Sr. IP Counsel, Chemistry | Small Molecule

Neurocrine Biosciences; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 227,000 - 310,000; Full time

Job summary

Neurocrine Biosciences seeks a senior intellectual property expert to develop and advance global IP strategies across small molecule programs, including licensing, collaboration, and strategic transactions.

You will provide expert IP counsel to cross-functional stakeholders, oversee patent strategy and portfolio development, and lead outside counsel to align with business priorities. Strong communication and negotiation skills are essential.

Qualifications

• At least 8 years of in-house and/or law firm patent experience related to small molecule drugs.
• Registered to practice before the US Patent and Trademark Office.
• Ph.D. in organic chemistry or allied discipline; J.D. required for law practice in US.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic IP counsel to business development, research, legal, senior leadership and cross-functional stakeholders on IP-related deal structures and protections.
• Lead due diligence for licensing, collaboration, acquisition and other strategic transactions, addressing patent portfolios, ownership, and freedom-to-operate.
• Develop and direct patent strategies, including invention identification, drafting, prosecution and portfolio development for small molecule therapeutics.
• Manage outside counsel globally to align with Neurocrine's IP objectives and business priorities.

Skills

IP counsel

Due diligence

Licensing

Patent strategy

Prosecution & enforcement

Contract negotiations

Cross-functional collaboration

External counsel management

Education

PhD in Chemistry

J.D. and bar admission (US)

Job description

Who We Are:

Neurocrine Biosciences is a leading biopharmaceutical company with a simple purpose: to relieve suffering for people with great needs. We are dedicated to discovering, developing and commercializing life-changing treatments for patients with under-addressed neurological, psychiatric, endocrine and immunological disorders. The company's diverse portfolio includes FDA-approved treatments for tardive dyskinesia, chorea associated with Huntington's disease, classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia, hyperphagia in Prader‑Willi syndrome, endometriosis* and uterine fibroids*, as well as a robust pipeline including multiple compounds in mid- to late-phase clinical development across our core therapeutic areas. For more than three decades, we have applied our unique insight into neuroscience and the interconnections between brain and body systems to treat complex conditions. We relentlessly pursue medicines to ease the burden of debilitating diseases and disorders, because you deserve brave science. For more information, visit neurocrine.com, and follow the company on LinkedIn, X, Facebook and YouTube. (*in collaboration with AbbVie)

About the Role:

This position will serve as a senior intellectual property expert responsible for developing and advancing global IP strategies across multiple small molecule discovery, clinical development and commercial phase Neurocrine programs, including strategic counsel related to for licensing, collaboration, acquisition, and other strategic transactions. The role provides expert IP counsel to cross-functional and senior stakeholders, identifies and resolves complex IP issues, and influences business and portfolio strategies through deep expertise in small molecule patent and transactional matters.

Your Contributions (include, but are not limited to):

• Providing strategic IP counsel to business development, research, legal, senior leadership and other cross-functional stakeholders on IP-related deal structure, risk allocation, and contractual protections, including license grants, sublicensing rights, exclusivity, improvements, background and foreground IP, patent prosecution and enforcement, and rights following termination
• Leading strategic IP analysis and due diligence for licensing, collaboration, acquisition, and other strategic transactions, partnering with internal and external counsel to identify, evaluate, and resolve complex IP issues involving patent portfolios, chain of title, ownership and inventorship, third-party license restrictions and encumbrances, freedom-to-operate, patent coverage, and other third-party rights.
• Supporting post-execution IP-related alliance and contract matters, including implementation of IP provisions and evaluation of amendments, new research activities, and additional licensing opportunities
• Developing and directing patent strategies, including invention identification, patent drafting, prosecution, and portfolio development, relating to small molecule pharmaceuticals
• Identifying and driving strategic opportunities to strengthen and expand Neurocrine's IP position in collaboration with members of various discovery, development and business groups within Neurocrine
• Influencing and collaborating with internal stakeholders, collaborators and other external strategic partners to develop and advance global IP strategies aligned with Neurocrine’s business and portfolio objectives
• Leading the IP strategy, review and negotiation of intellectual property provisions in complex life sciences transactions, including license and collaboration agreements, research agreements, option agreements, acquisitions, and other business development transactions
• Providing strategic IP counsel for ANDA litigation and other IP-related contentious matters, in partnership with internal stakeholders
• Strategically directing and managing outside legal counsel globally to ensure alignment with Neurocrine's IP objectives, business priorities, and legal strategy
• Other duties assigned as required

