At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead Aerska's IP strategy and manage all commercial and research contracts.
- Company: Join a pioneering biotechnology company focused on RNA medicines for brain diseases.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with a mission to change millions of lives.
- Why this job: Be the first dedicated legal resource and make a real impact in biotech.
- Qualifications: Experience in patent prosecution and contract negotiation in biotech or pharmaceuticals.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
As Intellectual Property and Contracts Manager, you will own the development and execution of Aerska's IP strategy and manage all commercial and research contracts. You will be the company's first dedicated legal and IP resource, responsible for building the patent portfolio, ensuring freedom-to-operate, and establishing robust contracting processes as the company scales. Working closely with the leadership team, you will provide strategic guidance on IP positioning, competitive landscape, and partnership structuring while operating with a high degree of autonomy in an infrastructure-light environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Intellectual Property Management
- Develop and execute Aerska's IP strategy in alignment with the company's CNS-focused RNAi platform and pipeline priorities.
- Manage patent filings, including drafting or coordinating with external patent counsel, prosecuting applications across multiple jurisdictions, and maintaining the patent portfolio.
- Conduct freedom-to-operate and landscape analyses across RNA therapeutics and brain-shuttle delivery, monitoring competitor activity to identify risks, defensive strategies, and white space.
- Advise scientific and leadership teams on patentability, invention disclosure practices, data publication timing, and conference presentation strategies.
- Contracts Management
- Draft, review, and negotiate a broad range of agreements, including confidentiality agreements, material transfer agreements, research collaborations, CRO/CDMO service contracts, and commercial partnerships.
- Ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, and company policies across all contractual arrangements, escalating issues where appropriate.
- Support due diligence processes for partnership discussions, fundraising activities, and regulatory filings.
- Cross-functional Collaboration and Process Development
- Partner with Research, Early Development, Business Development, and Platform teams to align IP and contracting activities with business goals and scientific milestones.
- Interface with external patent counsel, legal advisors, and agents to ensure high-quality support and cost-effective service delivery.
- Educate the broader team on IP awareness, best practices for invention disclosure, and contracting processes.
Person Specification
- Significant experience in patent prosecution and portfolio management within biotechnology or pharmaceuticals.
- Familiarity with both European and US patent systems, including prosecution strategy across multiple jurisdictions.
- Strong understanding of RNA therapeutics and oligonucleotides.
- Demonstrated ability to draft, review, and negotiate complex commercial and research agreements with minimal supervision.
- Experience conducting freedom-to-operate analyses and patent landscape reviews in competitive therapeutic areas.
- Ability to operate with a high degree of autonomy in an early-stage environment where processes and infrastructure are still being built.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex legal and IP concepts for scientific and commercial audiences.
Values and Culture
Aerska is a values-driven organisation, guided by the belief that "we live in each other's shelter", reflecting our deep sense of interdependence and collaboration. Every member of the team is expected to embody our shared values:
- Walk on Air: Pursue bold ideas with ambition to solve meaningful problems that create real impact.
- Time is Neurons: Every moment counts for patients – act with urgency and care, making data-driven decisions without compromise.
- Win or Learn: Embrace curiosity, adapt quickly and continuously improve.
- We Before Me: Seek diverse perspectives, collaborate with humility, openness and respect, and prioritise collective success above individual advancement.
About us
Aerska is a biotechnology company pioneering RNA medicines to treat, delay, and prevent diseases of the brain. We are leveraging advances in ‘brain shuttles’ to enable targeted delivery of next-generation RNAi therapeutics to the CNS. By silencing the genes that cause harm, Aerska aims to preserve the minds, protect the memories, and enable our loved ones to live longer, healthier lives. We are entering an exciting period of growth and are seeking talented individuals who want to be part of a mission-driven company redefining how brain diseases are treated. Joining now means helping shape a fast-growing organisation with the potential to change millions of lives.
AD/D Intellectual Property and Contracts Manager employer: Aerska
Aerska is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of biotechnology innovation in a collaborative and values-driven environment. As the first dedicated legal and IP resource, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the company's IP strategy while enjoying significant autonomy and the chance to work closely with leadership on impactful projects. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, Aerska fosters a culture of curiosity and collective success, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful difference in the field of RNA therapeutics.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land AD/D Intellectual Property and Contracts Manager
✨Get Involved in Local Research Communities
Tap into local biotechnology meetups and research forums. These are great places to mingle with industry professionals, share your passion, and even discover unadvertised job openings. It's all about getting your face known in the field!
✨Leverage University Alumni Networks
If you're a recent grad, don’t underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network! Reach out to alumni working in biotechnology to gather tips about job openings at companies like Aerska. You'd be surprised how willing people are to help out a fellow grad!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Curate a portfolio showcasing any research projects or internships you've completed in biotechnology. This tangible evidence of your skills can really impress employers when you chat with them at networking events or interviews. It's about making that killer first impression!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Biotech is a fast-paced field, so keeping yourself updated with the latest advancements is crucial. Attend industry conferences, webinars, or workshops to broaden your knowledge and meet potential employers. Plus, it’ll give you fantastic talking points for your interviews at places like Aerska!
We think you need these skills to ace AD/D Intellectual Property and Contracts Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Lab Skills:In the biotechnology field, it's super important to highlight your lab experience in your CV. Be sure to mention specific techniques or instruments you've mastered (think PCR, gel electrophoresis, etc.) and any relevant projects you've worked on. This will show Aerska that you have the hands-on skills they need.
Tailor Your Technical Skills:Make sure to emphasise your technical skills, especially those relevant to the biotechnology sector. Include any software tools or programming languages you've used, like R or Python for data analysis, which could be key for this role at Aerska.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time role, your cover letter should reflect not only your passion for biotechnology but also your long-term career ambitions. Share why you're excited about the work that Aerska does and how you envision contributing to their goals. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but you're genuinely invested in this opportunity.
Include Your Papers and Projects:If you've published any papers or contributed to significant projects, mention them! These documents can boost your application and provide tangible evidence of your expertise in the biotechnology field. Don’t forget to link to any relevant publications or project summaries—this can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Aerska
✨Brush Up on Lab Techniques
Since you're eyeing a full-time gig in biotechnology, make sure you're well-versed in the lab techniques relevant to the role. Be ready to talk about PCR, CRISPR, or any specific methods mentioned in the job description at Aerska. You might even be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these processes.
✨Know Your Bioinformatics Tools
Get comfortable with bioinformatics tools that are commonly used in the industry, like BLAST or Bioconductor. These are key in biotechnology, and having hands-on experience or at least familiarity can set you apart. Prepare to discuss any relevant projects you've worked on, especially if they involved data analysis or genomic research.
✨Show Your Teamwork Skills
Biotech often involves collaboration across multiple disciplines. Be ready to share stories that highlight your teamwork and communication skills, especially in research projects. Think about working with different teams at university or any internships – this is where you can show how well you fit into Aerska's culture.
✨Research Recent Biotech Innovations
Stay updated on the latest trends and breakthroughs in biotechnology. Knowing what's happening in the field can help you engage in more meaningful discussions during your interview. Bring up recent articles or advancements that excite you, especially those related to the work being done at Aerska. This shows your passion for the industry!
