Senior Patent Agent, Small Molecule - Equity & Bonus

Neurocrine Biosciences; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 136,300 - 186,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement plan with company match

Paid vacation / holidays

Health benefits including medical, Rx,

Dental and vision coverage

Job summary

Neurocrine Biosciences is seeking a highly qualified patent counsel to serve as the primary IP partner for assigned small molecule programs. You will identify inventions, draft and prosecute U.S.

and international patent applications, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to protect company innovations. The role requires a PhD in organic chemistry with in-house or law firm patent experience, plus strong communication and analytical skills.

Qualifications

• PhD in organic chemistry or related discipline with relevant academic and applied experience.
• In-house and/or nationally recognized law firm patent experience related to small‑molecule drugs or similar compounds.
• Expertise in preparing patent applications directed to small‑molecule drugs or similar compounds.
• Registered to practice before the USPTO.
• Strong understanding of patent prosecution processes and sound judgment in IP matters.
• Ability to work in a team and train lower levels.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and platforms used for patent prosecution and IP portfolio management.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary IP partner for assigned Small Molecule programs, providing patent counseling.
• Identify inventions with discovery and development groups.
• Draft, file, and prosecute U.S. and international patent applications for small‑molecule drugs.
• Collaborate with collaborators and external partners to implement global patent strategies.
• Conduct prior art searches and analyze competitor portfolios for due diligence.
• Review proposed publications for impact on patent portfolio.
• Manage multiple patent prosecution matters from start to finish.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Patent counseling

Patent prosecution

Communication skills

Analytical thinking

Teamwork

Multi-task management

Education

PhD in Organic Chemistry

Tools

Microsoft Office

IP portfolio management software

Job description

Neurocrine Biosciences is seeking a highly qualified patent counsel to serve as the primary IP partner for assigned small molecule programs. You will identify inventions, draft and prosecute U.S.

and international patent applications, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to protect company innovations. The role requires a PhD in organic chemistry with in-house or law firm patent experience, plus strong communication and analytical skills.