Headquartered in Carlsbad, California, and with offices in Boston, Massachusetts, and Dublin, Ireland, Ionis has been at work for more than three decades discovering medical breakthroughs that have redefined life for people with serious diseases. We’re pioneers in RNA\-targeted medicines, and our platform continues to revolutionize drug discovery and transform lives for patients with unmet needs. With multiple marketed medicines and a leading pipeline in neurology, cardiology and select areas of high patient needs, we continue to drive innovation in RNA therapies in addition to advancing new approaches in gene editing to provide greater value to patients and are well positioned financially to deliver on our strategic goals.
At Ionis, we pride ourselves on cultivating a challenging, motivating and rewarding environment that fosters innovation and scientific excellence. We know that our success is a direct result of the exceptional talents and dedication of our employees.
With an unprecedented opportunity to change the course of human health, we look to add diverse individuals, skill sets and perspectives to our exceptional team. We continue to invest time, money and energy into making our onsite, hybrid and remote work environments a place where solid and lasting relationships are built and where our culture and employees can thrive.
We’re building on our rich history, and we believe our greatest achievements are ahead of us. If you’re passionate about the opportunity to have meaningful impact on patients in need, we invite you to apply and join us. Experience and contribute to our unique culture while you develop and expand your career!
SENIOR PATENT SPECIALIST
SUMMARY
The Senior Patent Specialist, reporting to the Assistant Director of Patent Administration, is responsible for managing patent prosecution operations, docketing, and patent operations activities to ensure accuracy, efficiency, and compliance across a global IP portfolio. This role will fully support one or more assigned practice groups providing guidance, identifying operational risks, and driving continuous improvements across patent systems and workflows. This position will be responsible for handling incoming correspondence, maintaining docket accuracy, supporting domestic and foreign filing activities, managing formalities and signature requests, and coordinating with attorneys, agents, outside counsel, and foreign associates. The ideal candidate brings strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and experience in patent administration within a pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or similar technical environment.
- This is a full\-time, onsite position in Carlsbad, CA with a minimum of 4 days per week.
- Occasional extended hours may be required to support time‑sensitive filings and global deadlines.
- Timely review and processing of incoming correspondence from outside counsel, foreign associates, the USPTO, and other patent offices to ensure that all deadlines are properly captured.
- Accurately docket U.S. and foreign patent matters, including prosecution deadlines, maintenance fees, annuities, and formalities.
- Save and organize incoming correspondence in appropriate systems and records.
- Hold weekly docket meetings with assigned attorneys and agents to ensure clear and timely communication of all upcoming deadlines and update the docket accordingly.
- Coordinate US \& Foreign allowance meetings with assigned attorneys and agents and record meeting outcomes.
- Track, prepare, and manage IDS documents.
- Prepare, file, and manage U.S. and international patent applications (including PCT and national phase filings) in collaboration with in\-house counsel and outside counsel, ensuring timely, accurate, and complete submissions.
- Manage formal documents (e.g., POAs, assignments, declarations), obtaining signatures and filing or recording as needed.
- Create and maintain patent sequence listings.
- Manage asset transfers and monitor related license agreements.
- Initiate and assign publication clearance activities as needed.
- Monitor annuities and help ensure deadlines and maintenance requirements are met.
- Correspond with outside counsel and foreign associates regarding filing and response instructions.
- Identify and help implement process improvements and standardization across patent operations.
- Advanced knowledge with IP systems, supporting enhancements and data integrity.
- Provide guidance and mentorship to team members.
- Other duties as assigned.
- High School or GED equivalent and minimum 7 years of experience in patent docketing, patent prosecution support, and/or patent operations, including experience with IP management systems.
- Strong knowledge of patent filing and administrative processes with the USPTO and WIPO.
- Ability to manage multiple deadlines and maintain highly accurate records.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and SharePoint.
- Demonstrated ability to support all aspects of patent administration for a practice group while managing competing deadlines.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively with attorneys, agents, outside counsel, and cross\-functional stakeholders.
- Notary public designation or willing to obtain.
- Comfortable using AI platforms and other technology tools to improve efficiency and organization.
- Prior pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry experience.
- Experience preparing and tracking IDS documents.
- Familiarity with patent formalities, assignments, annuities, and sequence listings.
- Experience with Foundation IP
- Experience with IPMS implementations/conversions
RESPONSIBILITIES:
REQUIREMENTS:
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Please visit our website, http://www.ionis.com for more information about Ionis and to apply for this position; reference requisition \#IONIS003991
Ionis offers an excellent benefits package! Follow this link for more details: Ionis Benefits
Full Benefits Link: https://ionis.com/careers\#:\~:text\=Highly%20competitive%20benefits
The pay scale for this position is $121,411 to $155,868
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE. PRINCIPALS ONLY.
Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and all its subsidiaries are proud to be EEO employers.
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