Patent Agent - Small Molecule

Elanco Tiergesundheit AG; Indianapolis (IN); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation packages

2 shutdowns in US

Parental leave (8 weeks)

Employee Resource Groups

Annual bonus

Flexible work arrangements

401K matching (up to 6%)

Job summary

Elanco’s Patent Agent - Small Molecule will partner with the R&D team to draft and prosecute US patent applications, and manage a global IP portfolio. The role requires coordinating with outside counsel internationally, conducting prior art searches, and guiding IP strategy to protect innovations in animal health.

Travel is modest; hybrid work in Indianapolis is supported. Candidates should have a chemistry background, 3+ years in patent prosecution, and USPTO eligibility.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Chemistry or related field.
• At least 3 years of patent prosecution and portfolio management experience.
• USPTO Patent Agent registration or eligible to sit for exam.
• Authorized to work in the United States; no visa sponsorship expected.

Responsibilities

• Draft, file, and prosecute US patent applications before USPTO.
• Coordinate with outside counsel for international prosecution.
• Perform prior art searches, FTO, and patent landscape analyses.
• Support due diligence and align IP strategy with business goals.
• Educate R&D teams on IP awareness and monitor competitor activity.
• Evaluate chemical properties, stereochemistry, salts, polymorphs, metabolites.
• Design and synthesize novel small molecule compounds.

Skills

Patent prosecution

Portfolio management

US patent law

Cross-functional collab

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry

PhD in Organic Chemistry

Job description

At Elanco (NYSE: ELAN) – it all starts with animals! As a global leader in animal health, we are dedicated to innovation and delivering products and services to prevent and treat disease in farm animals and pets. At Elanco, we are driven by our vision of Food and Companionship Enriching Life and our purpose – all to Go Beyond for Animals, Customers, Society and Our People. At Elanco, we pride ourselves on fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. We believe that diversity is the driving force behind innovation, creativity, and overall business success. Here, you’ll be part of a company that values and champions new ways of thinking, work with dynamic individuals, and acquire new skills and experiences that will propel your career to new heights. Making animals’ lives better makes life better – join our team today!

Your Role: Patent Agent - Small Molecule

As a Patent Agent - Small Molecule on our Intellectual Property (IP) team, you will be a key partner to our R&D organization, playing a crucial role in protecting Elanco’s cutting-edge science. In this role, you'll be responsible for advancing our small and/or large molecule programs by drafting and prosecuting high-quality patent applications. Your work will directly contribute to safeguarding the innovation that drives our mission to enrich life.

Your Responsibilities

• Draft, file, and prosecute high-quality U.S. patent applications before the USPTO, collaborating closely with R&D scientists to identify and protect innovations.
• Manage a global patent portfolio by directing and overseeing outside counsel for international patent prosecution, ensuring alignment with business objectives.
• Conduct and analyze prior art searches, freedom-to-operate (FTO), and patent landscape assessments to guide R&D and patent filing strategies.
• Provide key intellectual property support for due diligence activities and partner with legal, regulatory, and business development teams to align IP strategy with business goals.
• Foster a culture of IP awareness by educating and training R&D teams and monitoring competitor patent activity to inform and manage Elanco's IP portfolio.
• Evaluation of chemical properties including stereochemistry, salt forms, polymorphs, metabolites, prodrugs, formulations, and manufacturing intermediates.
• Design and synthesis of novel small molecule compounds.

What You Need to Succeed (minimum qualifications)

• Education: Bachelor's degree or higher in Chemistry or a related scientific/technical field.
• Experience: A minimum of 3 years of experience in patent prosecution and portfolio management.
• Professional Certification: Registered as a Patent Agent with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) or eligible and willing to sit for the USPTO Patent Agent examination.
• Qualified candidates must be legally authorized to be employed in the United States. Elanco does not anticipate providing sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H-1B or TN status) for this position.
• Prior experience supporting patents covering new chemical entities (NCEs), formulations, manufacturing processes, or methods of treatment.

What will give you a competitive edge (preferred qualifications)

• An advanced degree (Ph.D. or M.S.) in organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, or biochemistry.
• Experience with small molecule pharmaceutical inventions and/or life science patent applications.
• Previous experience as a Patent Examiner at the USPTO.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate complex topics effectively and collaborate in a fast-paced, interdisciplinary environment.

Additional Information:

Travel: Up to 5% annually

Location: Global Elanco Headquarters - Indianapolis, IN - Hybrid Work Environment

Don't meet every single requirement? Studies have shown underrecognized groups are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Elanco we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive work environment. If you think you might be a good fit for a role but don't necessarily meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply. You may be the right candidate for this role or other roles!

Elanco Benefits and Perks:

• Multiple relocation packages
• Two weeklong shutdowns (mid-summer and year-end) in the US (in addition to PTO)
• 8-week parental leave
• 9 Employee Resource Groups
• Annual bonus offering
• Flexible work arrangements
• Up to 6% 401K matching

Elanco is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status

Elanco Animal Health Incorporated (NYSE: ELAN) is a global leader in animal health dedicated to innovating and delivering products and services to prevent and treat disease in farm animals and pets, creating value for farmers, pet owners, veterinarians, stakeholders, and society as a whole. With nearly 70 years of animal health heritage, we are committed to helping our customers improve the health of animals in their care, while also making a meaningful impact on our local and global communities. At Elanco, we are driven by our vision of Food and Companionship Enriching life and our Elanco Healthy Purpose CSR framework – all to advance the health of animals, people and the planet. Learn more at www.elanco.com.