Associate Director, IP Operations

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Headquartered in Carlsbad, California, Ionis has been pioneering RNA-targeted medicines for over three decades. Our platform revolutionizes drug discovery and transforms lives for patients with unmet needs in neurology, cardiology, and other areas. We continue to innovate in RNA therapies and gene editing while maintaining a strong financial position to achieve our strategic goals.

At Ionis, we cultivate a challenging, motivating, and rewarding environment that fosters innovation and scientific excellence. Our success is driven by the exceptional talents and dedication of our employees. We invest in onsite, hybrid, and remote work environments to build lasting relationships, promote a thriving culture, and empower our team to develop and expand their careers.

We are seeking a collaborative and strategically focused Associate Director of IP Operations to build and maintain essential IP processes, workflows, and technologies in alignment with Ionis’ IP strategic plan. This onsite position supports multiple commercial products and compounds in pre‑clinical and clinical development, leveraging our innovative technology.

• Operationalize IP strategy: develop and implement systems and processes that translate IP strategy into actionable operational plans, ensuring alignment with corporate and departmental objectives.
• Technology integration and vendor oversight: identify, onboard, test, implement, and manage technology solutions and vendors that support IP operations (e.g., docketing, annuities, patent and trademark search and monitoring, legal research, discovery).
• Data management: establish and refine protocols for effective data collection, storage, and analysis for a large global IP estate, ensuring critical information is secure and appropriately accessible.
• Process improvement: continuously assess and enhance IP processes and workflows relevant to patent and trademark prosecution, IP transactions, and IP contentious matters, using industry best practices to improve efficiency and minimize risk.
• Cross‑functional collaboration: support and represent senior IP management on enterprise‑wide functions such as budget, compliance, external publications, and stakeholder communication.
• Project management: ensure department projects, initiatives, and workflows are appropriately resourced and executed on time within budget.
• Team management: oversee the IP administrative team and related functions, providing guidance and support regardless of a direct supervisory role.
• Internal and external engagement: organize and support events and team‑building activities that promote collaboration and knowledge sharing with internal and external colleagues and stakeholders.
• Industry knowledge: stay informed about industry best practices, trends, and developments to enhance operational effectiveness.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Education:
  
  bachelor’s degree required, preferably in life sciences; a JD, MBA, and/or a graduate degree in life sciences is preferred.
• USPTO registration: registration to practice before the USPTO is a plus.
• Experience:
  
  5+ years of experience in IP operations or a related field.
• Technology implementation: proven experience with technology implementation and integration.
• Analytical skills: strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities.
• Interpersonal skills: exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively and communicate seamlessly with colleagues at all levels across the organization.
• Judgment and problem‑solving: excellent judgment and effective problem‑solving skills, with the capacity to judiciously elevate issues.
• Communication: professional, clear, and concise written and verbal communication skills required.
• Professionalism: high level of professionalism and discretion in all interactions.
• Attention to detail: keen attention to detail and accuracy.
• Deadline management: ability to set and meet aggressive deadlines while staying organized.
• Prioritization: capable of appropriately prioritizing and managing multiple complex tasks to ensure timely project completion.
• Management experience: proven experience in managing teams and fostering a collaborative work environment to achieve organizational goals.

For more information about Ionis and to apply for this position, reference requisition # IONIS
003935. Visit our website:

Full Benefits Link: ,Benefits,-Employees%20are%20rewarded

The pay scale for this position is $140,689 to $202,370.

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Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and all its subsidiaries are proud to be EEO employers.

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