Want to help change how the world is fed?

Uncommon began its journey as Higher Steaks and recently underwent a transformative rebranding. Our new brand and identity truly reflects our mission, values, and the positive global impact we aspire to have. We're intending to transform the global food system by making delicious and nutritious food – from animal cells and plants. We are pioneering the development of cultivated meat to solve some of the world’s growing challenges in health, sustainability and animal welfare.

We're a purpose, science and engineering-driven company dedicated to creating breakthrough technologies that will push the boundaries of what’s possible – delivering innovations that benefit people, the planet and animals.

Our brilliant team are experts in their respective fields, drawn from around the world. We’re passionate, curious, innovative and at the forefront of the ground-breaking work being done in this exciting and rapidly growing sector. Uncommon is a well-funded biotech company; we’ve experienced spectacular growth over the last few years and continue to accelerate every month.

We're continuing to grow this year so this is a great time to join us and solve one of the most important challenges we face today!

The role

Being a part of our dynamic team, the IP Lead will play a vital role in shaping the future of biotech. Situated at the nexus of innovation and strategy, you will spearhead the efforts to secure our intellectual assets and ensure that our advancements in the cultivated meat domain stand unparalleled. You’ll be working across the organisation. With your guidance, our company will adeptly navigate the IP landscape, ensuring that our innovations are not just ground-breaking but also protected.

What you’ll be doing:

• Scout and pinpoint valuable IP within the company, while also exploring white spaces in the cultivated meat sector that could lead to innovative breakthroughs.
• Forge strong partnerships with external IP lawyers to ensure the timely, cost efficient and successful patenting of our technologies and processes.
• Conduct rigorous FTO assessments to ensure that our operations and research activities don't infringe upon any existing patents or IP rights.
• Stay abreast of the latest IP developments in related areas, ensuring the company remains at the forefront of innovation without crossing boundaries.
• Act as a key advisor to our R&D and leadership teams on all matters related to IP: your insights will ensure that our research direction is both innovative and defensible from an IP perspective.
• Oversee the maintenance of our current IP portfolio, ensuring renewals, updates, and related procedures are conducted efficiently.

What we think you need:

• A strong understanding of the biotech landscape.
• Proven experience in IP management in the biotech sector.
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Law, or a related field. An advanced degree or certification in Intellectual Property Law.
• Strong analytical skills, exceptional attention to detail, and the ability to understand complex technical concepts, breaking them down to assess their patentability.
• A proven track record of handling IP related deadlines.
• Familiarity with patent databases, patent searching, and related tools.
• Excellent communication skills, enabling you to liaise between scientific teams and legal professionals, and effectively convey intricate IP concepts.
• A proactive approach, always on the lookout for potential IP opportunities and risks.
• Experience in international patent filings and an understanding of global IP regulations.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple tasks efficiently.

We’d love it if you also have:

• A strong network within the IP community.
• A passion for sustainable food solutions and the cultivated meat industry.
• Experience working with start-ups.

Reward

Alongside a competitive base salary, all our people get these benefits:

• Share options
• 28 days annual leave (plus bank holidays)
• Enhanced parental leave pay
• Cycle-to-work scheme and wellbeing allowance
• Flexible hours
• "Make your work life easier" annual stipend
• Regular team dinners and social activities
• Snacks, fruits, tea, coffee and more!

Uncommon recruits, employs, trains, compensates and promotes regardless of race, religion, colour, national origin, sex, disability, age, and other protected status as required by applicable law. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by incumbents assigned to this job. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all the functions, responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position, and Uncommon Limited retains the discretion to modify.