Description:
Cytokinetics is a specialty cardiovascular biopharmaceutical company, building on its over 25 years of pioneering scientific innovations in muscle biology, and advancing a pipeline of potential new medicines for patients suffering from diseases of cardiac muscle dysfunction.The Senior Patent Agent will report to the Senior Director, Intellectual Property and play a key role in developing, protecting, and advancing Cytokinetics' intellectual property portfolio. This individual will serve as a strategic partner to Research and Development (R&D), and Legal leadership, helping identify and protect innovations that support the company's scientific and business objectives.
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 subject matter.
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. Experience as a medicinal chemist is a plus.
- At least 5 years of patent preparation and prosecution experience supporting pharmaceutical or biotechnology companies. In-house biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry experience is preferred.
- Experience preparing and prosecuting patent applications involving small molecule therapeutics.
- Demonstrated experience partnering directly with scientists and multidisciplinary research teams.
- Strong understanding of U.S. patent law and global patent prosecution practices.
- Excellent analytical, communication, and project management skills.
- Experience supporting business development transactions and IP due diligence.
- Familiarity with and interest in the deployment of AI-driven patent tools is a strong plus. Willingness to evaluate and use AI tools is required.
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