Patent Attorney II

U175 (FCRS = US175) Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Inc.; Cambridge (MA); Hybrid; USD 195,000 - 361,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

401(k) with company match

Disability insurance

Job summary

Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research seeks a Patent Attorney II based in Cambridge or San Diego, working 3 days per week on-site. You will shape strategic IP decisions, build robust patent portfolios across biologics and advanced therapies, and guide filings worldwide while collaborating with R&D teams and outside counsel.

Required JD with bar admission, a PhD in life sciences, and 7+ years in patent law within pharma/biotech.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree with admission to at least one state bar.
• PhD in molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, immunology, genetics, biotechnology, or related field.
• Seven or more years of experience as a patent attorney in law firm or pharma/biotech.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic IP counsel to R&D clients on invention protection and portfolio development.
• Build and manage patent portfolios across biologics, antibodies, cell/gene therapies, nucleic acid tech, and related areas.
• Render opinions on patentability, validity, and freedom to operate; develop patent strategies.

Job description

Band Level 5 Job Description Summary

Ready to shape the future of innovation at Novartis? As Patent Attorney II, you will play a pivotal role in protecting groundbreaking scientific discoveries and enabling life-changing medicines to reach patients worldwide. Partnering closely with R&D teams, you will drive strategic intellectual property decisions, build robust patent portfolios, and navigate complex legal landscapes to safeguard innovation across the product lifecycle. This role is based in our Cambridge or San Diego office 3x/week.

Key Responsibilities

Provide clear, strategic, and business-focused counsel to Novartis R&D clients on invention protection, portfolio development, publication strategy, and third-party risks. Build and manage patent portfolios for Novartis R&D projects by identifying inventions and preparing, prosecuting, maintaining, and defending patent filings across areas such as biologics, protein therapeutics, antibodies, cell and gene therapies, nucleic acid-based technologies, manufacturing processes, formulations, methods of treatment, biomarkers, companion diagnostics, platforms, and clinical developments. Render legal opinions on patentability, validity, and freedom to operate, and develop patent strategies that strengthen IP positions, support freedom to operate. Apply deep knowledge of national patent law and practice, including relevant legal developments and patent trends, to shape strategy and advice. Understand and apply other forms of exclusivity protection, as appropriate. Communicate effectively with colleagues and leaders across the legal, IP, and R&D organizations. Build and manage relationships with outside counsel and collaborators, including extensive interaction within a multicultural global patent function. Conduct due diligence and provide counsel based on those assessments, including freedom-to-operate, infringement, validity, and risk evaluation. Provide IP support for transactional matters, including M&A, research collaborations, and in-licensing opportunities, with advice on contract drafting and negotiation. Ensure high-quality, timely delivery of work aligned with business goals and budgets.

Essential Requirements

Juris Doctor degree with admission to at least one state bar, and registration to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. PhD in molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, immunology, genetics, biotechnology, pharmaceutical sciences, or a related life sciences field. Seven or more years of experience as a patent attorney within a law firm or pharmaceutical or biotechnology environment. Strong technical expertise in the life sciences, including experience with biologics, antibodies, protein engineering, cell and gene therapies, nucleic acid technologies, immunology, or other advanced therapeutic modalities. Expertise in U.S. and PCT patent law, filing processes, and prosecution practice, with a detailed understanding of European patent law and other major global patent systems. Proven ability to partner with scientific and business stakeholders to deliver strategic intellectual property advice. Strong analytical, communication, and decision‑making skills with high attention to detail. Ability to manage multiple priorities effectively within a fast‑paced, global environment.

Benefits & Rewards

The salary for this position is expected to range between $194,600 and $361,400 per year. The final salary offered is determined based on factors like, but not limited to, relevant skills and experience, and upon joining Novartis will be reviewed periodically. Novartis may change the published salary range based on company and market factors. Your compensation will include a performance‑based cash incentive and, depending on the level of the role, eligibility to be considered for annual equity awards. US-based eligible employees will receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, life and disability benefits, a 401(k) with company contribution and match, and a variety of other benefits. In addition, employees are eligible for a generous time off package including vacation, personal days, holidays and other leaves.

Salary Range $194,600.00 - $361,400.00

Skills Desired Adaptability, Business Acumen, Critical Thinking, Curious Mindset, Decision Making, Freedom to Operate Analysis, Intellectual Property Law, Negotiation, Patentability, Patent Drafting, Patent Law, Patent Litigation, Patent Portfolio Management, Patent Prosecution, Persuasion, Planning, Problem Solving, Relationship Building, Stakeholder Management, Strategic Thinking

Why Novartis

Helping people with disease and their families takes more than innovative science. It takes a community of smart, passionate people like you. Collaborating, supporting and inspiring each other. Combining to achieve breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. Ready to create a brighter future together? https://www.novartis.com/about/strategy/people-and-culture

EEO Statement

The Novartis Group of Companies are Equal Opportunity Employers. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. We strive to create an inclusive workplace that cultivates bold innovation through collaboration and empowers our people to unleash their full potential.

Accessibility and reasonable accommodations

The Novartis Group of Companies are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or in order to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an email to [e-mail] call [phone] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.