Senior Director - Patent Counsel

At Lilly, we unite caring with discovery to make life better for people around the world. We are a global healthcare leader headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our employees around the world work to discover and bring life-changing medicines to those who need them, improve the understanding and management of disease, and give back to our communities through philanthropy and volunteerism. We give our best effort to our work, and we put people first. We’re looking for people who are determined to make life better for people around the world.

Location: Bracknell, UK (3/2 hybrid)

Reports to: Associate VP – Assistant General Patent Counsel

ABOUT LILLY: Lilly is a global healthcare leader that unites caring with discovery to make life better for people around the world. We were founded more than a century ago by a man committed to creating high-quality medicines that meet real needs, and today we remain true to that mission in all our work. Across the globe, Lilly employees work to discover and bring life-changing medicines to those who need them, improve the understanding and management of disease, and give back to communities through philanthropy and volunteerism.

ROLE OVERVIEW: We are seeking an experienced and strategic patent attorney focused on providing solutions-oriented advice and counselling for issues facing Lilly in discovery, development and commercialization of small molecule pharmaceutical products. You must be energized by working in a dynamic environment with broad responsibility. You will report to the Associate VP – Assistant General Patent Counsel for Lilly’s Small Molecule area and require close collaboration with other members of the Lilly Legal Patent team and business leadership.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

• Draft and prosecute globally pharmaceutical patent applications comprising large number of embodiments that are part of a complex IP strategy for small molecule therapeutics, in accordance with business requirements, patent laws, and Lilly policies and procedures.
• Participate and contribute to overall patent portfolio strategy established through departmental guidance forums related to patent procurement or litigation strategies.
• Analyze risks and develop sound tactical strategies/approaches/solutions with appropriate consideration of business objectives and the environment.
• Advise teams and senior management about exclusivity, freedom to operate, contract management, and litigation risks in a manner consistent with the law, ethics, and Lilly policies; communicate advice in a manner understandable to a lay person.
• Lead with a continuous improvement mindset by remaining well versed in global laws, court precedents, and regulations pertinent to pharmaceutical products; apply knowledge appropriately in carrying out individual responsibilities as well as opportunities within the team and organization.
• Prioritize and manage projects; contribute to the implementation of new policies and procedures; lead task-directed teams; embrace efficient but prudent use of AI to improve daily work product.
• Contribute to efficiency, collegiality, and collaboration.

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in a scientific field (chemistry, medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, or related discipline) together with prior work experience providing sufficient background for effective communication with scientists and management about scientific aspects of discovery, development, and commercialization of small molecule therapeutics.
• European Qualifying Examination (EQE).
• Minimum of three years of post-qualification experience preparing and globally prosecuting patent applications relating to inventions in the life sciences field, with particular advantage attaching to small molecule technical expertise.
• UK Chartered Patent Attorney (preferred).
• Highly motivated and collaborative partner with the ability to work effectively with team members and members of management across all levels of the organization.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to influence others.

PREFERENCES:

• Experience of small molecule drug discovery and development, including familiarity with SAR, medicinal chemistry, formulation, or clinical development concepts.
• Proactively identifying opportunities and looking for new, creative solutions.
• Ability to influence and lead boldly in a dynamic environment.
• Demonstrated leadership and effectiveness in working with senior leadership.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

• Hybrid office / home-based working.
• Office work located at Arlington Square, Bracknell, Berkshire, primarily supporting LRL globally, including sites in the US (Colorado and San Diego), Spain (Alcobendas) and Lilly Corporate Center (Indianapolis).
• Travel is usually not significant (0-5%), but travel could become more significant (10-20%) intermittently for internal/external requirements.

EMBRACING DIVERSITY: Embracing diversity is at the core of our long-held value of respect for people. It is the lens through which we understand and respond to the unique needs of the millions of individuals who depend on our medicines. For us, embracing diversity means understanding, respecting, and valuing differences, including but not limited to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. The greatest measure of our diversity efforts is our ability to attract and retain exceptional employees who feel comfortable in a culture that supports them being themselves. Lilly is dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities to actively engage in the workforce, ensuring equal opportunities when vying for positions. If you require accommodation to submit a resume for a position at Lilly, please complete the accommodation request form for further assistance. Please note this is for individuals to request an accommodation as part of the application process and any other correspondence will not receive a response. Lilly does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status.