Small Molecule Patent Agent — Hybrid Work & Global IP

Elanco Tiergesundheit AG; Indianapolis (IN); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation packages

2 shutdowns in US

Parental leave (8 weeks)

Employee Resource Groups

Annual bonus

Flexible work arrangements

401K matching (up to 6%)

Job summary

Elanco’s Patent Agent - Small Molecule will partner with the R&D team to draft and prosecute US patent applications, and manage a global IP portfolio. The role requires coordinating with outside counsel internationally, conducting prior art searches, and guiding IP strategy to protect innovations in animal health.

Travel is modest; hybrid work in Indianapolis is supported. Candidates should have a chemistry background, 3+ years in patent prosecution, and USPTO eligibility.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Chemistry or related field.
• At least 3 years of patent prosecution and portfolio management experience.
• USPTO Patent Agent registration or eligible to sit for exam.
• Authorized to work in the United States; no visa sponsorship expected.

Responsibilities

• Draft, file, and prosecute US patent applications before USPTO.
• Coordinate with outside counsel for international prosecution.
• Perform prior art searches, FTO, and patent landscape analyses.
• Support due diligence and align IP strategy with business goals.
• Educate R&D teams on IP awareness and monitor competitor activity.
• Evaluate chemical properties, stereochemistry, salts, polymorphs, metabolites.
• Design and synthesize novel small molecule compounds.

Skills

Patent prosecution

Portfolio management

US patent law

Cross-functional collab

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry

PhD in Organic Chemistry

Job description

Elanco’s Patent Agent - Small Molecule will partner with the R&D team to draft and prosecute US patent applications, and manage a global IP portfolio. The role requires coordinating with outside counsel internationally, conducting prior art searches, and guiding IP strategy to protect innovations in animal health.

Travel is modest; hybrid work in Indianapolis is supported. Candidates should have a chemistry background, 3+ years in patent prosecution, and USPTO eligibility.