Executive Director, Intellectual Property Counsel

Madrigal is a biopharmaceutical company focused on delivering novel therapeutics for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), a serious liver disease that can progress to cirrhosis, liver failure, need for liver transplantation and premature mortality. Every member of our Madrigal team is connected by our shared purpose: leading the fight against MASH.

Madrigal’s medication, Rezdiffra (resmetirom), is a once-daily, oral, liver-directed THR-β agonist designed to target key underlying causes of MASH. Rezdiffra is the first and only medication approved by both the FDA and European Commission for the treatment of MASH with moderate to advanced fibrosis (F2 to F3). An ongoing Phase 3 outcomes trial is evaluating Rezdiffra for the treatment of compensated MASH cirrhosis (F4c).

Our success is driven by our people. We are building a dynamic, inclusive, and high-performing culture that values scientific excellence, operational rigor, and collaboration. To support our continued growth, we are strengthening our workforce strategy to ensure we have the right talent, at the right time, in the right way.

Madrigal Pharmaceuticals is seeking an Executive Director, Intellectual Property Counsel, to lead and execute global intellectual property strategy. This role will be responsible for building, managing, and protecting the company’s IP portfolio across its pipeline and marketed products, and will serve as a key advisor on intellectual property matters impacting business and corporate strategy.

The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in pharmaceutical intellectual property, including patent prosecution, portfolio development, and strategic counseling, along with the ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, science-driven environment.

This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the intellectual property strategy of a growing biopharmaceutical company, working cross-functionally to safeguard innovation and enable the successful advancement of its pipeline.

The key responsibilities for this role include:

• Develop and implement global intellectual property strategies aligned with corporate and portfolio objectives
• Build, manage, and optimize patent portfolios for pipeline and marketed assets
• Oversee patent preparation and prosecution activities globally in partnership with outside counsel
• Conduct patentability, freedom-to-operate, and competitive landscape analyses
• Lead IP support for business development activities, including due diligence and transaction-related matters
• Advise on IP aspects of collaborations, licensing, and other strategic agreements
• Review scientific disclosures and publications to ensure protection of intellectual property
• Coordinate with external partners, collaborators, and outside counsel on IP matters
• Support and manage IP disputes and administrative proceedings, including oppositions and post-grant challenges
• Counsel senior leadership on IP risks, opportunities, and competitive positioning

Education & Experience

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited U.S. law school; active license in at least one U.S. jurisdiction
• Admission to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office required
• Strong expertise in patent prosecution, portfolio strategy, and global IP management
• Excellent communication and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to translate complex scientific concepts into actionable IP strategies
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and work cross-functionally
• 18+ years of relevant experience with 10+ years of intellectual property experience in the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in a life sciences discipline (e.g., chemistry or related field)
• Prior in-house experience in the biopharmaceutical industry
• Experience supporting small molecule or metabolic disease portfolios
• Familiarity with ex-U.S. patent strategy and global IP frameworks

Key Competencies

• Deep knowledge of U.S. and international patent law, with the ability to apply it in a practical, business-focused way
• Strong interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence, with a collaborative, low-ego approach to partnering across functions
• Proven ability to manage competing priorities and timelines, exercising sound judgment on when to lead directly and when to leverage internal and external resources
• High standards of integrity, professionalism, and accountability
• Clear and effective communicator, with the ability to translate complex legal and scientific concepts for diverse audiences
• Strong attention to detail, with the ability to deliver high-quality work in a fast-paced environment
• Team-oriented mindset with a willingness to contribute beyond core responsibilities
• Intellectual curiosity and a genuine interest in science, innovation, and continuous learning

Madrigal’s Total Rewards strategy is based on a biotech industry peer group comparator and is inclusive of base pay, bonus and equity. Our equity offers meaningful opportunity allowing our employees to share in the success they help create. By aligning individual and company performance, we empower employees to think like owners, giving them a stake in the organization.

All employees receive equity, which we believe reinforces our ownership culture. Base salary is determined by several factors including the candidate’s qualifications, skills, education, experience, business needs and market demands. As of the date of this posting, a good faith estimate of the current pay scale for this position, applicable to all candidates, is $296,000-$362,000 per year. We comply with all applicable minimum wage laws.

All full-time employees receive equity, which reinforces our ownership culture and offers meaningful opportunity for our employees to share in the success they help create. By aligning individual and company performance, we empower employees to think like owners, giving them a stake in the organization.

Full-time employees are also eligible for comprehensive benefits, including flexible paid time off, medical, dental, vision and life/disability insurance, and 401(k) offerings (i.e., traditional, Roth, and employer match) in accordance with applicable plans. We also offer additional voluntary benefits like supplemental life insurance, legal services, and other offerings. In addition, we offer mental health benefits through our Employee Assistance Program for employees and their family. The company also provides other benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the hiring process. If you need assistance, please contact [email protected].

Madrigal is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran or disabled status, or other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Unsolicited resumes from agencies should not be forwarded to Madrigal. Madrigal will not be responsible for any fees arising from the use of resumes through this source. Madrigal will only pay a fee to agencies if a formal agreement between Madrigal and the agency has been established.

Applications are being accepted on an ongoing basis and can be submitted through our Madrigal Careers site.

Please be aware that we have received reports of individuals misrepresenting themselves as Madrigal Pharmaceuticals’ Hiring Managers, seeking to engage with job candidates through fraudulent online advertisements or job posting sites. These unauthorized individuals are using Madrigal’s name and logo in an attempt to solicit up-front fees and obtain personal information from interested job candidates. Please know that Madrigal does not conduct interviews via text or in chat rooms; conduct interviews via Skype, RingCentral or solely via telephone; charge candidates an advance fee of any kind (e.g., fees for purchasing equipment); nor does it offer positions of employment without undergoing a thorough recruiting process.

Please also note that any correspondence with regard to employment would come from an authorized madrigalpharma.com email address or from an email address from one of our trusted search firm partners. We are aware that incorrect/fraudulent email addresses, with Madrigal misspelled, have been utilized in these most recent fraud attempts. If you receive unsolicited employment offers from people claiming to work for or on behalf of Madrigal, we recommend that you: do not respond to their questions; do not open any attachments; and do not click on any hyperlinks. Any questions regarding the legitimacy of job-related contacts can be directed to [email protected].