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IP Attorney/Patent Agent

Seattle, WA

ShapeTX® is pioneering the field of programmable RNA medicines to repair the genetic causes of diseases. By merging innovations in AI and RNA technology to generate and analyze hundreds of billions of therapeutic possibilities, ShapeTX is developing breakthroughs in RNA editing, next-generation AAVs, and disruptive gene therapy manufacturing. The ShapeTX platform enables pharma innovators to design treatments across a wide range of diseases, including rare genetic disorders as well as debilitating conditions, such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and many more. You can find us at shapetx.com and on LinkedIn and Twitter.

At ShapeTX, we are a dynamic team of professionals who are dedicated and passionate about making cures a reality. Through diversity of thought, scientific knowledge, professional rigor and focus we are merging cutting-edge science with extensive drug development expertise to unlock cures to many debilitating diseases.

Shape Therapeutics is headquartered in Seattle, Washington with a satellite site in Boston, Massachusetts.

Position Overview 

ShapeTX is seeking an experienced, highly motivated individual for the role of IP Attorney or Patent Agent to join our Legal Team. You will be working with scientists on cutting edge gene editing technology. ShapeTX is a rapidly growing organization and you will have the opportunity to provide a tremendous impact on building our patent portfolio.

What You’ll Do

  • Develop an understanding of the science, technology, and business strategy to inform both IP strategy as well as business decision-making processes.
  • Carry out IP searching and/or landscaping, due diligence assessments, freedom-to-operate, infringement, validity analyses, patent drafting and preparation of patent prosecution documents, as needed.
  • Support court and administrative litigation efforts in the US and globally
  • Advise on data protection and other forms of exclusivity
  • Advise business stakeholders on IP strategies and risks
  • Provide IP diligence, advice, and strategy regarding business development and research in support of research collaborations and licensing opportunities.
  • Direct and manage outside counsel, related budgets and where applicable negotiate rates, project fees, and timelines, as applicable.

What you Bring

  • 5+ years of experience in creating, preparing, prosecuting, and advising on complex life science patent portfolios and IP strategy. Gene therapy experience is a plus.
  • Advanced degree in relevant life science scientific or technical field and a strong technological aptitude for learning and working with a range of technologies
  • Experience and expertise in global patent portfolio preparation and prosecution for inventions involving life sciences, including therapeutic molecules and related technologies
  • Experience and expertise in conducting patent database searches and rapidly parsing through large amounts of information to identify relevant material
  • Experience providing advice on complex licensing and/or other transactional matters is a plus
  • Record of success in innovating and creating business value, fostering teamwork and collaboration with other teams, and influencing and resolving conflict
  • Ability to work independently and proactively with minimal direction
  • Excellent judgment, pragmatism, and negotiation skills
  • Strong organizational skills, keen attention to detail, and ability to prioritize projects and meet rapid deadlines
  • Proven record as an adaptive and results-oriented performer, which includes balancing competing priorities, working effectively both independently and in global and cross-functional teams, and managing external relationships with outside counsel and collaborators

Compensation & Benefits 

ShapeTX offers a robust benefits package, including but not limited to:  

  • Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage for employees and their eligible dependents 
  • 12 paid Holidays plus a one-week winter break at year end.  
  • We are proud to offer a competitive paid parental leave benefit for all parents to bond with a newly born, adopted, or fostered child. We will also partner to create a supportive plan of return.
  • An annual employee stipend for employees to use however they choose 
  • Flex Paid Time Off program (allowing flexible PTO for vacation, sick leave, and other purposes)  
  • Company paid Long Term Disability 
  • Employees are eligible to enroll in our Company’s voluntary 401k plan, voluntary Life/AD&D, and Voluntary FSA’s.   

The salary range for the Patent Agent is $180,000-$250,000.

The salary range for the IP Attorney is $190,000-$270,000 

The hired candidate's level and placement within the salary range will be determined through a comprehensive evaluation, including interviews, a review of education, experience, qualifications, and abilities, while ensuring equity with other team members. Our total rewards package may also include an annual target bonus, sign-on bonus, equity grant, and relocation bonus. 

Equal Opportunity Employment  

ShapeTX provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, ancestry, national origin, citizenship, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, and pregnancy-related conditions), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, familial or marital status, religion, age, disability or any other class or status protected by applicable laws.   

We aspire to Shape Life! not only through our science, but also through our commitment to foster an inclusive environment that supports diverse perspectives and experiences.  

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