Associate Director, Intellectual Property

Your Impact

Alpha-9 Oncology is seeking a highly motivated Associate Director of Intellectual Property (Patent Agent) to join our intellectual property team and support our growing global patent portfolio and overall IP development. The ideal candidate will support the drafting, prosecution, and management of our patent portfolio, with a focus on peptides, small molecules, and related biotechnologies. This role requires a deep understanding of patent law, exceptional technical expertise, and the ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify and protect key innovations. This position reports to the Senior Director, Head of Intellectual Property, and is based in our Boston office.

How You'll Contribute

• Manage the development, maintenance, and optimization of the company’s global patent portfolio, ensuring comprehensive protection of innovations in peptides, small molecules, radiopharmaceuticals, and related biotechnologies.
• Draft, file, and prosecute patent applications while responding to USPTO and foreign office actions, engaging with examiners, and crafting persuasive arguments to advance prosecution.
• Conduct prior art searches and analyze scientific literature to assess patentability, freedom-to-operate, and competitive positioning.
• Collaborate closely with R&D, business development, clinical, and legal teams to identify and evaluate new inventions, aligning IP strategy with corporate objectives and emerging technologies.
• Provide strategic guidance on intellectual property matters to support business growth, licensing, partnerships, and potential litigation.
• Stay informed on changes in patent law, industry trends, and competitive landscapes, adapting strategies to maintain a strong and forward-looking IP position.
• Support due diligence for internal and external collaborations, mergers, and acquisitions by evaluating third-party IP and conducting risk assessments.
• Manage relationships with external counsel to ensure the effective preparation and prosecution of international patent applications.
• Communicate IP strategies and updates effectively to key stakeholders through clear presentations and discussions, fostering a culture of innovation and strategic intellectual property management.

The Skills You Bring

• M.Sc. degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a closely related field (Ph.D. preferred but not required).
• Registered to practice before the USPTO (required).
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in patent drafting and prosecution, relating to the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industries (law firm experience is a plus).
• Strong understanding of U.S. and international patent laws and procedures.
• Proven ability to manage complex patent portfolios and work effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex scientific and legal concepts to diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver results and meet timelines under pressure.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with keen attention to detail.

What's in it for you

At Alpha-9 Oncology, we offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package designed to support all employees. Our benefits include a competitive salary, bonus, equity, 20 vacation days, 5 sick days, a technology allowance, and commuter reimbursement. We also provide generous retirement savings plans with employer matching, extended health benefits, and paid holidays, tailored to local standards in each region. While specific offerings may vary by location, our commitment to fostering a supportive and rewarding work environment is consistent across the company.

Company Summary

Alpha-9 Oncology is a clinical-stage biotechnology company pioneering radiopharmaceutical innovation for solid tumors. Our proprietary scaffolds, composed of optimized binders, linkers, chelators, and radioisotopes, enable targeted radiation delivery to cancer cells, minimizing harm to surrounding healthy tissue. Focusing on innovative targeting moieties, we develop molecules tailored for precise tumor targeting.

Our comprehensive platform integrates imaging and therapeutic studies to ensure effective radiation delivery and improved patient outcomes. With a robust pipeline entering clinical trials and strong support from leading healthcare investors, Alpha-9 is positioned for rapid growth and advancement in cancer therapy.

More about Alpha-9 Oncology

Alpha-9 Oncology is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, age, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, family status, national origin, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, provincial, or local laws where we operate.

We are dedicated to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees to ensure that everyone can perform their essential job functions in an inclusive environment. For inquiries regarding accommodations in the hiring process or for current employees, please contact a member from our Talent Acquisition team.