Principal Patent Agent, Biologics & Gene Therapy- San Diego based

Who We Are :

At Neurocrine Biosciences, we pride ourselves on having a strong, inclusive, and positive culture based on our shared purpose and values.

We know what it takes to be great, and we are as passionate about our people as we are about our purpose - to relieve suffering for people with great needs, but few options.

What We Do :

Neurocrine Biosciences is a leading neuroscience-focused, biopharmaceutical company with a simple purpose : to relieve suffering for people with great needs, but few options.

We are dedicated to discovering and developing life-changing treatments for patients with under-addressed neurological, neuroendocrine, and neuropsychiatric disorders.

The company’s diverse portfolio includes FDA-approved treatments for tardive dyskinesia, chorea associated with Huntington’s disease, 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 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 (Formerly Twitter) and Facebook. (*in collaboration with AbbVie)

About the Role :

Responsible for participating in the development and execution of global patent strategies and managing day to day patent activities to support multiple biologics and gene therapy preclinical and clinical development programs.

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

Identifies inventions in collaboration with members of various discovery and development groups relating to gene therapy, antibodies, peptides, and other biologics programs within the Company

Drafts and prosecutes patent applications relating to gene therapy, antibodies, peptides, and other biologics that are strategically aligned with the Company’s business objectives

Works and interacts with collaborators and other external strategic partners to implement global patent strategies

Communicates complex patent advice to team members at every level in the organization, with a wide range of scientific backgrounds

Assists with strategic IP due diligence, including conducting prior art and patent searches and analyzing the patent portfolios of competitors and potential collaborators

Evaluates IP risks and recommends solutions under little supervision

Supports preparation of patent term extension filings

Reviews proposed publications and analyzes potential impact on the Company’s patent portfolio

Contributes to development of best practices within the group

Manages the use of outside legal counsel globally

Other duties as assigned

Requirements :

Master’s degree or PhD required in molecular biology or related discipline and 7+ years in-house and / or law firm patent experience related to gene therapy, antibodies, peptides, and other biologics.

Extensive experience drafting patent applications directed to gene therapy, antibodies, peptides, and other biologics

Registered to practice before the US Patent and Trademark Office

A broad range of patent-related legal expertise required, including in patent preparation, both U.S. and foreign prosecution, IP due diligence, and strategic counseling.

Experience in drafting and prosecuting patents covering therapeutic antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates, and related technologies is preferred

Extensive experience drafting patent applications directed to gene therapy, antibodies, peptides, and other biologics

Ability to independently oversee legal matters, manage the use of outside legal counsel and work collaboratively with other personnel at Neurocrine

Ability to set aggressive deadlines, handle multiple complex legal matters and see projects through to conclusion

Has knowledge of best practices in the functional discipline and familiarity with the broader underlying concepts of related business disciplines

Works to improve tools and processes within functional area

Developing reputation inside the company as it relates to area of expertise

Ability to work as part of and lead multiple teams

Exhibits leadership skill and ability, typically leads lower levels and / or indirect teams

Excellent computer skills

Excellent communications, problem-solving, analytical thinking skills

Sees broader picture, impact on multiple departments / divisions

Ability to meet multiple deadlines across a variety of projects / programs, with a high degree of accuracy and efficiency

Excellent project management skills

LI-TM1

Neurocrine Biosciences is an EEO / AA / Disability / Vets employer.

We are committed to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace, 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 $157,700.00-$228,875.00. 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 30% 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.