Executive Director or Vice President, Patents

Revolution Medicines (RevMed) is a late-stage clinical oncology company developing novel targeted therapies for patients with RAS-addicted cancers. The company’s R&D pipeline comprises RAS(ON) Inhibitors designed to suppress diverse oncogenic variants of RAS proteins. As a new member of the Revolution Medicines team, you will join other outstanding professionals in a tireless commitment to patients with cancers harboring mutations in the RAS signaling pathway.RevMed is seeking an accomplished and highly strategic patent attorney to lead intellectual property strategy for our patent portfolio. This role is designed for a senior expert who can operate at the intersection of sophisticated patent prosecution and patent disputes within one of the most competitive areas in oncology.Reporting to the VP of IP, this individual will serve as the patent portfolio lead, with responsibility for developing and integrating global prosecution and challenge (both offensive and defensive) strategies. The role will function as a key strategic partner to the VP and a trusted advisor to senior leadership, with a primary focus on strengthening the durability and value of company assets worldwide, anticipating competitive threats, and identifying and mitigating vulnerabilities.This position may include management responsibility for members of the IP team, such as those handling patent prosecution. However, people management is not required for success in the role; the emphasis is on strategic leadership, sound judgment, effective communication, and technical excellence.Key ResponsibilitiesLead end-to-end IP strategy for our complex patent portfolio, carefully integrating global prosecution and third-party considerations into a cohesive and forward-looking approachDevelop and oversee execution of advanced and creative patent prosecution strategies, including incorporation of competitive considerations, to maximize innovation protectionThoughtfully embed dispute-readiness into prosecution strategy, including drafting and amendment approaches designed to withstand post-grant proceedings and litigationPlay a central role in third-party challenges and challenge preparation, both offensively and defensively, while coordinating with outside counsel, including European oppositions and appeals, US post-grant proceedings (IPRs, PGRs), and litigation (e.g., US, Europe, China)Partner with the VP of IP on broader portfolio-level prioritization and risk assessment, while maintaining primary ownership of patent strategyDrive competitor intelligence efforts and freedom-to-operate analyses, translating insights into actionable IP strategies Identify gaps, risks, and whitespace opportunities across composition of matter, manufacturing, and method of use innovations, and ensure coordinated coverage and prosecutionCollaborate closely with internal subject matter leads and, where appropriate, provide mentorship or direct management to team members aligned with patent workstreamsReview manuscripts, presentations, press releases, corporate disclosures and other publication materials for clearanceProactively communicate opportunities, strategies, risks and progress updates to senior leadershipSupport business development, due diligence, and executive-level discussions as a subject matter expert in asset IPServe as a key advisor to senior leadership, clearly communicating complex IP risks, trade-offs, and strategic options to inform business decisionsManage and direct outside counsel globally to efficiently deliver high-quality, strategically aligned work productQualifications and Key AttributesJ.D. from an accredited US law school and member in good standing of a US State BarDegree in a life science discipline required; advanced degree in organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, or similar strongly preferredRegistered to practice before the US Patent and Trademark Office15+ years of patent experience in the pharmaceutical/biotech sector, with significant in-house experience within a pharmaceutical/biotech companyDeep and creative expertise in small molecule patent prosecution, including assessing obviousness-type double patenting risks and lifecycle strategySignificant experience with patent disputes, including oppositions, IPRs/PGRs, and/or litigationDemonstrated ability to integrate prosecution and dispute strategies into a cohesive, forward-looking IP approachStrong understanding of global patent systemsDemonstrated successful experience advising senior management on complex IP issues, including risk assessment and strategic decision-makingAbility to operate as a senior individual contributor and strategic leader, with or without formal people management responsibilitiesExcellent judgment, strategic thinking, and communication skillsCollaborative, flexible, positive and pragmatic work stylePreferred QualificationsExperience in oncology and/or RAS biologyAdvanced degree in organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, or similar Global therapeutic launch experience or commercial product experienceTrack record of managing or influencing complex, high-value patent estates under significant competitive pressure