Senior Patent Agent- Biologics

Neurocrine Biosciences; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 136,000 - 186,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus (target 20%)

Equity long-term incentive program

Retirement plan with company match

Health, dental, vision benefits

Paid vacation and holidays

Job summary

Neurocrine Biosciences in San Diego seeks a doctorally trained IP attorney to lead patent counseling for Biologics programs. You will draft, file, and prosecute U.S.

and international applications, aligning with research and development goals while protecting company innovations. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams, conduct due diligence, review publications, and manage multiple matters to completion.

Qualifications

• PhD in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, genetics, immunology, biotechnology, biomedical sciences, bioengineering, chemical biology, or a related life-sciences discipline with relevant academic and applied experience.
• In-house and/or nationally recognized law firm patent experience supporting biologic drugs, including demonstrated expertise in preparing and prosecuting patent applications directed to biologics.
• Registered to practice before the US Patent and Trademark Office.
• Demonstrates a strong understanding of patent prosecution processes and applies sound judgment in managing intellectual property matters.
• Collaborates effectively as part of a team and may provide guidance or training to less-experienced colleagues.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and technology platforms used to support patent prosecution and intellectual property portfolio management.
• Strong communications, problem-solving, analytical thinking skills.
• Detail-oriented with the ability to independently manage multiple patent matters and shifting priorities, meet deadlines, and understand broader IP impact.

Responsibilities

• Serves as the primary intellectual property partner for assigned Biologics programs, providing independent patent counseling and partnering with cross-functional teams to protect Company innovations.
• Identifies potentially patentable inventions in collaboration with discovery and development groups across the Company.
• Drafts, files and prosecutes U.S. and international patent applications relating to biologics, such as peptides, antibodies, and gene therapies, aligned with business objectives.
• Works with collaborators and external partners to implement global patent strategies.
• Supports IP due diligence, including prior art searches and portfolio analysis of competitors and potential collaborators.
• Reviews proposed publications and regulatory filings and analyzes potential IP impacts.
• Independently manages multiple patent prosecution matters and drives them to completion.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Patent prosecution

Biologics

USPTO registration

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication skills

Team mentorship

Education

PhD in biology/biochemistry/life sciences

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Who We Are: Neurocrine Biosciences is a leading biopharmaceutical company with a simple purpose: to relieve suffering for people with great needs. We are dedicated to discovering, developing and commercializing life-changing treatments for patients with under-addressed neurological, psychiatric, endocrine and immunological disorders. The company's diverse portfolio includes FDA-approved treatments for tardive dyskinesia, chorea associated with Huntington's disease, classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia, hyperphagia in Prader-Willi syndrome, endometriosis* and uterine fibroids*, as well as a robust pipeline including multiple compounds in mid- to late-phase clinical development across our core therapeutic areas. For more than three decades, we have applied our unique insight into neuroscience and the interconnections between brain and body systems to treat complex conditions. We relentlessly pursue medicines to ease the burden of debilitating diseases and disorders, because you deserve brave science. For more information, visit neurocrine.com, and follow the company on LinkedIn, X, Facebook and YouTube. (*in collaboration with AbbVie)

About the Role:

Provides intellectual property support for Biologics research and development programs by independently drafting and prosecuting patent applications, contributing to the development and execution of global patent strategies, and managing patent activities for assigned programs. Partners cross-functionally with research, development, and legal stakeholders to protect Company innovations and advance business objectives.

Your Contributions (include, but are not limited to):

• Serves as the primary intellectual property partner for assigned Biologics programs, providing independent patent counseling and partnering with cross-functional teams to protect Company innovations.
• Identifies potentially patentable inventions in collaboration with members of discovery and development groups across the Company.
• Drafts, files and prosecutes U.S. and international patent applications relating to biologics, such as peptides, antibodies, and gene therapies, that are strategically aligned with the Company’s business objectives.
• Works and interacts with collaborators and other external strategic partners to implement global patent strategies.
• Supports strategic IP due diligence, including conducting prior art and patent searches and analyzing the patent portfolios of competitors and potential collaborators.
• Reviews proposed publications and regulatory filings and analyzes potential impacts on the Company’s intellectual property portfolio.
• Independently manages multiple patent prosecution matters and drives matters through completion.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

• PhD in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, genetics, immunology, biotechnology, biomedical sciences, bioengineering, chemical biology, or a related life-sciences discipline with relevant academic and applied experience.
• Relevant in-house and/or nationally recognized law firm patent experience supporting biologic drugs, including demonstrated expertise in preparing and prosecuting patent applications directed to biologics.
• Registered to practice before the US Patent and Trademark Office.
• Demonstrates a strong understanding of patent prosecution processes and applies sound judgment in managing intellectual property matters.
• Collaborates effectively as part of a team and may provide guidance or training to less-experienced colleagues.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and technology platforms used to support patent prosecution and intellectual property portfolio management.
• Strong communications, problem-solving, analytical thinking skills.
• Detail-oriented with the ability to independently manage multiple patent matters and shifting priorities, meet competing deadlines with a high degree of accuracy and efficiency, and understand the broader impact of intellectual property decisions on supported programs.

#LI-CL1 Neurocrine Biosciences is an EEO/Disability/Vets employer. We are committed to building a workplace of belonging, respect, and empowerment, and we recognize there are a variety of ways to meet our requirements. We are looking for the best candidate for the job and encourage you to apply even if your experience or qualifications don’t line up to exactly what we have outlined in the job description.

The annual base salary we reasonably expect to pay is $136,300.00-$186,000.00. Individual pay decisions depend on various factors, such as primary work location, complexity and responsibility of role, job duties/requirements, and relevant experience and skills. In addition, this position offers an annual bonus with a target of 20% of the earned base salary and eligibility to participate in our equity based long term incentive program.

Benefits offered include a retirement savings plan (with company match), paid vacation, holiday and personal days, paid caregiver/parental and medical leave, and health benefits to include medical, prescription drug, dental and vision coverage in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans.

We are a top place to work. Neurocrine Biosciences was named one of the FORTUNE Best Workplaces in Biopharma™ 2025. We were also named a Great Place to Work® Certified company. ©2025 Fortune Media IP Limited. All rights reserved. Used under license.

OUR VALUES:

PASSION: We are driven and love what we do. We are committed to our goals and to making a difference.

INTEGRITY: We do the right thing for patients and our community. We take accountability. We speak up.

COLLABORATION: We trust one another. We are inclusive. We are respectful. We are transparent. Together we succeed.

INNOVATION: We seek and create optimal solutions.

TENACITY: We do not quit. We adapt. We accomplish what others cannot.

Come join our team during this exciting time of growth and opportunities!