Senior Patent Agent – Small Molecule Pharma IP

Cytokinetics, Inc.; United States; Hybrid; USD 176,000 - 205,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Health insurance

401k retirement plan

Job summary

Cytokinetics, Inc. is a specialty cardiovascular biopharmaceutical company pioneering muscle biology and developing small molecule therapies. The Senior Patent Agent will report to the Senior Director, Intellectual Property and collaborate with R&D and Legal leadership to build a robust IP portfolio.

The role emphasizes patent strategy, prosecution in the US, and support for licensing, collaboration, and business development. Strong communication and project management across teams are essential.

Qualifications

• Registered Patent Agent admitted to practice before the USPTO.
• Bachelor’s degree in a life science discipline, preferably chemistry.
• Master or Ph.D. in organic chemistry preferred.
• Experience as a medicinal chemist is a plus.
• At least 5 years of patent preparation and prosecution experience.
• In‑house biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry experience is preferred.
• Experience preparing and prosecuting patent applications involving small molecule therapeutics.
• Demonstrated experience partnering directly with scientists and multidisciplinary research teams.
• Strong understanding of U.S. patent law and global patent prosecution practices.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and project management skills.
• Experience supporting business development transactions and IP due diligence.
• Familiarity with and interest in the deployment of AI-driven patent tools is a strong plus.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and prosecute patent applications for Cytokinetics, focusing on small molecules.
• Identify patentable inventions through interactions with project teams.
• Conduct patentability and freedom-to-operate searches.
• Prosecute patent applications in the US and assist outside counsel.
• Support IP diligence for licensing, collaboration, and business development.
• Review and advise on publications and disclosures.
• Attend research meetings to guide patent strategy.
• Communicate IP risks to internal stakeholders.
• Participate in broader Legal department projects.

Skills

Patent preparation & prosecution

Communication

Project management

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in life sciences (preferably chemistry)

Master's or Ph.D. in organic chemistry

Job description

Cytokinetics, Inc. is a specialty cardiovascular biopharmaceutical company pioneering muscle biology and developing small molecule therapies. The Senior Patent Agent will report to the Senior Director, Intellectual Property and collaborate with R&D and Legal leadership to build a robust IP portfolio.

The role emphasizes patent strategy, prosecution in the US, and support for licensing, collaboration, and business development. Strong communication and project management across teams are essential.