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Vice President, Intellectual Property

Remote

About Us: 

Oruka Therapeutics (Nasdaq: ORKA) is developing novel biologics designed to set a new standard for the treatment of chronic skin diseases. Oruka’s mission is to offer patients suffering from chronic skin diseases like plaque psoriasis the greatest possible freedom from their condition by achieving high rates of complete disease clearance with dosing as infrequently as once or twice per year. Oruka is advancing a proprietary portfolio of potentially best-in-class antibodies that were engineered by Paragon Therapeutics and target the core mechanisms underlying plaque psoriasis and other dermatologic and inflammatory diseases. We have raised nearly $500M since inception in February 2024 from top-tier investors and our first program is expected to be in the clinic in the first quarter of 2025.  For more information, visit www.orukatx.com

As we build our core team, we're seeking top talent in different functional areas who are not just looking for a job, but an opportunity to be part of something bigger.  Someone who is passionate about making a difference and eager to contribute to establishing an engaged, inclusive, and positive company culture.  

Job Title:   Vice President, Intellectual Property          

Location: Menlo Park, CA; Waltham, MA or Remote

Role Overview:

The Vice President, Intellectual Property will be a strategic leader, responsible for overseeing and developing the intellectual property portfolio and strategy of a growing biopharmaceutical company focused on antibodies. This position will play a key role in safeguarding the company’s innovations, enhancing its competitive position, and aligning IP initiatives with business objectives.  The candidate will need to be proactive, well-organized, and be able to work as part of a small legal department in a fast-paced environment.

Prior experience with a life sciences company is desirable.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Intellectual Property Strategy:
    • Develop and implement a comprehensive global IP strategy to protect the company’s antibody products and technologies.
    • Identify opportunities for patenting, licensing, and other forms of IP protection that align with the company’s R&D and commercialization objectives.
  • Portfolio Management:
    • Manage and expand the company’s IP portfolio, including patents, trademarks, trade secrets, and other forms of intellectual property.
    • Collaborate with internal teams to identify patentable inventions and oversee the drafting, filing, prosecution, and maintenance of patent applications.
    • Conduct regular portfolio reviews to assess strengths, address gaps, and optimize resources.
  • Risk Mitigation and Compliance:
    • Monitor and evaluate competitor IP landscapes and scientific advancements to identify risks and opportunities.
    • Conduct freedom-to-operate (FTO) analyses and advise on potential infringement risks.
    • Develop and implement strategies to mitigate IP-related risks, including litigation and enforcement.
  • Collaboration and Education:
    • Work with internal stakeholders, including R&D, business development, and executive leadership, to ensure alignment on IP matters.
    • Provide education and training to employees on IP best practices and policies.
  • External Partnerships and Licensing:
    • Lead IP due diligence for business development activities.
    • Help to negotiate and manage IP-related contracts along with other members of the legal department.
  • Manage Outside IP Counsel:
    • Oversee external counsel to support the company’s IP objectives.

Qualifications: 

  • Education:
    • J.D., licensed to practice law in the U.S. and an active membership and in good standing in a state bar.
    • Advanced degree in life sciences, immunology, molecular biology, or related field.
  • Experience:
    • 10+ years of experience in intellectual property law, including significant experience in the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry.
    • Proven track record of developing and executing successful IP strategies for antibodies, complex biological therapeutics or platforms.
    • Experience with patent term extensions, market exclusivities (e.g., pediatric, orphan drug), purple book listings, clinical trial postings, IND / BLA submissions is a plus
    • Experience analyzing, strategizing and potentially managing IP litigation and resolving disputes is a plus.
  • Skills and Competencies:
    • Deep understanding of antibody technologies and the IP landscape in the biopharma industry.
    • Strong knowledge of global IP laws, regulations, and patent office practices.
    • Exceptional analytical, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
    • Self-motivated, able to manage multiple priorities and work collaboratively across disciplines in a fast-paced environment. 

Compensation:

  • An appropriate financial package will be developed for the successful candidate to include a competitive base salary and equity, with a performance-related bonus opportunity.
  • The anticipated salary range for candidates is $300,000 to $330,000. The final salary offered to a successful candidate will be dependent on several factors that may include but are not limited to the type and length of experience within the job, type and length of experience within the industry, education, etc. 

Job Location:

  • Position can be in Menlo Park, CA; Waltham, MA or remote.

We're looking forward to hearing how you can contribute to our team and mission. Join us in shaping the future of our company and making a real impact every day.

Salary Range for the Role

$300,000 - $330,000 USD

What We Offer:

  • A chance to be part of a vibrant small-company culture where your work can directly impact bringing new medicines to patients.
  • Competitive salary and benefits package.
  • Opportunities for professional growth and development.

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