Senior Patent Agent

Cytokinetics•South San Francisco, CA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

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.

Requirements

Registered Patent Agent admitted to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
Bachelor’s degree in a life science discipline, preferably chemistry.
At least 5 years of patent preparation and prosecution experience supporting pharmaceutical or biotechnology companies.
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.
Willingness to evaluate and use AI tools is required.

Nice To Haves

Master or Ph.D. in organic chemistry preferred.
Experience as a medicinal chemist is a plus.
In-house biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry experience is preferred.
Familiarity with and interest in the deployment of AI-driven patent tools is a strong plus.

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.