This position will manage, direct and leverage designated patent and related intellectual property (IP) activities within NIBR.

Primary responsibilities will include:

*Identify, draft, file and prosecute patent applications for all inventions arising from NIBR projects: technologies, biological targets, New Chemical Entities, secondary patents (e.g., additional indications, combinations).

*Take active responsibility for the patent portfolio of all technologies, targets and projects through to NIBR/Pharma transfer.

*Formulate patent strategies for key NIBR clients, including the Disease Areas, Early Biology Platforms, and Global Discovery Chemistry that secure target and technology Freedom-to-Operate (FTO), enable IP defense(s) and which could contribute to future product protection.

*Direct outside council

prosecution and opinion services
*Proactively provide critical IP perspective on key decision-making bodies at NIBR.

*Provide IP support to Strategic Alliances, including IP strategies leading to transaction opportunities, evaluation of in-licensing opportunities, negotiation support, contract drafting during active transactions; with Head of NIBR IP and Strategic Alliances explore options for development candidates failing to transition into full clinical development or failing prior to Phase III.

*Define product-supporting strategies with Pharma patent attorneys prior to NIBR/Pharma transfer; support product strategies of GPTs and Business Franchises/Business Units following NIBR/Pharma transfer as needed.

*Conduct target clearance/patent audits at appropriate stage gate consistent with NIBR Patents guidelines; coordinate with corresponding Pharma attorney.

*Direct the NIBR IP Search & Analytics team to provide integrated search support NIBR Disease Areas, Biology Platforms, and Global Discovery Chemistry.

*Persistently partner, challenge and counsel NIBR clients on opportunities to protect their inventions.

*Maximize effective communication with NIBR scientists and leadership.
*Timely review of assigned external publication requests.Minimum education: B.A., B.Sc. (or equivalent), chemistry, biochemistry or equivalent with strong understanding of medicinal chemistry in a biotech/ pharma environment. M.S., Ph.D. or equivalent in organic or medicinal chemistry preferred.

J.D. or equivalent; Admission to at least one state bar; and Registered to practice before Patent Office.

*Expertise in local patent

law; Detailed understanding of global patent systems (including but not limited to US, EP, JP and international systems), patent process, documentation and national and international patent office filing systems.
*Strong scientific background.
*Strong customer-service focus to build and sustain good working partnerships with key stakeholders and project teams.
*Effective analytical, presentation and communication skills.
*Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team.
*Well-developed research and critical thinking skills, and sound decision-making abilities, with attention to detail to produce consistently accurate work.
*Strong organization and time management skills with flexibility, creativity, resourcefulness to successfully prioritize and manage multiple, competing priorities simultaneously.
*Strong written and spoken communication in English is required. Proficiency in other languages, such as German, a plus.