Head of IP, Europe

Scholar Rock is a late-stage global biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing apitegromab for children and adults with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and other rare, severe, and debilitating neuromuscular diseases. As a global leader in myostatin biology, a field focused on proteins that regulate muscle mass, the Company is named for the visual resemblance of a scholar rock to protein structures. Our commitment to unlock fundamentally different treatment approaches is powered by broad application of a proprietary platform, which has developed novel monoclonal antibodies to modulate protein growth factors with extraordinary selectivity. Scholar Rock works every day to create new possibilities for patients through its highly innovative anti-myostatin program, including opportunities in additional rare neuromuscular diseases. Learn more at ScholarRock.com and follow @ScholarRock on X and on LinkedIn.   Summary of Position: We have an exciting opportunity for a qualified European patent attorney to join the Legal Department at Scholar Rock to support all aspects of the company’s global intellectual property portfolio.  Scholar Rock is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to discovering, developing, and delivering therapies that create new possibilities for patients suffering from rare neuromuscular diseases.  The company is preparing for potential FDA and EMA approval of apitegromab for the treatment of children and adults living with SMA.  Since its foundation in 2012, Scholar Rock has steadily built an extensive patent portfolio to protect its intellectual property. As a rare disease-focused company, Europe is a key jurisdiction, where strong IP protection can generate value to the company.  This is a highly visible position where you will build partnerships across the business to drive the IP strategy. The company is seeking a seasoned European patent attorney with extensive experience in EPO opposition practice to work from the company's Zug, Switzerland office.  You will lead EPO opposition matters and work cross-functionally to provide proactive support, harvest inventions, conduct FTO searches and analyses, from target to launch. Robust scientific curiosity, commitment to excellence, and the ability to do so through effective communication and collaboration are key elements for success for this position. This role reports into the SVP, Head of IP. Prior global patent litigation exposure preferred. Position Responsibilities

You will be embedded within R&D project teams and working collaboratively with other members of the Intellectual Property group to fully scope out opportunities, risks, breadth of inventions and prosecution strategies.

You will take a lead in EPO opposition matters and manage external legal counsel in these matters.

You will be involved in providing training/education to various business functions on the value of IP and driving IP strategies for multiple projects.

You will be expected to be comfortable with a level of autonomy with drafting and prosecuting patent applications, oppositions, due diligence, negotiating legal agreements with external parties, and proactively work towards risk assessment and risk mitigation. 

Candidate Qualifications

Qualified Patent Attorney (EPA and/or CPA or equivalent national qualification).

Over 15 years experience working within the biopharmaceutical sector, with solid training in a law firm setting, as well as prior in-house experience. 

Advanced degree in relevant disciplines, such as biology, biochemistry, immunology, etc.

Expertise in European opposition and UPC practice; additional litigation experience a plus. 

Strong skills in formulating filing strategies and drafting and prosecuting biopharmaceutical patent applications.

Intellectual ability, integrity, a high level of commercial awareness and professionalism, and the drive to excel as an attorney.

A team player with strong interpersonal, communication, analytical and problem-solving skills.