Sr. Patent Agent- Small Molecule

About the role

Provides intellectual property support for Small Molecule research and development programs by independently drafting and prosecuting patent applications, contributing to the development and execution of global patent strategies, and managing patent activities for assigned programs.

Partners cross-functionally with research, development, and legal stakeholders to protect Company innovations and advance business objectives.

Responsibilities

• Serves as the primary intellectual property partner for assigned Small Molecule programs, providing independent patent counseling and partnering with cross-functional teams to protect Company innovations
• Identifies inventions in collaboration with members of various discovery and development groups within the Company
• Drafts, files and prosecutes U.S. and international patent applications relating to small molecule drugs and other chemistry programs that are strategically aligned with the Company’s business objectives
• Works and interacts with collaborators and other external strategic partners to implement global patent strategies
• Affords strategic IP due diligence, including conducting prior art and patent searches and analyzing the patent portfolios of competitors and potential collaborators
• Reviews proposed publications and analyzes potential impact on the Company’s patent portfolio and intellectual property
• Manages/handles multiple patent prosecution matters and sees projects through to conclusion
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

• PhD in organic chemistry or a related discipline with relevant academic and applied experience
• Relevant experience must include in-house and/or nationally recognized law firm patent experience related to small molecule drugs or other biologically active organic compounds
• Expertise in preparing patent applications directed to small molecule drugs, or other biologically active organic compounds
• Registered to practice before the US Patent and Trademark Office
• Demonstrates a strong understanding of patent prosecution processes and applies sound judgment in managing intellectual property matters
• Ability to work as part of a team; may train lower levels
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and technology platforms used to support patent prosecution and intellectual property portfolio management
• Strong communications, problem-solving, analytical thinking skills
• Detail oriented with the ability to understand the broader impact of intellectual property decisions on supported programs
• Ability to meet multiple and aggressive deadlines across a variety of projects/programs, with a high degree of accuracy and efficiency
• Demonstrated ability to independently manage multiple patent matters while balancing shifting priorities and aggressive timelines

Qualifications

Neurocrine Biosciences is an EEO/Disability/Vets employer. We are committed to building a workplace of belonging, respect, and empowerment, and we recognize there are a variety of ways to meet our requirements. We are looking for the best candidate for the job and encourage you to apply even if your experience or qualifications don’t line up to exactly what we have outlined in the job description.

Benefits

• The annual base salary we reasonably expect to pay is $136,300.00-$186,000.00. Individual pay decisions depend on various factors, such as primary work location, complexity and responsibility of role, job duties/requirements, and relevant experience and skills.
• In addition, this position offers an annual bonus with a target of 20% of the earned base salary and eligibility to participate in our equity based long term incentive program.
• Benefits offered include a retirement savings plan (with company match), paid vacation, holiday and personal days, paid caregiver/parental and medical leave, and health benefits to include medical, prescription drug, dental and vision coverage in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans.