Sr. Patent Attorney, Biologics

We are seeking an experienced Patent Attorney to help turn those ideas into reality.  As a Sr. Patent Attorney, you will be taking on a role that bridges science and legal practice as a global business IP advisor. This will entail managing patent portfolios for assigned projects and products and keeping up to date with emerging legal and pharma developments to help set and implement the global IP strategy in your area in collaboration with the Senior Patent Director.

Key objectives will be to identify and manage all associated IP risks – communicating them to IP, legal and business teams. You’ll develop strategies for filing, prosecution, maintenance and defense of patents in your portfolio against third-party challenges. You may also be involved in business development deals or coordinating our response to legal changes in a particular country or region. Handling external spending to meet budget targets will also be part of your role.

This position is located in Gaithersburg, MD.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Independently manage all aspects of build, maintenance and defense of specific patent portfolios
• Actively counsel members of Research & Development organizations to identify new inventions as well as devise and implement strategies for patent protection over extended drug development life cycle
• Create and implement global strategic approaches toward building patent portfolios and providing value to business
• Prepare and prosecute patent applications (US and ex-US) including effectively managing outside counsel as needed
• Lead all aspects of large intellectual property estates in AstraZeneca`s core and opportunistic therapeutic areas
• Evaluate and monitor patent portfolios of third parties
• Develop and communicate IP guidance to stakeholders across the business, including within R&D, Business Development, commercial and legal
• Review and analyze license agreements and other contracts
• Provide IP and technical analysis in support of patent litigations

Essential Requirements

• 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
• 3 years proven experience in life science patent prosecution with global portfolios.
• Strong core biologics/antibody patent prosecutions skills and ability to independently lead patent dockets and portfolios in multiple markets and jurisdictions

Desirable Requirements

• 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.

The annual base pay for this position ranges from $156,800.00 - $235,200. Base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. In addition, our positions offer a short-term incentive bonus opportunity; eligibility to participate in our equity-based long-term incentive program. Benefits offered include a qualified retirement program [401(k) plan]; paid vacation and holidays; paid leaves; and, health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans. Additional details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base pay (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.

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!

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.