Senior Patent Counsel

Caribou Biosciences is a leading clinical-stage CRISPR genome-editing biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing transformative therapies for patients with devastating diseases. Our next-generation genome-editing technology enables superior precision to develop cell therapies that are armored to potentially improve activity against diseases. We believe the future of cell therapy is off-the-shelf, and we are advancing our pipeline of off-the-shelf, or allogeneic, cell therapies from our CAR-T cell therapy platform as readily available treatments for patients with hematologic malignancies and autoimmune diseases.

Members of the Caribou herd open their minds to new ideas and welcome diverse perspectives. We proudly assert that teams do their best work when their members are personally engaged, their ideas are taken seriously, and contributions are recognized. Members of the herd work from our headquarters in Berkeley, California, or remotely.

Caribou is seeking an experienced Senior Patent Counsel to join its Legal Department. The candidate will be responsible for the Company’s intellectual property strategy development and implementation. The candidate must have a strong understanding of U.S. and foreign patent law and procedures and will file and prosecute patent applications, instruct foreign patent agents, review innovation disclosures, and conduct IP diligence and freedom-to-operate analyses.

The candidate must be motivated, enthusiastic, professional, and committed to working as a team player, interacting with individuals throughout the organization. Additionally, the candidate must have a strong attention to detail and a demonstrated ability to work independently and efficiently. Communication skills to interact effectively with internal and external stakeholders are essential. This role will report to the Company’s Chief Legal Officer, will work closely with experienced attorneys and paralegals in Caribou’s Legal Department, and will manage the Senior Paralegal, Intellectual Property. The position is based on site at Caribou’s Berkeley, California facility, a minimum of 2 days per week is required, and is not suitable for a fully remote working arrangement.

Principal Responsibilities:

• Evaluate, further develop, and implement Caribou’s intellectual property strategy
• Manage active global docket, including independently drafting and prosecuting U.S. patent applications and provide prosecution strategy and instructions to foreign counsel
• Lead IP due diligence for in- and out-licensing opportunities and strategic alliances
• Conduct freedom-to-operate, infringement, and validity analyses
• Identify and assess IP risk and develop risk mitigation strategies in support of the Company’s product candidates
• Analyze new innovation disclosures and lead Patent Committee meetings
• Provide counseling to various internal stakeholders on patent and related IP matters
• Advise on IP issues relating to clinical trials and regulatory approval
• Directly supervise Senior Paralegal, Intellectual Property, including managing workload, conducting performance evaluations, and supporting professional development
• Foster a collaborative and supportive team environment within the Legal Department
• Build effective relationships within the Company; provide in-depth, clear, and strategic patent and scientific expertise, education, guidance, and advice
• Maintain expertise in patent law, case law, and regulations of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and other foreign patent offices 

Requirements:

• A minimum of 7 years of patent drafting and prosecution experience, preferably in-house at a biotech or pharma company focused on cell and gene therapies and/or genome editing
• Registered to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office
• Deep knowledge of patent law, case law, and USPTO procedures
• J.D. law degree from an accredited U.S. law school, preferably admitted to practice in California
• Bachelor’s degree in the life sciences (immunology, molecular biology, etc.); M.S./Ph.D. desirable
• Experience with patent search tools and databases, including patent docketing and annuities systems (CPI)
• Demonstrated experience and success in building and leveraging global IP portfolios at all stages of prosecution
• Ability to grasp scientific and technical concepts quickly
• Ability to collaborate, work independently and proactively with minimum direction, and to balance competing priorities with a high level of professionalism and with the ability to reprioritize quickly and handle multiple projects simultaneously
• Strong organizational skills
• Excellent writing and analytical skills; ability to provide IP advice in a clear, concise manner, both verbally and in writing
• Skill in building and maintaining strong relationships with foreign counsel
• Openness to tackle new challenges, effectively utilizing available resources
• Deadline-driven
• Familiarity with trademark usage and practice
• Proven experience in leading and mentoring IP professionals
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to motivate and influence
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize team objectives while maintaining individual accountability
• Skilled in strategic planning, delegation, and performance management
• Excellent emotional intelligence and conflict resolution capabilities
• Ability to work onsite in Berkeley, CA

Caribou compensation and benefits include:

• Comprehensive compensation package, which includes competitive salary, bonus, and equity for all employees
• Salary Range: $250,000 to $285,000 - This represents the present low and high end of the Company’s pay range for this position. Actual pay will vary based on various factors, including but not limited to location, skill, experience, and performance.
• Generous paid vacation time, in addition to company-observed holidays and floating holidays
• Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement savings plan, which includes matching employer contributions
• Employee stock purchase plan (ESPP)
• Tuition reimbursement program

The benefits and stock purchase described above are subject to the terms and conditions of any governing plans, policies, practices, agreements, or other materials or documents as in effect from time to time, including but not limited to terms and conditions regarding eligibility.

Caribou is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender (including gender identity and gender expression), sex (which includes pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding), genetic information, taking or requesting statutorily protected leave, hair texture or type or any other basis protected by law. In addition, Caribou prohibits the harassment of any individual on any of the bases listed above or any other characteristics protected under federal, state, or local laws.

Legal authorization to work in the United States is required. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

We do not accept unsolicited resumes or candidate submissions from staffing agencies. All agencies must have a valid written agreement with Caribou Biosciences, Inc. for service in place. Any resume or candidate submitted by a staffing agency without such an agreement in place will be considered unsolicited, and Caribou Biosciences, Inc. will not be obligated to pay any referral or placement fee.