Senior Counsel - Biotech Patent Law
- Employer
- Amgen
- Location
- Washington D.C., District of Columbia
- Posted date
- Sep 28, 2026
View more categories
- Discipline
- Regulatory, Science/R&D, Legal/Compliance, Biotechnology
- Required Education
- Bachelors Degree
- Position Type
- Full time
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Job Details
Join Amgens Mission of Serving Patients
At Amgen, if you feel like youre part of something bigger, its because you are. Our shared missionto serve patients living with serious illnessesdrives all that we do.
Since 1980, weve helped pioneer the world of biotech in our fight against the worlds toughest diseases. With our focus on four therapeutic areas Oncology, Inflammation, General Medicine, and Rare Disease we reach millions of patients each year. Amgen is advancing a broad and deep pipeline of medicines to treat cancer, heart disease, inflammatory conditions, rare diseases, and obesity and obesity-related conditions. As a member of the Amgen team, youll help make a lasting impact on the lives of patients as we research, manufacture, and deliver innovative medicines to help people live longer, fuller happier lives.
Our award-winning culture is collaborative, innovative, and science based. If you have a passion for challenges and the opportunities that lay within them, youll thrive as part of the Amgen team. Join us and transform the lives of patients while transforming your career.
Senior Counsel - Biotech Patent Law
What you will do
Lets do this. Lets change the world. In this vital role you will develop, implement, and execute a global intellectual property strategy for protecting Amgens therapeutic products and product candidates (e.g., antibodies, dual targeting molecules, immunotherapeutics, RNA therapies, or cell-based therapies), including formulations, process development, and manufacturing methods relating to Amgens pipeline and in-line products.
In addition, you will conduct IP due diligence activities in support of Amgens strategic transactions and assist in the drafting and negotiation of IP provisions in various types of transactional agreements.
Your responsibilities will include:
Working closely with Amgen scientists to identify patentable inventions
Drafting, filing and prosecuting patent applications worldwide
Conducting prior art searches
Analyzing patents and preparing freedom-to-operate opinions
Conducting IP due diligence in support of licensing, research collaboration, and acquisition activities
Assisting in the drafting and negotiating of IP provisions of transactional agreements
Providing legal advice and counsel to R&D and Business partners on a wide range of IP related matters
Assisting with litigation-related matters and challenging/defending patents in PTAB proceedings, opposition proceedings, and other forums
You will work individually, in legal teams, and in cross-functional research and business teams across various geographies
This role will ideally be based in proximity to Amgen's research site in South San Francisco, California, corporate headquarters in Thousand Oaks, California or Cambridge MA OR as a remote position in the United States.
What we expect of you
We are all different, yet we all use our unique contributions to serve patients. The dynamic professional we seek is an attorney with these qualifications.
Basic Qualifications:
J.D. degree or LL.M. degree from an accredited law school, admission to practice law in a U.S. jurisdiction
Registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
Six (6) years of experience practicing patent or intellectual property law in the biopharma or life sciences space
Preferred Qualifications:
Ten (10) or more years of experience practicing patent or intellectual property law focused in the biopharma or life sciences space, including pre-JD experience as a patent agent
Experience in all aspects of U.S. and foreign intellectual property law relating to biotechnology at a law firm or biotechnology/pharmaceutical corporation
Experience with patent preparation and prosecution related to nucleic acid therapeutics
An advanced degree such as a masters degree or Ph.D. in molecular biology, cell biology, microbiology, biochemistry, genetics, immunology, or related field
Experience with conducting IP due diligence for various types of transactions, including licensing and research collaborations
Experience with drafting and negotiating IP provisions of agreements
Excellent analytic, legal drafting and oral and written communication skills
Strong management and leadership skills; strong client service focus; ability to work independently and in teams; ability to work efficiently, to prioritize workflow, meet demanding deadlines, and manage multi-dimensional projects in a fast-paced environment
Experience in U.S. and/or foreign adversarial proceedings (such as patent litigation, Inter Partes Reviews, Post Grant Reviews, or oppositions)
What you can expect of us
As we work to develop treatments that take care of others, we also work to care for your professional and personal growth and well-being. From our competitive benefits to our collaborative culture, well support your journey every step of the way.
The expected annual salary range for this role in the U.S. (excluding Puerto Rico) is posted. Actual salary will vary based on several factors including but not limited to, relevant skills, experience, and qualifications.
In addition to the base salary, Amgen offers a Total Rewards Plan, based on eligibility, comprising of health and welfare plans for staff and eligible dependents, financial plans with opportunities to save towards retirement or other goals, work/life balance, and career development opportunities that may include:
A comprehensive employee benefits package, including a Retirement and Savings Plan with generous company contributions, group medical, dental and vision coverage, life and disability insurance, and flexible spending accounts
A discretionary annual bonus program, or for field sales representatives, a sales-based incentive plan
Stock-based long-term incentives
Award-winning time-off plans
Flexible work models where possible. Refer to the Work Location Type in the job posting to see if this applies.
Apply now and make a lasting impact with the Amgen team.
careers.amgen.com
In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.
Application deadline
Amgen does not have an application deadline for this position; we will continue accepting applications until we receive a sufficient number or select a candidate for the position.
Sponsorship
Sponsorship for this role is not guaranteed.
As an organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for people around the world, Amgen fosters an inclusive environment of diverse, ethical, committed and highly accomplished people who respect each other and live the Amgen values to continue advancing science to serve patients. Together, we compete in the fight against serious disease.
Amgen is an Equal Opportunity employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other basis protected by applicable law.
We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
Company
We are all different, yet we have this in common: our mission to serve patients. This sense of shared purpose is key to our becoming one of the world’s leading biotechnology companies. It guides us as we continue to launch new medicines and reach millions of patients worldwide.
We live the mission.
We win together.
We thrive on continual challenge.
Our team of 22,000+ scientists and professionals worldwide bring distinct perspectives and experiences to all we do. We leverage our global talent to achieve together—to research, manufacture and deliver ever-better products and greater depth to our mission.
At Amgen, there is a strong correlation between our high level of diversity and performance. Because addressing issues with a wider range of perspectives and approaches leads to more creative problem-solving. Together, we’re transforming the promise of science and biotechnology into therapies that have the power to restore health.
Connect with us to explore how you can Win, Live, and Thrive at Amgen.
- Phone
- 805-447-1000
- Location
- Corporate Headquarters
One Amgen Center Drive
Thousand Oaks
California
91320-1799
