Head of Intellectual Property & Legal Affairs

Head of Intellectual Property & Legal Affairs

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Are you an experienced European Patent Attorney with a strategic mindset and a passion for innovation in the life sciences? At KeyGene , an international research company driving technological breakthroughs for crop improvement, you will lead the development and valorisation of a high‑impact IP portfolio and shape the legal frameworks that enable collaboration and innovation partnerships.

Role

The Head of Intellectual Property & Legal Affairs holds a key position for the development and valorisation of KeyGene’s intellectual property portfolio and for establishing the legal and contractual frameworks that enable effective collaboration and innovation.

As a member of the leadership team, you contribute to the organisation’s strategic direction and ensure that intellectual property supports KeyGene’s scientific and commercial ambitions. Working closely with R&D and Business Development, you align IP priorities with research and business objectives, ensuring that innovation translates into long‑term value.

Key responsibilities

• Designing and implementing KeyGene’s IP agenda, ensuring effective protection, management and translation into value.
• Overseeing the patent portfolio, including drafting, filing and prosecution of patent applications and managing post‑grant procedures.
• Driving the valorisation of IP through licensing, research collaborations and contractual partnerships.
• Building IP awareness across the organisation and communicating its strategic importance to scientists and business partners.
• Leading a small team of IP and legal professionals and engaging with external patent attorneys and law firms.

Profile

You are an IP strategist with extensive experience in developing, maintaining and valorising a broad IP portfolio. You combine strategic vision with a hands‑on approach to drafting and managing patents, and a proactive, entrepreneurial mindset when it comes to licensing and collaboration agreements. You understand the balance between scientific potential, legal robustness and commercial opportunity, and you make sound judgements about the potential value of new technologies.

As a strong communicator and trusted advisor, you build bridges between research, business and leadership. You support colleagues across the organisation with clarity and conviction, fostering collaboration and shared purpose. With an analytical and business‑oriented mindset, you act as a thought leader in your field and an inspiring leader for your team.

Requirements

• At least five years of experience as a European Patent Attorney in the life sciences, preferably in plant biology.
• Extensive experience in drafting and negotiating contracts related to knowledge valorisation and research collaboration.
• Preferably several years of in‑house experience and some experience in leading professionals.
• Ability to operate effectively in an international, innovation‑driven environment.

About KeyGene

KeyGene is an innovative research company focused on technological breakthroughs for crop improvement. With its intellectual capital, solution‑oriented approach and collaborative mindset, KeyGene supports organisations in tackling their most challenging R&D goals. The company helps breeding and AgroFood businesses bring better and more sustainable crops to market.

Founded in 1989 by several leading Dutch vegetable seed companies, KeyGene has continuously grown and evolved. Today, the organisation operates from locations in Europe and the United States, employing around 120 professionals from all over the world who work together to shape the future of agriculture.

Contact

Volta Consultants coordinates this vacancy. For questions, please contact us at +31 (0) or email If you are interested, you are invited to apply online via the application form.