Sr Patent Agent

Definium Therapeutics is a late-stage clinical biopharmaceutical company on a mission to forge a new era of psychiatry by applying scientific rigor to psychedelics. Our goal is to develop accessible treatments that unlock healing at scale. Our lead product candidate, lysergide tartrate (a proprietary orally disintegrating tablet form of lysergide (LSD) D-tartrate), represents a highly differentiated, potential best-in-class opportunity for patients suffering from generalized anxiety, major depressive disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder. Our early-stage pipeline includes DT402, the R-enantiomer of MDMA, under development to target core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), specifically addressing social communication challenges. Guided by the recognition that patients deserve more than better, Definium is advancing a new generation of therapeutics intended to address the underlying causes of psychiatric and neurological disorders. Headquartered in New York, Definium Therapeutics trades on Nasdaq under the symbol DFTX.

About the role

This position will play a key role in developing and executing the company’s intellectual property strategy. Reporting to the Associate General Counsel, Commercial Legal and Compliance, the Patent Agent will provide services related to U.S. patent prosecution, including the review and drafting of patent applications and other prosecution-related documents for pharmaceutical or biopharmaceutical products and technologies. The ideal candidate will collaborate with inventors across various departments, senior scientific leaders, and the legal team.

Responsibilities

• Work with outside counsel to support the preparation, filing, prosecution, maintenance, and strategic development of patent applications in the United States and internationally.
• Provide strategic guidance and services regarding filing patent applications and other documents with the USPTO, and relevant intellectual property issues including inventorship and conception/reduction to practice of inventions.
• Review and provide input on office action responses, claim strategy, patent filings, portfolio reports, and prosecution recommendations, with inventor engagement and input.
• Support regular portfolio reviews to assess strengths, gaps, upcoming deadlines, competitive risks, and opportunities for additional protection.
• Monitor third-party patents, patent applications, publications, and competitive activity relevant to assigned programs.
• Work closely with R&D, clinical, regulatory, and other technical teams to monitor emerging data, new uses, formulations, methods, manufacturing improvements, publications, and other potentially protectable innovations.
• Collaborate with the Associate General Counsel, Commercial Legal & Compliance, outside counsel, and internal stakeholders to ensure patent and exclusivity strategies align with R&D, regulatory, commercial, and business development objectives.
• Help develop scalable IP processes, templates, trackers, and reporting tools.
• Establish a rapport and working relationship with company business units at all levels to encourage and continue their proactive use of in-house legal services.

Qualifications

• Registered Patent Agent in good standing to practice before the United States Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO).
• Ph.D. or Master’s degree in Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry, Immunology, Molecular Biology, Pharmacology, or a related pharmaceutical or biopharmaceutical discipline.
• At least 3 years of industry-related experience within the pharmaceutical or biopharmaceutical field.
• In-house and/or private practice experience as a patent agent.
• Demonstrated experience and proven track record in preparation, prosecution, and management of U.S. patent portfolios relating to the pharmaceutical and/or biopharmaceutical industries.
• Strong understanding of and experience with the rules and regulations of the USPTO.
• Solid organizational skills, the ability to think strategically, and sound judgment in the analysis of complex business issues.
• Experience with patent term extensions, market exclusivity activities (e.g., pediatric, orphan drug), Orange Book / Purple Book listings, clinical trial postings, IND / NDA / BLA submissions, or related product development management matters preferred.
• Effective communication skills and the ability to collaborate with other members of the legal team and business teams.

Pay

The starting base pay range for this position is $120,000.00 - $140,000.00. Compensation will be determined based on skill set, years of experience, and geographic location. Employees in this role may be entitled to additional compensation, including bonus and equity.

Benefits

• 100% paid health benefits including Medical, Dental, and Vision for you and your dependents.
• 401(k) program with company match and vesting after the first month of employment.
• Flexible time off.
• Generous parental leave.
• Additional fun fringe perks.