Sr IP Counsel

The Senior Intellectual Property Counsel (IP) will play a critical role in supporting relevant business stakeholders and protecting the company’s significant and ongoing investment in research and development in multiple areas, including bioinformatics, artificial intelligence, genetic testing and data processing. Additional responsibilities will include supporting technology and commercial transactions that promote the company’s growth; developing a robust and sophisticated IP strategy with respect to current and new product offerings; mitigating IP risks associated with a competitive commercial environment; optimizing IP policies and infrastructure.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide strategic IP advice to enable business objectives worldwide.
• Capture new innovation and build Natera’s patent portfolio, including through strategic patent drafting and prosecution.
• Understand the competitive landscape and identify opportunities and mitigation threats, with particular focus on bioinformatics, AI, and machine learning in the health care space.
• Manage or support litigation and mitigate risk in both litigation and pre-litigation contexts.
• Support licensing, M&A, and other commercial transactions.
• Assist in the development and optimization of  company IP systems and infrastructure.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Degree in Bioinformatics, Computer Science, Bioengineering, AI/Machine Learning, or Applied Mathematics preferred. Will also consider Molecular Biology, Genetics, or Biochemistry, depending on the overall needs of the business.
• Registered and in good standing with the relevant attorney bar (mandatory) and the USPTO (preferred).
• Minimum 8 years of related experience with 6 – 8 years of experience in the IP field (will consider advanced degree holders with slightly less experience).
• Familiarity with patent prosecution, freedom-to-operate (FTO) analysis, prior art searching and patent challenge procedures and practice, including inter-partes review (IPRs) and patent invalidation in administrative and judicial proceedings preferred.
• May work remotely, although preference will be given to candidates co-located in California near relevant Natera sites and personnel.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Uses a sophisticated understanding of IP law and the company’s business objectives to advise colleagues and to develop and implement IP strategy.
• Develops and deploys robust company IP policies and infrastructure.
• Accepts feedback in a positive and constructive manner to improve competencies.
• Strong sense of personal accountability.
• Highly effective written and oral communicator.

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