Patent Attorney, Biologics

Are you ready to turn ideas into reality? We are looking for an experienced Patent Attorney to bridge the gap between science and legal practice. As the Director of IP (Biologics), you will manage patent portfolios for assigned projects and products while staying abreast of emerging legal and pharma developments. Your key objectives will be identifying and managing all associated IP risks and communicating them to IP, legal, and business teams. You will also craft strategies for filing, prosecution, maintenance, and defense of patents in your portfolio against third-party challenges. Managing external spend to meet budget targets will also be part of your role.

The position will be located in our Gaithersburg, MD head office.

Accountabilities:

Your responsibilities will include independently managing all aspects of building, maintaining, and defending specific patent portfolios. You will actively counsel members of Research & Development organizations to identify new inventions and devise strategies for patent protection over the extended drug development life cycle. You will also prepare and prosecute patent applications (US and ex-US), effectively managing outside counsel as needed. Leading all aspects of large intellectual property estates in AstraZeneca`s core and opportunistic therapeutic areas will be part of your role. You will also evaluate and monitor patent portfolios of third parties, develop and communicate IP guidance to stakeholders across the business, review and analyze license agreements and other contracts, and provide IP and technical analysis in support of patent litigations.

Essential Skills/Experience:

• Licensed US Attorney with USPTO Registration Number for US consideration
• Ph.D. or equivalent, and/or several years of laboratory experience in relevant scientific area, biology/biochemistry preferred
• Strong core biologics/antibody patent prosecution skills and ability to independently lead patent dockets and portfolios in multiple markets and jurisdictions
  
  
  

Desirable Skills/Experience:

• 5 years of proven experience in life science patent prosecution with global portfolios
• Combined in-house and law firm experience preferred
• Experience in the biotech and/or pharmaceutical industry
• Experience managing external service providers
• First-hand experience of IP-related litigation
• High level of professionalism, integrity and motivation; ability to work independently
• Ability to take initiative to complete tasks and manage risks
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects with rapidly evolving priorities
• Outstanding organizational skills and attention to detail
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• Effective time management skills
• Adaptable and versatile learner
• Ability to be an enterprise leader for the organization
  
  
  

When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash bold thinking with the power to inspire life-changing medicines. In-person working gives us the platform to connect, work at pace and challenge perceptions. That’s why we work from the office an average of 3 days per week. But that doesn't mean we’re not flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our unique and ambitious world.

Why AstraZeneca?

Join a talented global team that's powering AstraZeneca to serve patients better every day. The fuel behind our evolving, rapidly growing enterprise, we're here to help unlock the power of what science can do and ultimately have a big impact on patients' lives. Integrated and closely aligned with the whole enterprise, we offer our expertise and leverage exciting new technology and digital innovations to accelerate AstraZeneca's evolution. We do all of it strategically, looking ahead to the new challenges we'll face and improving how the enterprise operates today. This is the place to build an outstanding reputation, with countless opportunities available. And, as you take your career in new directions and to even greater heights, you'll be rewarded for your successes.

Ready to fuel a growth mindset through diversity? Apply now!