Senior Patent Agent – Small Molecules (Onsite)

IDEAYA Biosciences; South San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; USD 198,000 - 245,000; Full time

Job summary

IDEAYA Biosciences, based in South San Francisco, seeks a Senior Patent Agent to protect the company’s small molecule programs. This onsite role collaborates with inventors, senior scientists, and the legal team to manage IP strategy and prosecution, four days per week on site as per policy.

The ideal candidate has 7+ years in pharma patent work, PhD in Organic Chemistry (or MS), and a proven track record of securing meaningful patent protection.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, preferably Organic Chemistry, or Master’s in Organic Chemistry.
• Registered to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
• 7+ years of patent agent experience in pharmaceutical small molecules (prep & prosecution), including 2–3 years in‑house.
• Proven track record developing and implementing patent strategies with meaningful patent protection.
• Strong communication, organizational, and analytical skills with ability to interpret complex information.
• Proficiency in using scientific and IP databases.

Responsibilities

• Global IP portfolio management including patent app prep and prosecution for small molecules.
• Collaborate with cross‑department teams to understand project tech and identify patentable inventions.
• Perform freedom-to-operate reviews and analyze third‑party patent positions.
• Guide IP strategy and monitor regulatory and jurisdictional requirements.
• Manage outside counsel and ensure compliance with global IP laws.
• Analyze competitive IP landscape to assess risk and opportunities.
• Communicate clearly with stakeholders at all levels.
• Support IP diligence for business development opportunities.

Skills

Patent strategy

Independent work

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Proficiency with IP databases

Education

PhD in Organic Chemistry

MS in Organic Chemistry

Tools

IP databases

Job description

IDEAYA Biosciences, based in South San Francisco, seeks a Senior Patent Agent to protect the company’s small molecule programs. This onsite role collaborates with inventors, senior scientists, and the legal team to manage IP strategy and prosecution, four days per week on site as per policy.

The ideal candidate has 7+ years in pharma patent work, PhD in Organic Chemistry (or MS), and a proven track record of securing meaningful patent protection.