Patent Attorney

About the role

Novartis is seeking a Patent Attorney to protect groundbreaking scientific discoveries and enable life‑changing medicines to reach patients worldwide. The role partners closely with R&D teams to shape strategic intellectual‑property decisions and build robust patent portfolios.

Key responsibilities

• Provide clear, business‑focused counsel on invention protection, portfolio development, publication strategy and third‑party risks.
• Build and manage patent portfolios for R&D projects, handling preparation, prosecution, maintenance and defence of filings across new molecular entities, processes, manufacturing, platforms and clinical developments.
• Render legal opinions on patentability, validity and freedom‑to‑operate, and develop strategies that strengthen IP positions.
• Communicate effectively with legal, IP and R&D colleagues and manage relationships with outside counsel and global patent function.

Required profile

• University degree in law, admission to the bar and qualification as a European Patent Attorney / Lawyer.
• Advanced degree in chemistry or related field, preferably a doctorate.
• Significant experience as a patent attorney in a law firm or pharmaceutical/biotechnology environment.
• Strong technical expertise in chemistry, especially small‑molecule synthesis or pharmaceutical development.

Required skills

• European Patent Attorney qualification.
• Expertise in U.S. patent law and PCT filing processes.
• Deep knowledge of European patent law and major global patent systems.
• Technical expertise in chemistry, small‑molecule synthesis and pharmaceutical development.

What we offer

• Competitive base salary ranging from CHF 146,300 to CHF 271,700 per year.
• Performance‑based bonus, long‑term equity awards and comprehensive benefits including insurance, retirement plans, wellbeing resources and flexible hybrid working.
• Minimum 14 weeks paid parental leave and a commitment to diversity, inclusion and reasonable accommodation.