Patent Counsel - Chemistry

Role Summary

Patent Counsel with deep expertise in chemistry to shape and lead the intellectual property strategy behind our chemistry platform and therapeutic programs. This is a cross-functional role that treats you as a business partner first — and a lawyer second. You will operate at the intersection of chemistry, AI-driven drug discovery, and IP strategy, partnering with chemists, computational scientists, development teams, and business development leaders to translate complex science into forward-looking, globally aligned IP protection that enables clinical progress and competitive differentiation. Location: Salt Lake City (SLC) or New York City (NYC) preferred; remote work considered with regular on-site visits.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute IP strategies for chemistry programs and platform innovations across our portfolio
• Evaluate program maturity and recommend appropriate patent filing, prosecution, and protection strategies
• Conduct and oversee FTO analyses and advise on risk mitigation, while helping guide our global filing strategy and coordinate international prosecution
• Support IND-related IP considerations and life-cycle planning
• Occasionally draft or substantively contribute to patent applications (approximately once or twice per quarter)
• Ensure filings align with broader business and clinical strategy

Qualifications

• Required: Minimum 7+ years of relevant IP experience with a mix of law firm and in-house experience
• Required: Strong background in chemistry, biochemistry, or related field (PhD preferred; Master’s or Bachelor’s with deep industry experience considered)
• Required: Experience supporting clinical-stage assets, pharmaceutical, or biotechnology programs
• Required: Experience in patent prosecution (strongly preferred foundation), with exposure to litigation and/or transactional IP matters
• Required: Demonstrated ability to work independently as a scientific subject matter expert
• Preferred: Experience supporting small molecule drug discovery programs
• Preferred: Exposure to AI-enabled or computational drug discovery environments
• Preferred: Experience with licensing (in-licensing/out-licensing), BD diligence, and alliance support
• Preferred: Familiarity with global patent strategy across US/EU/UK and other key jurisdictions

Education

• PhD preferred; Master’s or Bachelor’s with deep industry experience considered