Senior Patent Agent
IDEAYA Biosciences
August 24, 2026
Remote friendly (South San Francisco, CA)
United States
Corporate Functions
Position Summary
- Senior Patent Agent supporting the Company’s intellectual property function to protect small molecule product candidates. Reports to the Vice President of Intellectual Property. Onsite in South San Francisco, required 4 days/week.
What you’ll do:
- Manage global IP portfolio; prepare and prosecute patent applications for small molecules
- Partner with cross-functional teams to identify patentable inventions and implement IP protection strategies
- Identify/evaluate risks (patentability, infringement, validity) and develop mitigation strategies
- Perform freedom-to-operate (FTO) reviews and analyze third-party patent positions to guide IP strategy
- Maintain knowledge of patent law and PTO rules across U.S. and other jurisdictions
- Manage outside counsel; ensure compliance with global IP laws/regulations
- Monitor competitive IP landscape and IP trends
- Communicate clearly (oral/written) across all organizational levels
- Support IP department administration, infrastructure, and policies
- Provide IP diligence and support for business development
Requirements:
- Ph.D. in Chemistry (preferably Organic) or Master’s in Organic Chemistry
- Registered before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
- 7+ years patent agent experience in pharmaceutical small molecules (preparation/prosecution), preferably 2–3 years in-house
- Proven patent strategy development with successful patent protection outcomes
- Strong analytical, independent, proactive, and organizational skills; ability to prioritize competing work
- Proficiency with scientific and IP databases
- Excellent written/verbal communication and attention to detail
Total Rewards (explicit):
- Expected salary range: $198,000–$245,000
- Medical/dental/vision (100% company paid for employees; 90% for dependents), 401k, ESPP, wellness programs
- Senior Patent Agent supporting the Company’s intellectual property function to protect small molecule product candidates. Reports to the Vice President of Intellectual Property. Onsite in South San Francisco, required 4 days/week.
What you’ll do:
- Manage global IP portfolio; prepare and prosecute patent applications for small molecules
- Partner with cross-functional teams to identify patentable inventions and implement IP protection strategies
- Identify/evaluate risks (patentability, infringement, validity) and develop mitigation strategies
- Perform freedom-to-operate (FTO) reviews and analyze third-party patent positions to guide IP strategy
- Maintain knowledge of patent law and PTO rules across U.S. and other jurisdictions
- Manage outside counsel; ensure compliance with global IP laws/regulations
- Monitor competitive IP landscape and IP trends
- Communicate clearly (oral/written) across all organizational levels
- Support IP department administration, infrastructure, and policies
- Provide IP diligence and support for business development
Requirements:
- Ph.D. in Chemistry (preferably Organic) or Master’s in Organic Chemistry
- Registered before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
- 7+ years patent agent experience in pharmaceutical small molecules (preparation/prosecution), preferably 2–3 years in-house
- Proven patent strategy development with successful patent protection outcomes
- Strong analytical, independent, proactive, and organizational skills; ability to prioritize competing work
- Proficiency with scientific and IP databases
- Excellent written/verbal communication and attention to detail
Total Rewards (explicit):
- Expected salary range: $198,000–$245,000
- Medical/dental/vision (100% company paid for employees; 90% for dependents), 401k, ESPP, wellness programs