Patent Attorney / Novartis - GNF, San Diego

Job description

Job Description

A global healthcare leader, Novartis has one of the most exciting product pipelines in the industry today. A pipeline of innovative medicines brought to life by diverse, talented, performance driven people. All of which makes us one of the most rewarding employers in our field. Under the umbrella of the Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research (NIBR), the Genomics Institute of the Novartis Research Foundation (GNF) located in La Jolla, California has the support of a broad collaboration with the entire Novartis research organization, while maintaining the independence to initiate and drive independent research programs.

We are looking for a Patent Attorney to manage, direct and leverage designated patent and related intellectual property (IP) activities within Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research (NIBR) and other NIBR-affiliated entities, with particular expertise in the medicinal chemistry field as well as substantial practical experience in the biologics field.

MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES:
Core activities:
• Coordinate, identify, draft, file and prosecute patent applications for all inventions arising from NIBR projects in the chemical field for Pharmaceutical Research and Development with an emphasis on biologics containing chemical moieties (e.g., linkers, conjugates, delivery systems, lipids, etc.): e.g., New Chemical Entities, and secondary patents (e.g., additional indications, combinations, etc.).
• Take active responsibility for the patent portfolio of all technologies, targets and projects in support of internal platforms or until transfer to the Pharmaceutical Products Division.
• Formulate patent strategies for key NIBR clients, including the Project teams, Platform teams, and Global Discovery Chemistry that secure target and technology Freedom-to-Operate (FTO), enable IP defense(s) and contribute to future product protection through lifecycle planning.
• Direct outside council prosecution and opinion services.
• Proactively provide critical IP perspective on key decision-making bodies at NIBR.
• Provide IP support to Strategic Alliances, including IP strategies leading to transaction opportunities, evaluation of in-licensing opportunities, negotiation support, contract drafting during active transactions; with Head of NIBR IP and Strategic Alliances, explore options for development candidates failing to transition into full clinical development or failing prior to Proof of Concept.
• Define product-supporting strategies with Pharma Product IP Attorneys prior to NIBR/Pharma transfer; support product strategies of Global Product Teams and Business Franchises/Business Units following NIBR/Pharma transfer as needed.
• Conduct target clearance/patent audits at appropriate stage gates consistent with NIBR Patents guidelines; coordinate with corresponding Pharma Product IP Attorney.
• Direct the NIBR IP Search & Analytics team to provide integrated search support for NIBR Project teams, NIBR Platform teams, and Global Discovery Chemistry.
• Support litigation for non-product IP litigations (e.g. technologies, research tools) in consultation with Corporate IP.
• Persistently partner, challenge and counsel NIBR clients on opportunities to protect their inventions.
• Continue professional development and contribute to development of IP colleagues.
• Maximize effective communication with NIBR scientists and leadership.
• Timely review of assigned external publication requests.

KEY QUALIFICATIONS & CAPABILITIES
• Strong scientific background in chemistry with an emphasis on biologics containing chemical moieties and with substantial practical experience in the biologics field.
• Expertise in US patent law; Detailed understanding of global patent systems (including but not limited to EP, JP, CN and international systems), patent process, documentation and national and international patent office filing systems
• Strong customer-service focus to build and sustain good working partnerships with key stakeholders and project teams
• Effective analytical, presentation and communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team
• Well-developed research and critical thinking skills, and sound decision-making abilities, with attention to detail to produce consistently accurate work
• Strong organization and time management skills with flexibility, creativity, resourcefulness to successfully prioritize and manage multiple, competing priorities simultaneously.
• Interpersonal skills (partnership, influence/persuasion, teamwork)
• Incorporates global outlook and management of product life-cycle into decision making process

EEO Statement

The Novartis Group of Companies are Equal Opportunity Employers and take pride in maintaining a diverse environment. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or any other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.

Desired profile

Minimum requirements

Minimum education: B.A., B.Sc. (or equivalent) in chemical or biochemical sciences

Registered to practice before the US Patent and Trademark Office

Desirable education: M.S., Ph.D. or equivalent in chemical or biochemical sciences

Languages: English written & spoken (required)

Ideal experience: Registered Patent attorney with > 5-8 years experience, preferably within the Pharma/Biotech Industry