Vice President, Head of Intellectual Property

Zenas is a clinical-stage global biopharmaceutical company committed to becoming a leader in the development and commercialization of transformative therapies for patients with autoimmune diseases. Our core business strategy combines our experienced leadership team with a disciplined product candidate acquisition approach to identify, acquire and develop product candidates globally that we believe can provide superior clinical benefits to patients living with autoimmune diseases. Zenas is advancing two late-stage, potential franchise molecules, obexelimab and orelabrutinib. Obexelimab, Zenas’ lead product candidate, is a bifunctional monoclonal antibody designed to bind both CD19 and FcγRIIb, which are broadly present across B cell lineage, to inhibit the activity of cells that are implicated in many autoimmune diseases without depleting them. We believe that obexelimab’s unique mechanism of action and self-administered, subcutaneous injection regimen may broadly and effectively address the pathogenic role of B cell lineage in chronic autoimmune disease. Orelabrutinib is a potentially best-in-class, highly selective CNS-penetrant, oral, small molecule Bruton’s Tyrosine Kinase (BTK) inhibitor with the potential to address compartmentalized inflammation and disease progression in Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Zenas’ earlier stage programs include ZB021, a clinical-stage, potentially best-in-class, oral, IL-17AA/AF inhibitor; ZB022, a preclinical, potentially best-in-class, oral, brain-penetrant, TYK2 inhibitor; and ZB014, a preclinical half-life extended anti-CD-19 and FcγRIIb monoclonal antibody. We are seeking top talent who share our commitment to patients and have a track record of success in acquiring, developing and commercializing products across the globe. Our colleagues have an opportunity to engage in a fast-paced learning environment and experience individual and organizational success as we work towards becoming a global immunology and autoimmune disease leader, while living our values of Transparency, Relationships, Urgency, Excellence and Innovation – TRUE Innovation ! Position Summary: The Vice President, Head of Intellectual Property will lead our intellectual property (IP) function globally, including patent strategy as well as trademark protection. This individual will serve as the company’s subject matter expert on IP matters, and work closely with our research, development and technical operations colleagues to ensure patentable inventions are captured and protected. The ideal candidate will be strategic and seasoned with hand’s-on in-house biotech experience preferably in both biologics and small molecules. This position will report to the Chief Legal Officer and be based in our Waltham, MA headquarters location. Key Responsibilities: Own the development and execution of a global IP strategy for a portfolio of antibodies and small molecules designed for patients with autoimmune diseases, from early research to clinical to commercial stage, and ranging from initial composition of matter to formulation/CMC to lifecycle management Build, manage, expand, and optimize our portfolio across patent types, including composition of matter, method of treatment, formulation, dosing, manufacturing, and biomarker claims Serve as the patent advisor to the organization as we transition from a clinical-stage biotech to a commercial company, ensuring IP goals are met within timeline and quality standards Collaborate closely with our R&D, clinical, and manufacturing teams to identify and capture inventions in a timely and comprehensive manner; advise on IP implications of development activities and decisions; support publication and data generation strategies Oversee outside counsel managing our global patent portfolio and supervise the prosecution of patent applications in the US and globally Work with our in-license and out-license partners as applicable, to ensure global protection and coordination Create and implement comprehen