Senior Patent Agent

About the company

Cytokinetics is a specialty cardiovascular biopharmaceutical company with over 25 years of pioneering scientific innovations in muscle biology. We are advancing a pipeline of potential new medicines for patients suffering from diseases of cardiac muscle dysfunction.

About the role

The Senior Patent Agent will report to the Senior Director, Intellectual Property and play a key role in developing, protecting, and advancing Cytokinetics' intellectual property portfolio. This individual will serve as a strategic partner to Research and Development (R&D) and Legal leadership, helping identify and protect innovations that support the company's scientific and business objectives.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and prosecute patent applications for Cytokinetics, focusing on small molecules (e.g., composition of matter, crystalline forms, compositions, methods of treatment, etc).
• Identify patentable inventions through frequent interactions with project teams.
• Conduct and analyze patentability and freedom to operate searches related to compounds including small molecules and their use.
• Prosecute patent applications in the US and instruct outside and foreign counsel.
• Support IP diligence and provide other IP support for licensing, collaboration, and business development opportunities.
• Review and advise on proposed company scientific and medical publications and disclosures.
• Attend research team meetings to provide guidance and counsel on patent strategy.
• Communicate with internal stakeholders to understand business needs and ensure IP protection aligns with those needs.
• Identify IP risks and communicate those risks to internal stakeholders for discussion and resolution.
• Participate in and contribute to broader Legal department projects and initiatives beyond IP subject matter.

Requirements

• Registered Patent Agent admitted to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
• Bachelor’s degree in a life science discipline, preferably chemistry. Master or Ph.D. in organic chemistry preferred. Experience as a medicinal chemist is a plus.
• At least 5 years of patent preparation and prosecution experience supporting pharmaceutical or biotechnology companies. In-house biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry experience is preferred.
• Experience preparing and prosecuting patent applications involving small molecule therapeutics.
• Demonstrated experience partnering directly with scientists and multidisciplinary research teams.
• Strong understanding of U.S. patent law and global patent prosecution practices.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and project management skills.
• Experience supporting business development transactions and IP due diligence.
• Familiarity with and interest in the deployment of AI-driven patent tools is a strong plus. Willingness to evaluate and use AI tools is required.

Pay

The expected salary range for this position based on the primary location of South San Francisco, CA is $175,500-$204,750. The base pay offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors.

Benefits

• Equity in the form of stock options and/or restricted stock units.
• Comprehensive health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance coverage.
• 401k retirement benefits with employer match.
• Learning and wellness stipends.
• Paid time off.

Note that benefits are subject to change and may vary based on jurisdiction of employment.