Job Summary

Director, Legal Affairs, Intellectual Property and Transactions. The ideal candidate will be a patent attorney having 10-12 years of experience, (a) a combination of law firm and in-house experience (preferred) (b) advising on a wide range of intellectual property related matters.

Duties will include (a) managing outside counsel on patent & trademark application preparation and prosecution, worldwide portfolio management, patentability, freedom-to-operate, (b) general copyright and trademark related counseling and, (c) working with cross-functional teams to develop appropriate IP strategies, (c) support IP related transactions, (d) support licensing and due diligence activities. The position will report to our Vice President, Chief IP Counsel.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Coordinate with research & development to identify new inventions; implement strategies for patent protection throughout all phases of development.
• Direct outside counsel on preparation and prosecution of worldwide patent portfolio; assist with patentability assessments.
• Develop a thorough understanding of Novavax’ current and planned business activities, products, competitors, and markets, and keep abreast of developing IP and other legal trends, laws and regulations.
• Lead freedom-to-operate initiative and support mitigation measures.
• Identify training needs within the company and develop training materials on relevant IP laws and related business issues.
• Other matters and duties as may be assigned.

Minimum requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in a life science discipline with emphasis in organic chemistry and/or immunology preferred.
• Advanced degree preferred.
• Juris Doctorate degree.
• Registration as a patent attorney with USPTO and member of a state bar.
• 10-12 years of relevant experience in patent prosecution with global portfolios.
• Strong core patent prosecution skills and ability to independently manage IP dockets and drive strategy with outside counsel.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate, build, and sustain effective partnerships with key stakeholders and project teams.

The annual base salary (or hourly wage) for this position falls within the range of $226,200.00 - $305,350.00. However, the actual base pay offered may vary based on several individualized factors, such as market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Novavax offers a base salary, annual bonus, equity grants, professional career development/growth opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, Rx, STD, LTD, Life, Optional Life, 401(k) plan.