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At Convergent Research we launch large-scale, high-impact science projects. We aim to help fill a structural gap in today's R&D system. We enable fundamental research that requires unusual levels of scale and coordination yet is not rapidly monetizable by industry. We’re bringing together top talent from academia, industry, and startups to build a new model for innovative R&D. As an incubator within the Schmidt Futures Network, we identify high-impact scientific or technical research and development opportunities, ultimately defining and launching these projects as Focused Research Organizations.   We’re getting creative. Creative in the science (brain mapping, synthetic biology, nuclear fusion, biosecurity, drug screening etc.). Creative with our structure (public charity launching small nimble orgs to drive towards amazing results.) Creative with our contracting strategies (driving most contracts through a single organization but supplying goods and services to all of our FROs.) Creative with our growth plans (well, this isn’t creative. Just aggressive, we plan to launch 3-5 new orgs each year!) Creative with our IP strategy (in license for non-profit use but maintain possibilities to convert to commercial uses down the line. Open source some things, patent other things.)   We want a General Counsel who is just as creative.   The ideal candidate will need to be an innovative driver of change with the flexibility and leadership capabilities to provide guidance to not only Convergent Research but also to all of our Focused Research Organizations. You’ll work on work on novel issues in an exciting, fast-paced environment. No day will be like the last.   The General Counsel will be in charge of our overall legal strategy and execution including IP, HR, contracts, non-profit, tax, venture creation and the rest.

< class="h3">You are:

• An accredited lawyer. J.D. degree (or foreign equivalent) and membership in at least one U.S. state bar

• A creative and strategic thinker. If we say “hey, we want to do X.” Sometimes, you’ll have to tell us why that’s crazy. But most of the time, you should be curious about the challenge and eager to propose a plan to get it done. Be willing to be bold and take risks. Operate in a fast-paced, early stage, small company environment.

• An old hand. You’ve spent at least 5+ years in-house and have seen organizations grow from small/medium to medium/large at least once. You can tell us what has worked and what hasn’t worked as your organizations grew and help us anticipate problems that will arise 5+ years out.

• Experienced managing in-house IP. You have 5+ years of experience working on licensing agreements and working with outside counsel to file patents. This includes establishing and improving IP related processes and tools. You also love patent preparation and prosecution, IP landscape and FTO analysis, opinion work.

• Technical. Some preference for an advanced degree in a technical field (molecular biology, biochemistry, physics, etc.) This is not required, but is a nice to have.

• Happy to review the same clause for the 200th time. A bunch of our work is incredibly exciting and novel. We are still working with vendors and reviewing contracts. Be ready to push back on unreasonable termination clauses, this isn’t going away anytime soon.

• A master at connecting to people. You’ll be working with the Convergent Research leadership team, each of our FROs, our vendors, our university partners, our donors, and who knows who else! Put on your listening caps (I swear that’s a thing) and be ready to really understand where the counter-party is coming from.

• Clear and concise. Communicate decisively.

• Able to ask for help. You won’t be a legal expert in every area that comes up. Know when and how to ask for help to develop the best possible strategy. A strong sense of purpose and drive to develop unique, high impact solutions

< class="h3">You will:

• Advise Convergent Research. We want to maximize our impact. We want to grow quickly. We want to work with lots and lots of technologies. We want to do venture creation/non-profit creation at the end of FROs. We don’t know what the downsides are. We don’t know what to avoid. We aren’t always going to be the most creative. That’s where you will come in. Work closely with us to help us achieve our goals.

• Lead the development of our IP strategies. Work with our FRO teams to figure out what we need to license and how. Manage our protection, FTO, and related risk management strategies including litigation management. When required, ensure freedom to operate and minimize exposure to third party IP, including establishing IP landscape and “white space” analysis in cooperation with the science team; providing and drafting opinions

• Manage our relationship with outside counsel. You’ll be the primary point of contact for our patent attorneys, non-profit lawyers, tax layers, HR layers, immigration lawyers, lawyer lawyers. Manage our costs and make sure that we’re asking them the right questions in the most effective ways.

• Work with our internal TTO office. Our mission is to have the highest possible public good come out of our research. This means that the technology has to transfer out of our control into the real work. So we’re developing a function to handle all of those choices. Also take “TTO” and translate it to “super cool way to do venture creation and public access.”

• Pay attention to taxes. We’re a non-profit, we want to maintain that status. We also want to leverage that to the best of our abilities. Review, monitor and analyze changes in U.S. and global tax legislation, rulings, regulations, and litigation. Recommend and implement responsive action to manage existing positions and capture new opportunities. Tightly manage and coordinate U.S. Federal and State tax audits.

• Translate legal advice. Perform legal research and provide advice to management and FRO staff.

• Negotiate and draft contracts. Oversee our service agreements. Manage contracts with vendors, research partners and universities.

< class="h3">In 6 months, you will have:

• Been indoctrinated. No, but really. We care a lot about our impact in the world. We have a thesis that FROs will be unusually impactful in the world and that we can manage the created technology in a way to be highest impact. Learn about our thesis, how we’re structuring the org, what we want to achieve, who our networks are, etc. Be excited to change the world.

• Set up some basics. We’ve hit the road running and have a bunch of contracts and vendors. Make sure that (a) you’re happy with all of our existing agreements and (b) it’s easy for FROs to sign new ones.

• Check out our IP. Work with our existing FRO teams to ensure that our portfolio is set up correctly. Negotiate those licenses from universities.

• Create your “go forward” plan. Let us know what our strategy should be and what you want to work on first.

< class="h3">We offer:

• An opportunity to change the world and work with some of the smartest and the most talented experts from different fields.

• Competitive salary: $200,000 - $400,000.

• Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance through a PPO plan; parental leave.

• Generous time off + paid holidays.

• Wellness allowance for fitness and wellness activities.

• Support for fully remote work.

• Frequent opportunities to spend time with colleagues in person.

Convergent Research aims to help fill a structural gap in today's R&D system. We enable fundamental research that requires unusual levels of scale and coordination yet is not rapidly monetizable by industry. We’re bringing together top talent from academia, industry, and startups to build a new model for innovative R&D. As an incubator within the Schmidt Futures Network, we identify high-impact scientific or technical research and development opportunities, ultimately defining and launching these projects as Focused Research Organizations.   Convergent Research, LLC is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer that proudly pursues and hires a erse workforce. We do not make hiring or employment decisions on the basis of race, color, religion or religious belief, ethnic or national origin, nationality, sex, gender, gender-identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable local, state, or federal laws or prohibited by Company policy. We strive for a healthy and safe workplace and strictly prohibit harassment of any kind.