Director, Intellectual Property

Role Summary

IDEAYA Biosciences is seeking an experienced Intellectual Property (IP) Attorney to support the Company’s intellectual property function and protect its small molecule product candidates. The role involves collaborating with inventors, senior scientific leaders, and the legal team to develop and execute IP strategies. This position is based in South San Francisco and requires onsite presence four days per week.

Responsibilities

• Global IP portfolio management, including preparing and prosecuting patent applications focused on small molecules, and developing IP strategy
• Partner with cross-departmental teams to understand project technology, identify patentable inventions, and implement protection strategies
• Identify and evaluate complex risks (e.g., patentability, infringement, validity) and develop business-focused mitigation strategies
• Conduct freedom-to-operate reviews, analyze third-party patent positions, and guide overall IP strategy
• Perform IP due diligence and provide support for business development opportunities
• Manage external legal counsel and ensure compliance with global IP laws and regulations
• Coordinate and manage patent filings and strategy with collaborators and licensors
• Assist in building IP department infrastructure and policies, and provide internal IP training
• Monitor and assess competitive IP landscape and industry trends for risk and opportunity analysis

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, preferably Organic Chemistry, or Master‚Äôs in Organic Chemistry
• Juris Doctorate from an ABA credited law school and a member in good standing of the California Bar, or the ability to qualify as California Registered In-House Counsel
• Registered before the United States Patent and Trademark Office
• Minimum 7 years of experience in providing IP counsel and support in the pharmaceutical small molecules (patent preparation and prosecution, life cycle management, opinion, and IP strategy), including preferably 2-3 years in-house experience
• Proven track record developing and implementing patent strategies with demonstrated success securing meaningful patent protection for products and related technology
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and cooperatively in a fast-paced start up environment with internal teams and to respond in a timely and effective manner
• Must have strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret complex scientific and legal information
• Proficiency in using scientific and IP databases
• Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills and attention to detail