Sr. Director, Intellectual Property

NCBioImpact; Cary (NC); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation support

Flexible working arrangements

Job summary

Chiesi USA seeks an experienced US Patent Agent or Attorney to protect and strategically manage its global IP portfolio. The role blends hands-on US patent prosecution with due diligence support for licensing, acquisitions, collaborations, and business development initiatives.

You will handle patent preparation, prosecution, portfolio optimization, and due diligence activities, collaborating with cross-functional teams.

Qualifications

• US Patent Prosecution experience is required.
• Strong knowledge of US patent law and pharmaceutical patent practice.
• Excellent drafting, analytical, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Draft and prosecute US patent applications before the USPTO.
• Develop patent filing and claim strategies for pharmaceutical products and technologies.
• Manage Office Actions, examiner interviews, continuations, and divisional applications.

Skills

Patent prosecution

US patent law

Communication

Drafting

Education

Bachelor's degree

PhD in life sciences

JD

Job description

Chiesi USA

Chiesi USA is a commercial affiliate of the Chiesi Group.

Chiesi is an international research-focused biopharmaceutical group with 90 years' experience, operating in more than 30 countries, with its Headquarter in Parma, Italy. More than 8,000 employees across the group are united by a singular purpose: promoting a healthier world for our people, patients, and the planet. This is what drives us as we research, develop, and market innovative drugs across our main therapeutic areas. Discover more here.

At Chiesi we are thinking generations ahead, driving sustainable innovation with purpose. This fosters a culture of reliability, transparency, and ethical behavior at every level. As a Benefit Corporation and a certified B Corp, we have embedded sustainability in our bylaws and continuously measure our impact.

Diversity and inclusion are at the heart of who we are. We believe our differences make us stronger. We are a vibrant ecosystem of passionate, talented individuals united by strong values, each bringing unique perspectives that help us to continuously challenge the status quo for the better.

Who we are looking for

This is what you will do

Chiesi is seeking an experienced US Patent Agent or US Patent Attorney to support the protection, development, and strategic management of its global intellectual property portfolio. The role combines hands-on US patent prosecution with meaningful participation in IP due diligence activities supporting licensing, acquisitions, collaborations, and business development initiatives.

You’ll be responsible for:

Patent Preparation and Prosecution

• Draft and prosecute US patent applications before the USPTO.
• Develop patent filing and claim strategies for pharmaceutical products and technologies.
• Manage Office Actions, examiner interviews, continuations, and divisional applications.
• Coordinate with inventors, scientists, and external counsel.

Portfolio Management

• Support lifecycle management and portfolio optimization.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen patent protection around pipeline and marketed products.
• Contribute to global patent filing strategies.

IP Due Diligence Support

• Support patent due diligence for licensing, M&A, partnerships, and external innovation opportunities.
• Assess patent portfolios, prosecution histories, claim scope, and filing strategies.
• Identify IP opportunities, risks, and value drivers associated with potential transactions.
• Collaborate with Business Development, Legal, R&D, and Commercial teams.
• Prepare IP due diligence assessments and portfolio evaluation reports.
• Coordinate with external counsel during transactions and strategic collaborations.

Competitive and Strategic Support

• Monitor competitor patent activity and emerging technology trends.
• Support patent landscape and patentability analyses.
• Contribute to strategic portfolio decisions and external innovation assessments.

You will need to have

• USPTO-registered Patent Agent or Attorney in good standing.
• Bachelors degree
• Minimum 5 years of patent prosecution experience.
• Demonstrated experience supporting IP due diligence activities for licensing, acquisitions, collaborations, or business development transactions.
• Strong knowledge of US patent law and pharmaceutical patent practice.
• Experience evaluating patent portfolios, prosecution histories, and claim strategies.
• Ability to communicate IP risks and opportunities to both technical and business stakeholders.
• Excellent drafting, analytical, and communication skills.

We would prefer for you to have

• PhD in a life sciences discipline or JD
• In-house pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry experience.
• Experience supporting licensing-in, licensing-out, M&A, and strategic alliance transactions.
• Familiarity with Hatch-Waxman, Orange Book listings, patent term extensions, and regulatory exclusivities.
• Experience preparing due diligence reports and portfolio assessments for senior management.
• International portfolio management experience, including PCT and ex-US patent strategies.

Location

Hybrid role based in Cary, NC office preferred. Open to remote candidates based in Eastern time zone. #LI-Hybrid

What we offer

No matter where your path starts at Chiesi, it leads to inspiring possibilities. Your future is our focus, and we are committed to nurturing your development in our dynamic, friendly environment with access to resources and training every step of the way.

We provide top-class benefits, including comprehensive healthcare programs, work-life balance initiatives, and robust relocation support. Our salary package is competitive, comprising a basic salary, performance bonuses, and benefits benchmarked against the external market. Additionally, we offer flexible working arrangements, remote work options, and tax assistance services for foreign colleagues, all designed to help you thrive.

Chiesi USA is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring a diverse work force at all levels of our business. All qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other basis protected by local, state or federal law. This policy applies with regard to all aspects of one's employment, including hiring, transfer, promotion, compensation, eligibility for benefits and termination.