Patent Attorney II

About the role

Novartis is looking for a Patent Attorney II to protect its scientific discoveries and enable medicines to reach patients worldwide. You will partner closely with R&D teams to drive strategic intellectual property decisions, build robust patent portfolios and safeguard innovation across the product lifecycle. The role is based in the Cambridge or San Diego office three times per week.

Key responsibilities

• Give R&D clients clear, strategic, business-focused counsel on invention protection, portfolio development, publication strategy and third-party risks.
• Build and manage patent portfolios for R&D projects, preparing, prosecuting, maintaining and defending filings in areas such as biologics, protein therapeutics, antibodies, cell and gene therapies, nucleic acid technologies, manufacturing processes, formulations, methods of treatment, biomarkers, companion diagnostics, platforms and clinical developments.
• Render legal opinions on patentability, validity and freedom to operate, and develop patent strategies that strengthen IP positions.
• Apply knowledge of national patent law and practice, and understand other forms of exclusivity protection where appropriate.
• Communicate with colleagues and leaders across legal, IP and R&D, and build relationships with outside counsel and collaborators in a multicultural global patent function.
• Conduct due diligence and advise on freedom-to-operate, infringement, validity and risk.
• Support transactional matters such as M&A, research collaborations and in-licensing, including contract drafting and negotiation.

Required profile

• J.D. with admission to at least one state bar and registration to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
• Ph.D. in molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, immunology, genetics, biotechnology, pharmaceutical sciences or a related life sciences field.
• Seven or more years of experience as a patent attorney in a law firm or pharmaceutical or biotechnology environment.
• Proven ability to partner with scientific and business stakeholders to deliver strategic IP advice.

Required skills

• Expertise in U.S. and PCT patent law, filing and prosecution, with detailed understanding of European patent law and other major systems.
• Strong technical expertise in life sciences, including biologics, antibodies, protein engineering, cell and gene therapies and nucleic acid technologies.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, global environment.

What we offer

• Expected salary of $194,600 to $361,400 per year, with a performance-based cash incentive and possible annual equity awards.
• Health, life and disability benefits, a 401(k) with company contribution and match, and a time-off package including vacation, personal days and holidays.