Director of IP, Small Molecule Oncology (Hybrid)

IDEAYA; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 261,000 - 322,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Discretionary short-term incentive

50/50 healthcare coverage

Job summary

IDEAYA Biosciences, based in South San Francisco, is seeking an experienced Intellectual Property Attorney to protect small molecule candidates. You will report to the VP of Intellectual Property and work onsite four days a week, partnering with inventors, senior scientists, and the legal team to develop robust IP strategies.

The role requires a PhD in Chemistry or Master’s in Organic Chemistry, a JD and CA Bar, and 7+ years of pharma IP experience, including in‑house exposure.

Qualifications

• PhD in Chemistry or Master’s in Organic Chemistry required.
• Juris Doctorate from an ABA-accredited law school and California Bar member in good standing.
• Minimum 7 years of IP counsel experience in pharma small molecules, with 2–3 years in-house preferred.
• Track record of developing patent strategies and securing protection for products and related tech.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced startup environment and respond promptly.

Responsibilities

• Global IP portfolio management, including patent applications and strategy.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify patentable inventions and protection approaches.
• Assess risks (patentability, infringement, validity) and craft mitigations.
• Perform freedom-to-operate reviews and analyze third-party positions.
• Provide IP due diligence support for business development.
• Manage external counsel and ensure compliance with global IP laws.
• Coordinate patent filings with collaborators and licensors.
• Help build IP department infrastructure and policies, and train staff.
• Monitor competitive IP landscape for risks and opportunities.

Skills

IP counsel

Patent strategy

Legal research

In-house experience

California Bar

Communication skills

IP databases

Education

PhD in Chemistry or Master’s in Organic Chemistry

Juris Doctorate (ABA)

California Bar admission

Tools

IP databases

Job description

IDEAYA Biosciences, based in South San Francisco, is seeking an experienced Intellectual Property Attorney to protect small molecule candidates. You will report to the VP of Intellectual Property and work onsite four days a week, partnering with inventors, senior scientists, and the legal team to develop robust IP strategies.

The role requires a PhD in Chemistry or Master’s in Organic Chemistry, a JD and CA Bar, and 7+ years of pharma IP experience, including in‑house exposure.