Counsel, Intellectual Property

Job overview: The Counsel, Intellectual Property will play a critical role in supporting and executing the global intellectual property (IP) strategy for Compass Pathways, working closely with the VP of Intellectual Property, as well as the Senior Manager, IP. This role is essential to identifying, protecting, and defending the company's innovations, particularly concerning our proprietary formulations, novel treatment protocols, and expanding pipeline. You will serve as a collaborative partner to the scientific, legal, and commercial teams, ensuring our IP portfolio aligns with the company's overarching mission to transform mental healthcare.Location: Hybrid in our New York City office or remote on the East Coast, US.Reports to: Vice President, Intellectual Property.Roles and responsibilities (Include but are not limited to):Collaborate with the Intellectual Property team and other key stakeholders to support the development and execution of the global intellectual property strategy to protect the company's innovations, including COMP360 synthetic psilocybin and other pipeline assetsManage the preparation, filing, and prosecution of patent applications worldwide, ensuring robust protection of novel therapies, formulations, and treatment protocolsConduct validity, freedom-to-operate (FTO), patentability, and infringement searches and analyses to help inform research and development programs and commercialization strategiesPartner closely with R&D, Clinical, and Commercial teams to identify new inventions and file patent applications throughout the product lifecycleSupport the strategic direction and management of external patent counsel effectively to ensure high-quality and cost-efficient patent prosecution and legal adviceMonitor and analyze the competitive patent landscape within the mental health and psychedelic therapy sectors to identify potential risks and opportunities, reporting findings to the VP, Intellectual PropertyAssist with IP support for business development activities, including providing input on due diligence for potential partnerships, licensing opportunities, and acquisitions as needed under the guidance of the Vice President, IPEducate and advise internal stakeholders on IP matters, fostering a culture of IP awareness and compliance across the organizationSupport potential patent litigation or administrative proceedings (e.g., US IPRs, European oppositions) as needed under the guidance of the Vice President, IPCandidate Profile:Qualified US Patent Attorney (registered to practice before the USPTO)Advanced degree (Ph.D. or Master's) in chemistry, pharmacology, biochemistry, or a closely related scientific fieldStrong understanding of small molecule chemistry5+ years of experience drafting and prosecuting patent applications, conducting FTOs, and managing IP portfolios, with a strong preference for background in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industryUnderstanding of the drug development process, from early discovery through clinical trials and product commercializationDemonstrated ability to translate complex scientific and legal concepts into actionable business advice for cross-functional teamsExperience working with external counsel and operating effectively within an allocated budgetExcellent written and verbal communication skills, with a highly collaborative and proactive approach to problem-solvingAbility to thrive in a fast-paced, exercising independent judgment while contributing to a mission-driven teamAlignment with our culture and values