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Sr. Patent Agent- Small Molecule


Job Location:

San Diego, CA - USA

Monthly Salary: $ 136300 - 186000
Posted: 17 July 2026 (30+ days ago)
Application Deadline: 18 November 2026
Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Who We Are:

Neurocrine Biosciencesis a leading biopharmaceutical company with a simple purpose: to relieve suffering for people with great needs. We are dedicated to discovering developing and commercializing life-changing treatments for patients with under-addressed neurological psychiatric endocrine and immunological disorders. The companys diverse portfolio includes FDA-approved treatments for tardive dyskinesia chorea associated with Huntingtons disease classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia hyperphagia in Prader-Willi syndrome endometriosis* and uterine fibroids* as well as a robust pipeline including multiple compounds in mid- to late-phase clinical development across our core therapeutic areas. For more than three decades we have applied our unique insight into neuroscience and the interconnections between brain and body systems to treat complex conditions. We relentlessly pursue medicines to ease the burden of debilitating diseases and disorders because you deserve brave science. For more information visit and follow the company onLinkedInX Facebook and YouTube. (*in collaboration with AbbVie)



About the Role:
Provides intellectual property support for Small Molecule research and development programs by independently drafting and prosecuting patent applications contributing to the development and execution of global patent strategies and managing patent activities for assigned programs. Partners cross-functionally with research development and legal stakeholders to protect Company innovations and advance business objectives.

Your Contributions (include but are not limited to):
  • Your Contributions (include but are not limited to):

  • Serves as the primary intellectual property partner for assigned Small Molecule programs providing independent patent counseling and partnering with cross-functional teams to protect Company innovations

  • Identifies inventions in collaboration with members of various discovery and development groups within the Company

  • Drafts files and prosecutes U.S. and international patent applications relating to small molecule drugs and other chemistry programs that are strategically aligned with the Companys business objectives

  • Works and interacts with collaborators and other external strategic partners to implement global patent strategies

  • Assists with strategic IP due diligence including conducting prior art and patent searches and analyzing the patent portfolios of competitors and potential collaborators

  • Reviews proposed publications and analyzes potential impact on the Companys patent portfolio and intellectual property

  • Responsible for managing/handling multiple patent prosecution matters and seeing projects through to conclusion

  • Other duties as assigned

Requirements:
  • PhD in organic chemistry or a related discipline with relevant academic and applied experience

  • Relevant experience must include in-house and/or nationally recognized law firm patent experience related to small molecule drugs or other biologically active organic compounds

  • Expertise in preparing patent applications directed to small molecule drugs or other biologically active organic compounds

  • Registered to practice before the US Patent and Trademark Office

  • Demonstrates a strong understanding of patent prosecution processes and applies sound judgment in managing intellectual property matters. Ability to work as part of a team; may train lower levels

  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and technology platforms used to support patent prosecution and intellectual property portfolio management

  • Strong communications problem-solving analytical thinking skills

  • Detail oriented with the ability to understand the broader impact of intellectual property decisions on supported programs. Ability to meet multiple and aggressive deadlines across a variety of projects/programs with a high degree of accuracy and efficiency

  • Demonstrated ability to independently manage multiple patent matters while balancing shifting priorities and aggressive timelines

#LI-TM1

Neurocrine Biosciences is an EEO/Disability/Vets employer.

We are committed to building a workplace of belonging respect and empowerment and we recognize there are a variety of ways to meet our requirements. We are looking for the best candidate for the job and encourage you to apply even if your experience or qualifications dont line up to exactly what we have outlined in the job description.

The annual base salary we reasonably expect to pay is $136300.00-$186000.00. Individual pay decisions depend on various factors such as primary work location complexity and responsibility of role job duties/requirements and relevant experience and addition this position offers an annual bonus with a target of 20% of the earned base salary and eligibility to participate in our equity based long term incentive program. Benefits offered include a retirement savings plan (with company match) paid vacation holiday and personal days paid caregiver/parental and medical leave and health benefits to include medical prescription drug dental and vision coverage in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans.

Required Experience:

Senior IC


About Company

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Neurocrine Biosciences is dedicated to providing breakthrough treatments for patients in need with rare and under-addressed diseases.

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