Patent Attorney

Novartis • Cambridge, MA

2d • $204,400 - $379,600 • Hybrid

About The Position

As a Patent Attorney, you will play a pivotal role in protecting groundbreaking scientific discoveries and enabling life-changing medicines to reach patients worldwide. Partnering closely with R&D teams, you will drive strategic intellectual property decisions, build robust patent portfolios, and navigate complex legal landscapes to safeguard innovation across the product lifecycle.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor degree with admission to at least one state bar, and registration to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
• Advanced degree in chemistry or related field, with strong preference for a doctoral degree.
• Significant experience as a patent attorney within a law firm or pharmaceutical or biotechnology environment.
• Strong technical expertise in chemistry, preferably including experience with small molecules, synthesis, or pharmaceutical development.
• Expertise in U.S. and PCT patent law, filing processes, and prosecution practice, with a detailed understanding of European patent law and other major global patent systems.
• Proven ability to partner with scientific and business stakeholders to deliver strategic intellectual property advice.
• Strong analytical, communication, and decision-making skills with high attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities effectively within a fast-paced, global environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide clear, strategic, and business-focused counsel to Novartis R&D clients on invention protection, portfolio development, publication strategy, and third-party risks.
• Build and manage patent portfolios for Novartis R&D projects by identifying inventions and preparing, prosecuting, maintaining, and defending patent filings across areas such as new molecular entities, processes, manufacturing, platforms, technologies, and clinical developments.
• Render legal opinions on patentability, validity, and freedom to operate, and develop patent strategies that strengthen IP positions, support freedom to operate, and enable effective IP defense.
• Apply deep knowledge of national patent law and practice, including relevant legal developments and patent trends, to shape strategy and advice.
• Understand and apply other forms of exclusivity protection, as appropriate.
• Communicate effectively with colleagues and leaders across the legal, IP, and R&D organizations.
• Build and manage relationships with outside counsel and collaborators, including extensive interaction within a multicultural global patent function.
• Conduct due diligence and provide counsel based on those assessments, including freedom-to-operate, infringement, validity, risk evaluation, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Provide IP support for transactional matters, including M&A, research collaborations, and in-licensing opportunities, with advice on contract drafting and negotiation.
• Ensure high-quality, timely delivery of work aligned with business goals and budgets.

Benefits

• Health, life and disability benefits
• 401(k) with company contribution and match
• Generous time off package including vacation, personal days, holidays and other leaves

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior