Associate General Counsel, Biologics

Who We Are:

At Neurocrine Biosciences, we pride ourselves on having a strong, inclusive, and positive culture based on our shared purpose and values. We know what it takes to be great, and we are as passionate about our people as we are about our purpose - to relieve suffering for people with great needs.

What We Do:

Neurocrine Biosciences is a leading neuroscience-focused, biopharmaceutical company with a simple purpose: to relieve suffering for people with great needs. We are dedicated to discovering and developing life-changing treatments for patients with under-addressed neurological, neuroendocrine and neuropsychiatric disorders. The company's diverse portfolio includes FDA-approved treatments for tardive dyskinesia, chorea associated with Huntington's disease, classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia, endometriosis* and uterine fibroids,* as well as a robust pipeline including multiple compounds in mid- to late-phase clinical development across our core therapeutic areas. For three decades, we have applied our unique insight into neuroscience and the interconnections between brain and body systems to treat complex conditions. We relentlessly pursue medicines to ease the burden of debilitating diseases and disorders because you deserve brave science. For more information, visit neurocrine.com, and follow the company on LinkedIn, X and Facebook. (*in collaboration with AbbVie)

About the Role:Develops and implements key strategies to address a broad array of intellectual property matters to support the Company’s US-based or Swiss- and European-based activities and programs. Works closely with other members of the Legal Department in the US and Europe and their respective clients to address intellectual property issues across multiple disciplines, including Commercial, Corporate Affairs, Research, Development, Clinical, Regulatory, Manufacturing, Medical Affairs, Business Development, and Alliance Management. Counsels clients and assists in the drafting and negotiating of complex life sciences agreements. Advises and trains business clients on intellectual property policies and procedures.

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Your Contributions (include, but are not limited to):

• Develop high level intellectual property strategy, identification of inventions, and management of patent drafting and prosecution relating to small molecule drugs or biologics and gene therapies
• Provide legal advice to assigned business partners on a broad range of topics involving intellectual property
• Identifying opportunities for expanding the Company’s Intellectual property position and collaborating with members of various discovery, development and business groups within the Company
• Working and communicating with collaborators and other external strategic partners in connection with developing a global IP strategy
• Provide leadership, mentoring and coaching to attorneys, patent agents, paralegals, and/or support staff
• Manage patent and IP-related contentious matters, together with internal legal staff and outside counsel
• Develop and implement internal processes, procedures and training centered on intellectual property identification and protection
• Work with scientific team and technical leads to identify, evaluate and protect intellectual property arising from various R&D programs
• Draft, review and negotiate intellectual property provisions of manufacturing, process development, purchase, supply, license, and master service agreements
• Negotiate and support other technology transactions, such as commercial in-licenses, non-disclosure agreements, material transfer agreements, testing agreements and other similar activities
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements:

• Juris Doctorate or similar Law Degree and PhD in organic chemistry or allied chemical discipline or in genetics, immunology, biochemistry, virology or related discipline preferred; AND 10+ years of IP experience with significant in-house and/or law firm patent experience related to biologics/gene therapy or small molecule drugs. OR
• Patent Attorney currently qualified to practice before the Patent and Trademark Offices in the US or EU/UK/Switzerland AND
• Recognized Internal thought leader and deep expertise in a discipline
• Requires broad, deep and comprehensive expertise in leading-edge theories and techniques for functional area
• Applies ingenuity and creativity to problem analysis and resolution in complicated and/or novel situations
• Influences internal/external business and/or industry issues that have an impact on Neurocrine
• Strong mentoring skills and leadership abilities supervise lower levels and/or leads indirect teams
• Proven ability to translate strategy into tactical plans and drive outcome
• A broad range of patent-related legal expertise is required, including patent preparation, development and implementation of U.S., European and broad-based global prosecution strategies, IP due diligence, strategic counseling and management of contentious IP matters with a particular emphasis on small molecule drugs or biologics and gene therapies, as well as other pharmaceutical subject matter
• Extensive expertise in managing small molecule pharmaceutical exclusivity related legal matters including brand-on-brand patent litigation strategies and the aspects of regulatory affairs related to market exclusivity
• Exceptional communication skills including fluency in English in conducting presentations, interpersonal interactions, written work and conflict resolution with an ability to effectively interact with Neurocrine team members at every level in the organization and across a wide range of scientific knowledge levels
• Proven success with Orange Book and Patent Term Extension practice for the US and SPC is required
• Ability to independently oversee legal matters, build and manage a small team of patent professionals (when and if needed), manage the use of outside legal counsel and work collaboratively with other personnel at Neurocrine
• Ability to set aggressive deadlines, handle multiple complex legal matters and see projects through to conclusion
• Demonstrated expertise working effectively in a global pharmaceutical company across multiple disciplines, sites and time zones.

Neurocrine Biosciences is an EEO/Disability/Vets employer.

We are committed to building a workplace of belonging, respect, and empowerment, and we recognize there are a variety of ways to meet our requirements. We are looking for the best candidate for the job and encourage you to apply even if your experience or qualifications don’t line up to exactly what we have outlined in the job description.

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The annual base salary we reasonably expect to pay is $256,400.00-$350,000.00. Individual pay decisions depend on various factors, such as primary work location, complexity and responsibility of role, job duties/requirements, and relevant experience and skills. In addition, this position offers an annual bonus with a target of 35% of the earned base salary and eligibility to participate in our equity based long term incentive program. Benefits offered include a retirement savings plan (with company match), paid vacation, holiday and personal days, paid caregiver/parental and medical leave, and health benefits to include medical, prescription drug, dental and vision coverage in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans.