Asklepios BioPharmaceutical, Inc. (AskBio) is a leading, clinical-stage gene therapy company founded in 2001 based on the work of adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene therapy visionary and pioneer, Jude Samulski, PhD. Since that time, our commitment to developing life-saving medicines that can potentially cure genetic diseases has never wavered.
At AskBio, we’ve built a foundation of therapeutic programs, AAV manufacturing and a rich portfolio of patented technology. Our therapeutic focus includes neuromuscular, central nervous system, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases with clinical trials underway for Pompe disease, Parkinson’s disease, and congestive heart failure. Our gene therapy platform includes Pro10™, an industry-leading proprietary cell line manufacturing process, and an extensive AAV capsid and promoter library.
We became a wholly-owned, independently operated, subsidiary of Bayer AG in late 2020 as a cornerstone of its newly formed Cell & Gene Therapy (CGT) platform. Our global headquarters is in Research Triangle Park, NC. Additionally, we have significant operations in Philadelphia, PA, Columbus, OH, Scotland, France, Germany, and Spain.
Our vision: Pioneering science to create transformative molecular medicines.
Our mission: Lead innovative science and drive clinical outcomes to transform people's lives.
Our Principles
- Advance innovative science by pushing boundaries.
- Bring transformative therapeutics to patients in need.
- Provide an environment for employees to reach their fullest potential.
Our Values
- Be a Pioneer. We are not afraid of the impossible and to innovate to make gene therapies accessible to those in need.
- Cultivate Collaboration. Strive to be the best teammate, actively listen, openly communicate, and embrace diverse points of view.
- Embrace Responsibility. We are humbled by the enormity of our mission. We hold a relentless commitment to advance science and clinical outcomes for our patients, families, and caregivers.
- Raise the Bar. Continuously drive improvements and efficiencies. Seek and provide constructive feedback. Have a bias for learning and action.
- Act with Uncompromising Integrity. Be honest, transparent, and committed to doing what’s right in every situation. Make clear commitments and follow through.
Position Summary
AskBio IP department is recruiting a Contract Specialist with life science and intellectual property (IP) experience. The IP Contract Specialist will be instrumental in securing IP rights for AskBio by reviewing, negotiating, and drafting IP provisions during all aspects of the contract lifecycle, from initial proposal through contract closeout and monitoring. This role requires a scientific background in molecular biology or biochemistry (or other relevant life sciences) and 2+ years of experience with contract review. Experience with complex agreements and identifying and fielding IP issues, or having a significant level of patent experience, is highly preferred. The position requires a keen eye for detail, strong analytical skills, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively with various stakeholders, including scientific, clinical, business, IP, and legal teams. The IP Contract Specialist will work directly with a Patent Manager, in all areas of contracts including, but not limited to, contract workflow execution, maintenance, organization, analyses, interaction with scientists to understand statements of work or agreement background, and research or therapeutic workflow. Job responsibilities can expand to other patent related matters commensurate with work experience.
Job Responsibilities
- Work directly with a Patent Manager in all areas of contract workflow including but not limited to:
- Analyzing, drafting, negotiating, and revising IP sections of legal documents in a timely manner while meeting all applicable timelines. Exemplary legal documents, including license agreements, clinical trial agreements, collaboration agreements, material transfer agreements, option agreements, and others
- Collaborating with scientific, clinical, business, IP, and legal teams for throughout a contract workflow; from term sheet negotiation to execution, which may include use of a contract management system
- Organization; creating and maintaining charts of contracts and IP provisions for future reference
- Interacting with scientists to understand agreement background and statements of work, as well as research or therapeutic workflow as it relates to contracts
- Coordinate or assist with other IP-related activities and special projects as requested
- Job responsibilities can expand to other patent related matters commensurate with work experience
Minimum Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in biological life sciences (Biology, Molecular biology, Biochemistry or related field)
- Minimum of two years’ experience with commercial contracts at an academic institution, life science company, or in a law firm setting
- Minimum of one year of Intellectual property, e.g. patent specialist, or patent agent, or equivalent level of experience
- Proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite of tools and the ability to quickly learn new tools, including contract management tools
Preferred Education, Experience And Skills
- Master’s degree in biological life sciences (Biology, Molecular biology, Biochemistry or related field)
- Experience identifying and addressing IP issues in complex agreements
- Keen attention to detail including strong organizational, analytical, proofreading, editing and research skills
- Ability to effectively analyze and communicate contractual issues as they pertain to intellectual property and to collaborate across broad functional and organizational lines with various stakeholders, including scientific, clinical, business, IP, and legal teams
- Ability to exercise good judgment and to maintain a high-quality performance with competing deadlines and priorities in a fast-paced work environment
- Ability to adjust priorities when required
- Strong communication (both oral and written), collaboration and interpersonal skills
- Self-starter who is adept at working in a team environment
- Ability to work independently and think independently while identifying problems and offering solutions
- Ability to work under supervision and collaboratively
Asklepios BioPharmaceutical, Inc. (AskBio) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other protected status prohibited under Federal, State or local laws. All employment decisions are based on valid job‐related requirements. If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our website, you may request a reasonable accommodation to express interest in a specific opening by calling us at (919) 561-6210 or sending us an email at careers@askbio.com.
Agencies: Please do not contact any employee at AskBio about this requisition. Any resume submitted by a recruitment agency to any employee at AskBio, through any medium, will be deemed the sole property of AskBio unless
the agency was engaged by AskBio Talent Acquisition team to recruit for that position. All agencies must have a prior executed service agreement with AskBio prior to any search engagement. If a candidate who was submitted outside of the AskBio agency process is hired by AskBio, no fee or payment of any kind will be paid to the agency.