Requirements:

• At least 8 years of in-house and/or law firm patent experience related to small molecule drugs
• Registered to practice before the US Patent and Trademark Office
• A graduate degree in organic chemistry or an allied chemistry discipline required, Ph.D. preferred; and a Juris Doctorate and admission to practice law in a US state or the District of Columbia required
• Industrial or academic scientific experience in small molecule therapeutics discovery, development, and/or manufacturing preferred, but not required
• Deep and broad patent law expertise related to small molecule therapies and pharmaceutical subject matter, including U.S. and foreign patent preparation and prosecution, strategic IP counseling, and management of complex or contentious IP matters
• Significant experience structuring, drafting, reviewing, and negotiating IP provisions in complex life sciences transactions involving U.S. and foreign entities, with deep knowledge of licensing structures, sublicensing, exclusivity, improvements, prosecution and enforcement rights, freedom to operate, and allocation of background, foreground, and newly developed IP.
• Strong understanding of the intersection between patent law and transactional contracting, including licensing structures, sublicensing, exclusivity, improvements, prosecution and enforcement rights, freedom to operate, and allocation of newly developed IP
• Ability to translate complex patent and IP issues into practical, commercially focused advice for business development, research, and legal stakeholders
• Experience with managing small molecule pharmaceutical exclusivity related legal matters including brand-on-brand patent litigation strategies and the aspects of regulatory affairs related to market exclusivity is preferred but not required
• Exceptional communication skills, including presentation, interpersonal interactions, written work and conflict resolution with an ability to effectively interact with Neurocrine team members at every level in the organization and across a wide range of scientific knowledge levels
• Experience with Orange Book and Patent Term Extension practice for the US and SPC practice for Europe is preferred but not required
• Ability to independently oversee legal matters, manage the use of outside legal counsel and work collaboratively with other personnel at Neurocrine
• Ability to independently prioritize and lead multiple complex, high-impact legal matters, exercise sound judgment in ambiguous situations, and drive matters through successful resolution
• #LI-CL1

Neurocrine Biosciences is an EEO/Disability/Vets employer. We are committed to building a workplace of belonging, respect, and empowerment, and we recognize there are a variety of ways to meet our requirements. We are looking for the best candidate for the job and encourage you to apply even if your experience or qualifications don't line up to exactly what we have outlined in the job description.

The annual base salary we reasonably expect to pay is $227,200.00-$310,000.00. Individual pay decisions depend on various factors, such as primary work location, complexity and responsibility of role, job duties/requirements, and relevant experience and skills. In addition, this position offers an annual bonus with a target of 35% of the earned base salary and eligibility to participate in our equity based long term incentive program.

We are a top place to work. Neurocrine Biosciences was named one of the FORTUNE Best Workplaces in Biopharma 2025. We were also named a Great Place to Work Certified company. C2025 Fortune Media IP Limited. All rights reserved. Used under license.

OUR VALUES:

• PASSION: We are driven and love what we do. We are committed to our goals and to making a difference.
• INTEGRITY: We do the right thing for patients and our community. We take accountability. We speak up.
• COLLABORATION: We trust one another. We are inclusive. We are respectful. We are transparent. Together we succeed.
• INNOVATION: We seek and create optimal solutions.
• TENACITY: We do not quit. We adapt. We accomplish what others cannot.

Come join our team during this exciting time of growth and opportunities!