Novartis
Patent Attorney II
$186K–$344K
LaJolla/SD +1 · Full-time · Posted Oct 16, 2026
- Location
- LaJolla/SD
Cambridge (USA) - Experience
- 7+ years as a qualified patent attorney in a law firm or pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry; preferably 1–2 years of drug discovery and development exposure.
- Education
- J.D.; advanced degree in chemistry or a closely related field. Ph.D. strongly preferred.
About the job
Leads patent and intellectual property activities for Novartis R&D, including portfolio development, legal advice, due diligence, and transactional support.
What you'll do
- Advise R&D clients on invention protection, patent strategy, publication strategy, and third-party risks; build and manage patent portfolios.
- Provide legal opinions and conduct due diligence on patentability, validity, freedom to operate, infringement, and risk mitigation.
- Support transactions, including M&A, research collaborations, and in-licensing, with contract drafting and negotiation advice.
What they ask for
- J.D., admission to at least one state bar, and registration to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
- Advanced degree in chemistry or a closely related field; Ph.D. strongly preferred.
- Strong chemistry expertise, preferably involving small molecules, synthesis, or pharmaceutical development.
- Expertise in U.S. and PCT patent law and practice, with detailed understanding of European and other major global patent systems.
Nice to have
- 1–2 years of exposure to pharmaceutical or biotechnology drug discovery and development processes.
- Strong analytical, presentation, communication, and collaboration skills.
Pay
USD $185,500.00 - $344,500.00 per year (base salary)
Tools
U.S. patent law, PCT patent law, European patent law
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