Associate IP Counsel

The Position:

Veracyte is seeking an Associate IP Counsel to join our Legal team and help shape the future of our intellectual property strategy. This role is central to protecting the innovations that drive our mission to transform cancer care. You’ll work cross-functionally with R&D, BD, and external partners to identify, protect, and leverage Veracyte’s IP assets.

This role can be remote within the U.S. or hybrid out of our South San Francisco office.

Key Responsibilities:

• Invention Harvesting & Patent Strategy: Collaborate with scientists and technical teams to identify patentable inventions, conduct invention harvesting sessions, and guide the development of strategic patent filings aligned with Veracyte’s business goals.
• Patent Portfolio Management: Oversee outside counsel supporting the lifecycle of Veracyte’s patent portfolio (including overseeing drafting, prosecution, maintenance, and strategic pruning).
• Freedom-to-Operate & Risk Assessment: Support FTO analyses for new products and technologies. Advise internal stakeholders on IP risks and mitigation strategies during product development and commercialization.
• Research & Development Agreements: Draft, review, and negotiate research collaboration agreements, license agreements, and technology transfer arrangements. Ensure alignment with Veracyte’s scientific and commercial objectives.
• IP Training: Partner closely with R&D and BD to ensure IP strategy supports innovation and compliance. Provide training and guidance on IP matters to internal teams.
• Patent Program Build-out: Contribute to the build-out of Veracyte’s patent program, including process improvements, internal education, and strategic planning.
• Overflow Support for Contracts Counsel: Provide support on commercial contracts and initiatives as needed, contributing to broader Legal team goals.

Who You Are:

You’re a strategic thinker with a collaborative mindset and a passion for innovation. You thrive in a fast-paced environment and are energized by complex challenges and meaningful work.

Required Qualifications:

• JD (or equivalent) with active bar membership.
• Minimum 5 years of legal experience, including substantive work in life sciences IP (diagnostics, medical device, CRO, biotech, or pharma).
• Strong analytical skills and ability to deliver practical, business-focused legal advice.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills across technical and non-technical teams.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Patent bar membership.
• Law firm training in patent prosecution or technology transactions.
• Experience in project management or leading cross-functional initiatives.
• Prior in-house experience in a biotech or diagnostics company.

#LI-Remote

For candidates based in our South San Francisco office, the salary range is $185,000 - $215,000.

For candidates working remote (US), the salary range is $159,000 - $190,000.