Senior Patent Agent

IDEAYA Biosciences, Inc.; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 198,000 - 245,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) plan

Employee stock purchase plan

Wellness programs

Merit-based salary increases

Discretionary short-term incentive plan participation

Discretionary stock option awards

Job summary

IDEAYA Biosciences, Inc. is seeking an experienced Senior Patent Agent to support the IP function at our South San Francisco headquarters. The role demands regular onsite presence and involves managing global IP portfolios, conducting freedom-to-operate reviews, and crafting innovative mitigation strategies.

The ideal candidate holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry, has over 7 years of experience, and possesses excellent communication skills. The position includes a comprehensive benefits package and a competitive salary range of $198,000 – $245,000.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of patent agent experience in pharmaceutical small molecules.
• Experience in developing and implementing patent strategies.
• Ability to interpret complex scientific and legal information.

Responsibilities

• Manage global IP portfolio, preparing and prosecuting patent applications.
• Partner with teams to identify patentable inventions and implement IP protection.
• Conduct freedom-to-operate reviews and guide IP strategy.

Skills

Patent preparation and prosecution

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

IP strategy development

Education

Ph.D. in Chemistry or Master’s in Organic Chemistry

Tools

Scientific and IP databases

Job description

Position Summary

IDEAYA Biosciences is seeking an experienced Senior Patent Agent to support the company’s intellectual property function. This role reports directly to the Vice President of Intellectual Property and is based at our South San Francisco headquarters, requiring onsite presence four days per week per company policy.

What you’ll do

• Global IP portfolio management including preparing and prosecuting patent applications focusing on small molecules.
• Partner with cross‑department teams to develop a deep understanding of project technology, identify patentable inventions through regular interactions with project teams, and implement IP protection strategies.
• Identify and evaluate a range of complex risks (patentability, infringement, validity) and craft innovative, business‑oriented mitigation strategies.
• Conduct freedom‑to‑operate reviews, analyze third‑party patent positions, and guide IP strategy.
• Maintain strong knowledge of patent case law, rules and regulations before the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office and other jurisdictional IP offices.
• Manage outside legal counsel and ensure compliance with global IP laws and regulations.
• Monitor and analyze competitive IP landscape and IP trends to assess risk and opportunities.
• Engage in clear communication, both oral and written, at all levels of the organization with a willingness to listen and learn from others.
• Assist in managing the IP department’s administration, infrastructure, and policies.
• Conduct IP diligence and provide additional IP support for business development opportunities.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Chemistry (preferably Organic Chemistry) or Master’s in Organic Chemistry, and registration before the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
• 7+ years of patent agent experience in pharmaceutical small molecules (patent preparation and prosecution), including preferably 2–3 years in‑house experience.
• Proven track record developing and implementing patent strategies with demonstrated success securing meaningful patent protection for products and related technology.
• Excellent at working independently and proactively with minimal direction, with strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize and balance competing projects and responsibilities.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to interpret complex scientific and legal information.
• Proficiency in using scientific and IP databases.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and attention to detail.

Benefits

The company offers a competitive total rewards package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage (100% company‑paid for employees, 90% for dependents), a 401(k) plan, an employee stock purchase plan (ESPP), wellness programs, merit‑based salary increases, discretionary short‑term incentive plan participation, and discretionary stock option awards. The expected salary range for this role is $198,000 – $245,000.

Equal Employment Opportunity

IDEAYA is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with applicable law, IDEAYA does not discriminate in hiring or otherwise in employment based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital or veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.

Work‑site & Vaccination Policy

Employees working in IDEAYA facilities are required to be fully vaccinated for COVID‑19, except as required by applicable law, with the vaccine meeting FDA or WHO emergency use criteria.