VP, Intellectual Property - Small Molecules | Onsite San Diego HQ

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:

Responsible for the company's strategic intellectual property (IP) efforts worldwide. Supports the company's business in connection with IP portfolio objectives and management, with lead responsibility for patent and trademark prosecution and maintenance. A strategic leader of the in-house IP team and outside counsel relationships.

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

• Overseeing and strategically managing the portion of Neurocrine’s in-house patent team that is dedicated to its US-based small molecule portfolio, as well as the related efforts by outside counsel.
• Participating actively in the company’s IP leadership team while reporting directly to Neurocrine’s Swiss-based Global Head of Intellectual Property.
• Providing hands-on direction and input, to draft and review a wide variety of work product.
• Recommending and implementing changes as needed over time to IP-related infrastructure and staffing to maintain good alignment between the company's needs, priorities and resources and the structure of the company's internal and external IP staffing and resources.
• Identifying and navigating patent opportunities and risks worldwide for Neurocrine's business, programs and operations for the US-based small molecule portfolio.
• Driving IP due diligence, technology assessments and freedom to operate (FTO) analyses in potential strategic transactions (including partnerships, potential M&A, licensing and financing), as well as supervising outside counsel in the same.
• Counseling key stakeholders in protecting and defending IP rights worldwide, including the Global Head of Intellectual Property, the General Counsel, other senior management and the board of directors, with particular attention to management of the IP portfolio for Neurocrine's lead assets as well as early-stage research programs.
• Providing broad-based strategic and portfolio advice, with demonstrated leadership skills and a vision of success tied to larger organizational goals.
• Proactively counseling all levels of the organization on IP matters, ranging from broad strategic objectives to day-to-day collaboration with and input to research and development groups and teams.
• Managing in-house and outside counsel in the conduct of IP-related proceedings, challenges, disputes and litigation, including the management of ANDA litigation matters.
• Generating budgets, forecasting expenses and resource needs for the drafting, prosecution, maintenance, and enforcement of Neurocrine's patents relating to its US-based small molecule portfolio.
• Coaching and mentoring IP team members, and proactive in sharing knowledge and collaborating with Neurocrine teams and stakeholders.
• Conducting and enhancing the company's IP-related processes and protections, including portfolio reviews and long-range planning, patent review committee, invention disclosures, pre-publication review, and drafting/review of IP-related contract provisions.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

• Juris Doctorate (JD) and admission to practice in California preferred

  and 15+ years' of IP experience with significant in-house and/or law firm patent experience related to small molecule drugs.

• Advanced degree in biology, chemistry, or related field

• Registered to practice before the US Patent and Trademark Office required

• Acts as a "trusted leader" across the company, a go-to person for Sr. Management.

• Provides input into company strategy, vision and direction.

• Requires broad knowledge of the functional areas, business strategies, and the company’s goals.

• Possesses industry-leading knowledge and identifies best practices for the company’s consideration.

• Strong analytical skills with demonstrated ability to structure and interpret data to drive decision-making.

• Strong organizational, interpersonal skills are essential.

• Demonstrated ability to identify root cause issues, develop solutions and reduce complexity.

• Strong business acumen and ability to think and operate cross-functionally in a fast-paced, changing environment.

• Ability to think strategically and drive business. Quickly identifies and acts on opportunities, combining forethought with action based on an understanding of the external environment and company impact.

• High level of integrity and dependability with a strong sense of urgency and results oriented.

• Ability to apply best practices derived from institutional rigor.

• Proven leadership skills and ability, including influencing Sr. Management (C-suite).

• Highly proficient at developing budgets and forecasts.

• Ability to effectively manage, mentor and train personnel and ability to motivate and influence personnel to achieve goals.

• Ability to effectively operate in a multi-level matrix environment.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills. Ability to communicate and formally present across all levels of organization, customer base, and outside parties.

• Exemplify Neurocrine’s core values of passion, integrity, collaboration, innovation, and tenacity.

• Exceptionally skilled at integrating legal advice with business acumen and sound judgment.

• Able to serve as a strong business partner, collaborator and project manager.

• Proven ability to advise senior management and manage outside counsel.

• A broad range of patent-related legal expertise required, including in patent preparation, both U.S. and foreign prosecution, IP due diligence, and strategic counseling.

• Expertise in overseeing IP litigation, including ANDA (Abbreviated New Drug Application) litigation and the aspects of regulatory affairs related to market exclusivity.

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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 $308,000.00-$420,000.00. 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 40% 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.