Senior Patent Agent
Cytokinetics
September 03, 2026
Remote friendly (San Francisco Bay Area)
United States
Corporate Functions
Responsibilities:
- Prepare and prosecute patent applications for Cytokinetics, focusing on small molecules (e.g., composition of matter, crystalline forms, compositions, methods of treatment, etc.).
- Identify patentable inventions through frequent interactions with project teams.
- Conduct and analyze patentability and freedom to operate searches related to compounds including small molecules and their use.
- Prosecute patent applications in the US and instruct outside and foreign counsel.
- Support IP diligence and provide other IP support for licensing, collaboration, and business development opportunities.
- Review and advise on proposed company scientific and medical publications and disclosures.
- Attend research team meetings to provide guidance and counsel on patent strategy.
- Communicate with internal stakeholders to understand business needs and ensure IP protection aligns with those needs.
- Identify IP risks and communicate those risks to internal stakeholders for discussion and resolution.
- Participate in and contribute to broader Legal department projects and initiatives beyond IP.
Qualifications:
- Registered Patent Agent admitted to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
- Bachelor’s degree in a life science discipline, preferably chemistry. Master or Ph.D. in organic chemistry preferred; medicinal chemist experience is a plus.
- At least 5 years of patent preparation and prosecution experience supporting pharmaceutical or biotechnology companies (in-house experience preferred).
- Experience with patent applications involving small molecule therapeutics.
- Demonstrated experience partnering with scientists and multidisciplinary research teams.
- Strong understanding of U.S. patent law and global patent prosecution.
- Excellent analytical, communication, and project management skills.
- Experience supporting business development transactions and IP due diligence.
- Familiarity with and interest in AI-driven patent tools (willingness required).
Pay/Benefits:
- Expected salary range: $175,500–$204,750; total compensation includes equity, health/dental/vision/life/disability insurance, 401k match, learning and wellness stipends, and paid time off.
- Prepare and prosecute patent applications for Cytokinetics, focusing on small molecules (e.g., composition of matter, crystalline forms, compositions, methods of treatment, etc.).
- Identify patentable inventions through frequent interactions with project teams.
- Conduct and analyze patentability and freedom to operate searches related to compounds including small molecules and their use.
- Prosecute patent applications in the US and instruct outside and foreign counsel.
- Support IP diligence and provide other IP support for licensing, collaboration, and business development opportunities.
- Review and advise on proposed company scientific and medical publications and disclosures.
- Attend research team meetings to provide guidance and counsel on patent strategy.
- Communicate with internal stakeholders to understand business needs and ensure IP protection aligns with those needs.
- Identify IP risks and communicate those risks to internal stakeholders for discussion and resolution.
- Participate in and contribute to broader Legal department projects and initiatives beyond IP.
Qualifications:
- Registered Patent Agent admitted to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
- Bachelor’s degree in a life science discipline, preferably chemistry. Master or Ph.D. in organic chemistry preferred; medicinal chemist experience is a plus.
- At least 5 years of patent preparation and prosecution experience supporting pharmaceutical or biotechnology companies (in-house experience preferred).
- Experience with patent applications involving small molecule therapeutics.
- Demonstrated experience partnering with scientists and multidisciplinary research teams.
- Strong understanding of U.S. patent law and global patent prosecution.
- Excellent analytical, communication, and project management skills.
- Experience supporting business development transactions and IP due diligence.
- Familiarity with and interest in AI-driven patent tools (willingness required).
Pay/Benefits:
- Expected salary range: $175,500–$204,750; total compensation includes equity, health/dental/vision/life/disability insurance, 401k match, learning and wellness stipends, and paid time off.