working with international patent prosecution and enforcement.

• Experience with drug life cycle management and managing an IP budget.

• Experience with prosecuting and enforcing a trademark portfolio.

• Substantial (5+ years) law firm or in-house experience at biotechnology company is a plus.

• Strong intellectual curiosity and passion for the Atara mission to develop therapies for unmet medical needs.

• Superior intellect, with the ability to think critically and make clear and well-reasoned decisions.

• Outstanding service mentality (proactive, immediately responsive; superb interpersonal skills).

• Be a proven self-starter, innovative problem-solver, and results-oriented intellectual property lawyer who operates under minimal supervision.

• Strong decision-making ability and excellent judgment.

• Ability to work well as a team player in a collegial environment.

• Exceptional oral and written communication skills.

• Roll up your sleeves attitude.

• Ability and desire to work in an entrepreneurial, fast moving environment.

More about Atara Bio

We launched Atara Biotherapeutics in August 2012 to help patients with serious diseases and few therapeutic options. We are considered a leading off-the-shelf T-cell immunotherapy company (Nasdaq ATRA) developing novel treatments for patients with cancer, autoimmune and viral diseases.

Our mission - "Transform the lives of patients with serious medical conditions through pioneering science, teamwork, and a commitment to excellence."

Our vision - "T-Cell Immunotherapy for every patient, any time."

Atara offers a competitive benefits packages that includes medical/dental/vision benefits, life and disability, retirement and stock program, as well as a generous paid time off and wellness plan that supports the well-being of our staff. Visit www.atarabio.com/careers to learn more.

Atara Bio is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions on the basis of merit and other lawful factors. In accordance with applicable law, the Company prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth or medical condition related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, expression or dysphoria, marital status, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, veteran status, caregiver status, sexual orientation, transgender status or any other classification protected by federal, state or local laws or because of the individual's association with a member of a protected group or connection to an organization or group related to a protected group.We comply with all applicable national, state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment as well as employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration and Nationality Act. All applicants must have authorization to work for Atara Bio in the United States.