General Counsel

Overview
We are searching for a General Counsel to oversee the development and implementation of the intellectual property (IP) strategy for an agricultural food ingredient and technology company based in Davis, California.

Reporting to the CEO, the General Counsel will partner with the senior leadership team and manage all matters relating to intellectual property, licensing, contracts and general business operations that support the commercialization of branded food ingredients, nutritional oils, and products that improve human health and farm productivity.

Job Function
Play a key role in the company's growth in the creation of an IP strategy.
Support the R&D team in implementing an IP strategy: determine patentability for inventions, developing patent drafts, and work with outside counsel as necessary for the prosecution of the patents.
Take a lead role in the decisions around maintaining current IP (e.g. evaluating costs vs. benefits of maintaining IP across countries).
Support the commercial team in negotiations on licensing of technology and agreements with companies or other institutions for introgressions of the company's technology into germplasm.
Support R&D and business teams in developing and executing CDA’s, MTA’s and other business agreements.
Handle a diverse spectrum of legal issues to include contract law, licenses, proprietary protection, and disclosure agreements.
Lead corporate strategic and tactical legal initiatives.
Participate in the definition and development of corporate policies, procedures and programs and provide continuing counsel and guidance on legal matters and on legal implications of all matters.
Serve as key legal advisor on all major business transactions, including acquisitions, divestures and joint ventures.
Provide advice on legal aspects of the company’s financing, including assessing and advising on current and future business structures and legal entities.
Work with international corporations and the Department of Agriculture dealing with licensing both within the United States and internationally.
On a functional basis, interact regularly with marketing, sales, business development and commercialization, finance, technology and research and development, information technology, human resources, etc. 
Work closely with multiple outside intellectual property firms to address patents, freedom to operate and IP issues related to the global commercialization of new products.
Provide IP guidance on regulatory affairs and scientific issues as applied to biotechnology projects.
Stay informed of current and proposed U.S. and international patent regulations through professional meetings, publications and associations.
Exemplify the highest level of business and personal integrity.
Travel up to 10 percent of the time (both domestic and international).
Job Requirements
A J.D. degree with a technical undergraduate or graduate degree and USPTO registration; an M.B.A. or equivalent an added bonus.
8+ years of intellectual property (IP), contracts and licensing experience within a law firm, agricultural processor, food & beverage manufacturer, or biotechnology company.  Significant transaction experience, including R&D expertise, is highly desirable.
Proven track record IP accomplishments and at least 5 years in preparing and processing plant biotechnology patent applications and regulatory experience.
Business orientated with experience providing legal support and representing the company’s interests in joint venture agreements.
Current working knowledge of acts, regulations and guidelines impacting biotechnology.
Ability to understand diverse aspects of a business model and simultaneously deal with governmental, client and competitor issues.
Ability to work collaboratively with all levels within the organization.