Sr. Patent Agent- Small Molecule

Neurocrine Biosciences; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 136,300 - 186,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement plan with company match

Paid vacation / holidays

Health benefits including medical, Rx,

Dental and vision coverage

Job summary

Neurocrine Biosciences is seeking a highly qualified patent counsel to serve as the primary IP partner for assigned small molecule programs. You will identify inventions, draft and prosecute U.S.

and international patent applications, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to protect company innovations. The role requires a PhD in organic chemistry with in-house or law firm patent experience, plus strong communication and analytical skills.

Qualifications

• PhD in organic chemistry or related discipline with relevant academic and applied experience.
• In-house and/or nationally recognized law firm patent experience related to small‑molecule drugs or similar compounds.
• Expertise in preparing patent applications directed to small‑molecule drugs or similar compounds.
• Registered to practice before the USPTO.
• Strong understanding of patent prosecution processes and sound judgment in IP matters.
• Ability to work in a team and train lower levels.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and platforms used for patent prosecution and IP portfolio management.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary IP partner for assigned Small Molecule programs, providing patent counseling.
• Identify inventions with discovery and development groups.
• Draft, file, and prosecute U.S. and international patent applications for small‑molecule drugs.
• Collaborate with collaborators and external partners to implement global patent strategies.
• Conduct prior art searches and analyze competitor portfolios for due diligence.
• Review proposed publications for impact on patent portfolio.
• Manage multiple patent prosecution matters from start to finish.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Patent counseling

Patent prosecution

Communication skills

Analytical thinking

Teamwork

Multi-task management

Education

PhD in Organic Chemistry

Tools

Microsoft Office

IP portfolio management software

Job description

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.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary intellectual property partner for assigned Small Molecule programs, providing independent patent counseling and partnering with cross‑functional teams to protect company innovations
• Identify inventions in collaboration with discovery and development groups within the company
• Draft, file, and prosecute U.S. and international patent applications relating to small‑molecule drugs and other chemistry programs that are strategically aligned with the company’s business objectives
• Work and interact with collaborators and external strategic partners to implement global patent strategies
• Assist with strategic IP due diligence, including conducting prior art and patent searches and analyzing the patent portfolios of competitors and potential collaborators
• Review proposed publications and analyze potential impact on the company’s patent portfolio and intellectual property
• Manage and handle multiple patent prosecution matters, seeing projects through to conclusion
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• PhD in organic chemistry or a related discipline with relevant academic and applied experience
• Relevant experience must include in‑house and/or nationally recognized law firm patent experience related to small‑molecule drugs or other biologically active organic compounds
• Expertise in preparing patent applications directed to small‑molecule drugs or other biologically active organic compounds
• Registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
• Strong understanding of patent prosecution processes and applies sound judgment in managing intellectual property matters
• Ability to work as part of a team and may train lower levels
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and technology platforms used to support patent prosecution and intellectual property portfolio management
• Strong communication, problem‑solving, analytical thinking skills
• Detail oriented with the ability to understand the broader impact of intellectual property decisions on supported programs
• Ability to meet multiple and aggressive deadlines across a variety of projects/programs, with a high degree of accuracy and efficiency
• Demonstrated ability to independently manage multiple patent matters while balancing shifting priorities and aggressive timelines

The annual base salary we reasonably expect to pay is $136,300.00-$186,000.00. 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 20% of the earned base salary and eligibility to participate in our equity‑based long‑term incentive program.

Benefits offered include a retirement savings plan (with company match), paid vacation, holiday and personal days, paid caregiver/parental and medical leave, and health benefits to include medical, prescription drug, dental and vision coverage in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans.