Patent Attorney II Biotech & Life Sciences IP Leader

Novartis; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 195,000 - 361,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Cash incentive

Equity awards

Health benefits

401(k) with match

Generous leave

Job summary

Novartis is seeking a Patent Attorney II to protect groundbreaking life sciences discoveries and support R&D through strategic IP decisions. You will build robust patent portfolios, render opinions on patentability and freedom to operate, and advise on transactions with cross-functional teams across global projects.

Based in the US, with potential Cambridge or San Diego presence, this role demands deep technical life sciences expertise, US and PCT practice, and the ability to navigate complex

Qualifications

• JD with admission to at least one state bar and USPTO registration.
• PhD in molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, immunology, genetics, biotechnology, pharmaceutical sciences, or related field.

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 technologies, and related areas.
• Render opinions on patentability, validity, and freedom to operate; develop robust IP strategies.
• Apply national and international patent law knowledge to shape strategy and advice.
• Communicate with legal, IP, and R&D teams and manage external counsel relationships.

Skills

Bar admission

Patent prosecution

Life sciences knowledge

Project management

Communication skills

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

PhD in life sciences

Job description

Novartis is seeking a Patent Attorney II to protect groundbreaking life sciences discoveries and support R&D through strategic IP decisions. You will build robust patent portfolios, render opinions on patentability and freedom to operate, and advise on transactions with cross-functional teams across global projects.

Based in the US, with potential Cambridge or San Diego presence, this role demands deep technical life sciences expertise, US and PCT practice, and the ability to navigate complex