General Counsel (CA License Required)

Air Protein is creating the most sustainable meat on Earth. We can feed the growing global population without destroying rainforests or warming the planet. Join our team of passionate scientists, engineers, and business leaders working to transform the future of food—meat from elements of the air.

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Air Protein is a modern food company, crafting the world’s first air-based meats to eliminate compromise between nutrition, taste and climate impact. Using novel technology inspired by NASA, we convert elements found in the air into protein using probiotic cultures, then turn that protein into any meat imaginable. Air Protein’s process is carbon-negative by design, using less land and water, and is powered by renewable energy. It’s where cutting-edge science meets bold ambition to reinvent the way we eat.

We’re currently seeking a VP of IP & General Counsel to join our extraordinary team…

Do you have an undergrad or grad degree in STEM with 10+ years of hybrid IP & corporate counsel experience

Are you experienced working in Biotechnology, Food Science or Pharmaceutical industries?

Do you have start-up experience?

Are you passionate about climate change?

If you answered yes to these questions, then we invite you to APPLY NOW!

BENEFITS AND PERKS WE OFFER:

In addition to the chance to work with a world-class team and cutting-edge technology to help combat climate change and address the impending food crisis, Air Protein employees also enjoy competitive benefits. We offer unlimited PTO, parental leave, 401K match, and compensation plans that include employee equity. Air Protein invests in employee development and the company culture is shaped by shared values:

Protect people & the planet

Play as a team and have a growth mindset

Do what you say you will do

Be the change you seek

Create a culture of belonging

The Role:

The VP of IP & General Counsel role is responsible for overseeing Air Protein's legal function as principal in-house legal owner of IP filings strategy. This position will be instrumental in Air Protein's IPO readiness phase in the life of the company.

They will manage and direct general corporate matters, including organization, securities compliance, general transaction support, license agreements, employment law, regulatory matters, risk management, financing activities, and contract management.

The majority of the position will provide Air's strategic vision regarding current and future IP and partner with other senior leaders to develop and implement overall strategic guidelines. This role is 100% remote and can be located anywhere in the US but have to be licensed to practice law in the state of California

Key Responsibilities:

Legal Aid

Advising executive team members on new and existing laws.

Supporting corp governance issues, corp and commercial contracting activities, compliance, and corp secretarial duties.

Identify & develop processes that will maximize efficiency of the company & Legal function

Establish the Legal function & build out a team of attorneys alongside the CEO

Maintain knowledge of the company’s legal docs and ops

Leadership

Provide In-house biotech, pharma, food science industry experience

Understanding of, and experience with the applicable regulatory framework

Advise leadership on corporate governance and equity fundraising, including board meetings, stock administration, business conduct, M&A activities, and other policy matters.

Work closely with key stakeholders and clients regarding all things Legal

Collaborate cross-functionally with multiple teams

Qualifications:

Undergrad or grad STEM Degree required.

10+ years of hybrid IP & Corporate counsel experience

5 + years of experience managing and overseeing an IP legal group (including experience in patent preparation and prosecution and IP due diligence), preferably including in-house experience at a food, biotechnology or pharmaceutical client / company.

Posses an active JD, a member in good standing of a state bar, must be able to practice law in California.

Knowledge of the role of an IP strategy in life cycle management.

Ability to approach IP creation and protection with a strategic mindset by anticipating future business, competitive and legal risks, and opportunities and offering creative solutions.

Experience in drafting and negotiating IP terms in business transactions required.

Preferred

Registration to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Skills:

Preferably a PhD in chemistry, biology, biochemistry, or another technical field relevant to the Biotechnology, Food Science or Pharmaceutical industries.

Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing in both individual and group settings

Flexibility, willingness, and ability to take on diverse tasks.

Ability to facilitate and contribute to collaborative decision-making processes and work effectively on cross-functional teams.

Startup experience is a plus

Great negotiating skill & ability to prioritize

Past General Counsel or CLC/CLO

Check us out in the media, news, and in the community:

Forbes: The Meatless Mafia: Four Companies Revolutionizing the Future of Food

World Economic Forum: Air Protein Named WEF Technology Pioneer

TED Talk: A forgotten Space Age Technology Could Change How We Grow Food

Bloomberg: Crop Trader ADM Pours Money Into Firm Making Meat Out of Air

Air Protein is an equal opportunity employer

At Air Protein, we are committed to providing equal opportunities. Because we want the absolute best people, we enthusiastically invite people of every race, color, orientation, age, gender, origin, and ability – or any other status protected by law – to apply to join our team.

Research has shown that women and people from marginalized groups may not apply for a role if they aren't a 100% match. Please don't hold back. If you think you will excel in this role, but perhaps you don’t tick every box, we'd appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.

#LI-REMOTE