Kala is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of therapeutics using its proprietary mucus-penetrating particle (MPP) technology, with an initial focus on the treatment of eye diseases. Kala has applied the MPP technology to a corticosteroid designed for ocular applications, resulting in two lead product candidates. The product candidates are INVELTYSTM(KPI-121 1%) for the treatment of inflammation and pain following ocular surgery, for which we have submitted a NDA, and KPI-121 0.25% for the temporary relief of the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease, which is currently in Phase 3 clinical development.

ASSOCIATE GENERAL COUNSEL, INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY 

Kala is an emerging pharmaceutical company on the verge of commercialization. We recently hired an experienced and dynamic General Counsel who is looking to expand his team.  Kala is looking for an Associate General Counsel, Intellectual Property who is comfortable wearing multiple hats in the legal organization.  This attorney, although primarily responsible for IP, will partner with individuals throughout the organization to provide legal support in a wide range of legal topics, including advising the R&D organization.   We are looking for someone with IP expertise, but who also has general contracting and other legal knowledge and experience and that is willing to get out of their comfort zone to develop additional legal skills.   This is an exciting position for someone looking to join a growing, fast-paced organization that will allow him or her to lead an IP portfolio while taking a leadership role in other areas in a diverse and growing organization. 

Key Responsibilities for this role will include:

• Manage Kala’s IP portfolio, including patent and trademark preparation and prosecution for U.S and foreign filings

• Providing strategic counsel to the business regarding the competitive IP landscape for the company’s current product portfolio and future product candidates and technology plans

• Identify patentable inventions through frequent interactions with internal and external R&D project teams

• Manage outside counsel in the preparation and prosecution of patent applications before the USPTO and abroad through foreign counsel

• Negotiate and draft agreements with IP implications (e.g., CDAs, MTAs, research agreements, licenses, etc.)

• Educate and advise colleagues on intellectual property issues and good practices

• Prepare or advise the organization on other agreements and/or contracts including:

  • Confidentiality agreements; CRO agreements, clinical trial agreements; consulting agreements; license agreements; and general commercial agreements

Our ideal candidate will have:

• Juris Doctorate or equivalent

• An advanced degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Physical Chemistry, or a related discipline

• Admitted to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and an active member of at least one U.S. state bar (with ability to register in Massachusetts)

• 5-10 years of total prior legal experience including time at a reputable law firm and at least 3 years prior legal experience in the pharmaceutical and/or biotechnology industry

• Knowledge of commercial, intellectual property, and regulatory law

• Ability to independently draft and negotiate agreements

• Experience managing outside counsel with respect to ANDA litigation is a plus

• Strong oral and written communication skills

• Demonstrated interpersonal interaction skills

• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage and drive projects cross-functionally across departments

• Strong prioritization skills and the ability to effectively manage multiple tasks and priorities and the ability to quickly adjust to shifting priorities and demanding deadlines when necessary

  About Us:

  Kala is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of therapeutics using its proprietary mucus-penetrating particle (MPP) technology, with an initial focus on the treatment of eye diseases. Kala has applied the MPP technology to a corticosteroid designed for ocular applications, resulting in two lead product candidates. The product candidates are INVELTYSTM(KPI-121 1%) for the treatment of inflammation and pain following ocular surgery, for which we have submitted a NDA, and KPI-121 0.25% for the temporary relief of the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease, which is currently in Phase 3 clinical development.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.