Associate Director-Patent Research
Eli Lilly and Company
June 26, 2026
Remote friendly (Indianapolis, IN)
United States
Corporate Functions
Responsibilities:
- Develop effective search queries and perform competitive intelligence, landscape, freedom-to-operate (FTO), and patentability searches; collaborate with scientists and attorneys to develop strategies for definitive searches.
- Analyze and organize search findings; report organized findings to attorneys to inform landscape, patentability, exclusivity and FTO strategies.
- Support due diligence of external assets.
- Obtain, create, organize, analyze, and maintain information relating to R&D and commercialization activities, competitive intelligence, prior art, exclusivity, FTO, agreements, product characteristics, and advice.
- Master computer-based, IP-related tools; support development of AI-based tools for collection and analysis of competitive intelligence and technical analysis to support competitor landscape, FTO, and patentability assessments.
Basic Qualifications:
- B.S. or higher in chemistry or biological science (advanced degree preferred).
- At least 2 years of experience in patent law (law firm or in-house).
- At least 2 years of searching or technical experience related to drug discovery and/or pharmaceutical product development.
- Authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis; visa sponsorship/work authorization not provided.
Additional Skills/Preferences:
- Fluency in nomenclature for organic chemical compounds and biological drug products.
- Ability to master global patent law and regulatory law concepts, plus new IT/operational systems.
- Excellent written/verbal communication and ability to influence others.
- Strong attention to detail.
- Strong project management and prioritization; self-manage multiple projects with multiple attorney partners.
- Ability to influence, challenge, and work on cross-functional teams.
Benefits (if applicable):
- Full-time employees may be eligible for a company bonus and a comprehensive benefits program (e.g., 401(k), pension, vacation, medical/dental/vision/prescription, flexible benefits, life insurance, time off/leave, and well-being benefits).
- Develop effective search queries and perform competitive intelligence, landscape, freedom-to-operate (FTO), and patentability searches; collaborate with scientists and attorneys to develop strategies for definitive searches.
- Analyze and organize search findings; report organized findings to attorneys to inform landscape, patentability, exclusivity and FTO strategies.
- Support due diligence of external assets.
- Obtain, create, organize, analyze, and maintain information relating to R&D and commercialization activities, competitive intelligence, prior art, exclusivity, FTO, agreements, product characteristics, and advice.
- Master computer-based, IP-related tools; support development of AI-based tools for collection and analysis of competitive intelligence and technical analysis to support competitor landscape, FTO, and patentability assessments.
Basic Qualifications:
- B.S. or higher in chemistry or biological science (advanced degree preferred).
- At least 2 years of experience in patent law (law firm or in-house).
- At least 2 years of searching or technical experience related to drug discovery and/or pharmaceutical product development.
- Authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis; visa sponsorship/work authorization not provided.
Additional Skills/Preferences:
- Fluency in nomenclature for organic chemical compounds and biological drug products.
- Ability to master global patent law and regulatory law concepts, plus new IT/operational systems.
- Excellent written/verbal communication and ability to influence others.
- Strong attention to detail.
- Strong project management and prioritization; self-manage multiple projects with multiple attorney partners.
- Ability to influence, challenge, and work on cross-functional teams.
Benefits (if applicable):
- Full-time employees may be eligible for a company bonus and a comprehensive benefits program (e.g., 401(k), pension, vacation, medical/dental/vision/prescription, flexible benefits, life insurance, time off/leave, and well-being benefits).