Senior Patent Agent: Small Molecule IP Strategist

BioSpace; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 198,000 - 245,000; Full time

Job summary

IDEAYA Biosciences is seeking an experienced Senior Patent Agent to support our intellectual property function, protecting small molecule product candidates. The role reports to the VP of Intellectual Property and requires onsite presence in South San Francisco four days per week.

The ideal candidate will collaborate with inventors across departments and with legal, helping identify patentable inventions and craft robust IP protection strategies while navigating global regulations.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of patent agent experience in pharmaceutical small molecules.
• 2-3 years in-house experience preferred.
• Proven track record developing patent strategies and securing protection.
• Strong analytical and communication skills; able to interpret legal/sci information.
• Proficient with IP databases.

Responsibilities

• Manage global IP portfolio and prosecute small molecule patent applications.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify patentable inventions.
• Assess patentability, infringement, and validity risks with mitigation strategies.
• Perform freedom-to-operate reviews and analyze third-party positions.
• Coordinate with outside counsel and ensure global IP compliance.
• Support IP diligence for business development opportunities.
• Communicate findings clearly to all levels of the organization.

Skills

Independent work

Analytical skills

Written and verbal communication

Patent strategy development

IP databases proficiency

Education

Ph.D. in Chemistry

Master’s in Organic Chemistry

Tools

IP databases

Job description

IDEAYA Biosciences is seeking an experienced Senior Patent Agent to support our intellectual property function, protecting small molecule product candidates. The role reports to the VP of Intellectual Property and requires onsite presence in South San Francisco four days per week.

The ideal candidate will collaborate with inventors across departments and with legal, helping identify patentable inventions and craft robust IP protection strategies while navigating global regulations.