Head of Intellectual Property

About the Opportunity
We are working with an innovative, venture-backed life sciences and technology company focused on developing next-generation therapeutic approaches for chronic disease. The organisation combines advanced computational modelling with large-scale biomedical data and collaborates with leading academic institutions and industry partners to translate research into clinical and commercial applications.

The Role
Our client is seeking a Head of Intellectual Property to lead IP strategy and oversee all intellectual property activities as the business continues to scale its research collaborations and commercial licensing programmes.

This will be the company’s first dedicated in-house legal hire, reporting directly to the executive leadership team. The successful candidate will take ownership of IP portfolio strategy, lead complex multi-party licensing negotiations, and structure research collaborations with universities and commercial partners. The role will also involve coordinating external patent counsel and building robust IP infrastructure to support future growth.

Key Responsibilities

IP Transactions & Licensing

• Negotiate and execute research partnerships, licensing agreements (in-licensing and out-licensing), and technology transfer arrangements with academic and commercial partners.

• Support the structuring of strategic collaborations to maximise long-term IP value.

Patent Strategy & Portfolio Management

• Develop and implement patent strategy aligned with business objectives.
• Coordinate external patent counsel across multiple jurisdictions.

• Conduct freedom-to-operate analyses.

• Manage patent portfolio activities, including filings, maintenance, and renewals.

Strategic Leadership

• Act as the primary IP advisor to senior leadership and the Board.

• Manage relationships with external counsel and oversee related budgets.

• Establish and refine IP policies, procedures, and best practices.

Education

• Qualified lawyer with a degree from an accredited law school.

• Technical background in life sciences, biotechnology, biology, chemistry, or a related discipline.

Experience

• 5+ years of intellectual property legal experience, including in-house exposure.

• Strong expertise in patent strategy, prosecution, and portfolio management.

• Significant experience handling IP-driven transactions.

• Demonstrated experience negotiating licensing agreements and research collaborations.

• Experience working with university technology transfer offices.

• Background in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or broader life sciences sector is highly desirable.

What’s on Offer

• Competitive compensation aligned with market benchmarks.

• Remote-first working environment with flexible hours.

• High-trust, entrepreneurial culture with strong levels of ownership.

• Opportunity to play a key role in shaping the IP function within a growing, research-led organisation.