Patent Attorney

Novartis Pharma Schweiz AG seeks a Senior Patent Attorney in Basel to protect scientific discoveries and support R&D teams with IP strategy, portfolio management, and legal counsel in a hybrid role.

This position focuses on safeguarding scientific breakthroughs and accelerating the path of medicines to patients. The attorney will collaborate closely with research and development groups to guide intellectual property decisions, construct robust patent portfolios, and apply specialized knowledge of national patent regulations to inform strategic advice.

Responsibilities

• Advise research and development teams on protecting inventions, managing portfolios, handling publication strategies, and assessing risks from third parties.
• Identify novel concepts within R&D projects and oversee the full lifecycle of patent filings, including preparation, prosecution, maintenance, and defense.
• Draft legal assessments regarding patentability, validity, and freedom to operate, while formulating corresponding patent strategies.
• Evaluate and implement alternative forms of exclusivity protection when relevant.
• Maintain clear communication with internal stakeholders across legal, intellectual property, and research divisions.
• Cultivate and oversee relationships with external legal representatives and internal partners within a diverse, international patent department.
• Perform due diligence and offer guidance on freedom-to-operate analyses, infringement risks, validity challenges, and strategies to mitigate potential liabilities.
• Support intellectual property needs for business transactions, such as mergers and acquisitions, research partnerships, and in-licensing deals.
• Deliver high-quality work on schedule, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives and financial constraints.

Requirements

• Hold a Juris Doctor degree, be admitted to at least one state bar, and maintain registration to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
• Possess an advanced degree in chemistry or a related discipline, with a strong preference for a doctoral qualification.
• Demonstrate substantial experience working as a patent attorney, ideally within a law firm or the pharmaceutical or biotechnology sectors.
• Exhibit strong technical proficiency in chemistry, particularly with background in small molecules, synthesis, or pharmaceutical development.
• Master U.S. and PCT patent law, filing procedures, and prosecution practices, alongside a thorough grasp of European patent law and other major global systems.
• Show a track record of collaborating with scientific and business partners to provide strategic intellectual property guidance.
• Display excellent analytical, communication, and decision-making capabilities, with meticulous attention to detail.
• Effectively juggle multiple priorities in a rapid, international work setting.

What the company offers

• Comprehensive benefits package featuring insurance coverage, retirement savings options, wellness resources, and global recognition initiatives.
• Hybrid and flexible work arrangements where feasible.
• At least 14 weeks of paid parental leave.
• Performance-linked bonus tied to specific performance metrics.
• Long-term equity awards distributed at the group level.

About the company

Novartis Pharma Schweiz AG strives to influence the future of innovation by safeguarding groundbreaking scientific discoveries.

• The organization is dedicated to shaping the future of innovation and protecting groundbreaking scientific discoveries.