Senior Patent Agent

Role Summary

IDEAYA Biosciences is seeking an experienced Senior Patent Agent 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 patent strategies, manage global IP portfolios, and perform IP due diligence.

Responsibilities

• Global IP portfolio management including preparing and prosecuting patent applications focusing on small molecules
• Partner with cross department teams to understand project technology, identify patentable inventions, and implement IP protection strategies
• Identify and evaluate risks (patentability, infringement, validity) and craft mitigation strategies
• Conduct freedom to operate reviews, analyze third-party patent positions, and guide IP strategy
• Maintain knowledge of patent case law, rules and regulations before USPTO and other IP offices
• Manage outside legal counsel and ensure compliance with global IP laws and regulations
• Monitor and analyze competitive IP landscape and IP trends to assess risk and opportunities
• Communicate clearly, both orally and in writing, to all levels of the organization
• Assist in managing IP department administration, infrastructure, and policies
• Conduct IP diligence and provide IP support for business development opportunities

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, preferably Organic Chemistry, or Master‚Äôs in Organic Chemistry
• Registered before the United States Patent and Trademark Office
• 7+ years of patent agent experience in pharmaceutical small molecules (patent preparation and prosecution), including 2‚Äì3 years in-house experience
• Proven track record developing and implementing patent strategies with meaningful patent protection
• Ability to work independently with strong organizational skills and prioritize multiple projects
• Strong analytical skills and ability to interpret complex scientific and legal information
• Proficiency in using scientific and IP databases
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and attention to detail

Skills

• IP strategy development
• Patent portfolio management
• Freedom to operate analysis
• Legal coordination with external counsel
• Cross-functional collaboration

Education

• Ph.D. in Chemistry (preferred) or Master‚Äôs in Organic Chemistry

Additional Requirements

• Onsite work requirement: four days per week at South San Francisco headquarters