Senior Patent Attorney, Life Sciences IP Strategy

Novartis Group Companies; San Diego (CA); Hybrid; USD 195,000 - 361,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, life and disability benefits

401(k) with company contribution and 3

Equity awards eligibility

Generous paid time off

Job summary

Novartis Group Companies seeks a Patent Attorney II to protect cutting-edge science and enable medicines to reach patients worldwide. You will partner with R&D teams to shape IP strategy, build robust portfolios, and guide patent prosecution across biologics, gene therapies, and other life‑science innovations.

Based in Cambridge or San Diego, you will interact with global counsel and internal stakeholders to manage risk, advise on transactions, and ensure timely delivery aligned with business

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree with admission to a state bar and USPTO registration.
• PhD in molecular biology, biochemistry, immunology or related life sciences.
• 7+ years of patent attorney experience in law, pharma, or biotech.
• Expertise in US and PCT patent law and global strategies.
• Strong communication and stakeholder collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic IP counsel to R&D clients on invention protection and publication strategy.
• Develop and manage patent portfolios across biologics, cell/gene therapies, and related tech.
• Render opinions on patentability, validity, and freedom to operate; advise on strategy.
• Support IP for transactions including M&A and collaborations with contract drafting input.
• Ensure timely, high-quality deliverables aligned with business goals and budgets.
• Collaborate with external counsel and global patent teams across cultures.

Skills

Adaptability

Business Acumen

Critical Thinking

Negotiation

Strategic Thinking

Patent Portfolio Management

Patent Prosecution

Relationship Building

Stakeholder Management

Education

Juris Doctor degree

PhD in life sciences

Job description

Novartis Group Companies seeks a Patent Attorney II to protect cutting-edge science and enable medicines to reach patients worldwide. You will partner with R&D teams to shape IP strategy, build robust portfolios, and guide patent prosecution across biologics, gene therapies, and other life‑science innovations.

Based in Cambridge or San Diego, you will interact with global counsel and internal stakeholders to manage risk, advise on transactions, and ensure timely delivery aligned with business