Director, IP Operations

Director, IP Operations

Gaithersburg, MD, USA

Legal- Intellectual Property

Hybrid Work- on average 3 days a week from office

The Director of Patent Operations will oversee and optimize our global patent operations. This leadership role is critical to ensuring the integrity, efficiency, and scalability of our IP operations in support of the company’s robust R&D pipeline and commercial portfolio. You will work cross-functionally with IP attorneys, scientists, business units, and external partners to support the full lifecycle of patent asset management—from invention disclosure through prosecution, and maintenance—within a highly regulated and fast-paced environment.

What you'll do

Operational Leadership:

• Lead the global patent operations function, overseeing docketing, filings, annuities, and administrative processes across all therapeutic areas and geographies.

• Develop, implement, and continuously improve operational workflows that support high-volume, high-value patent portfolios with regulatory and commercial significance.
  

Strategic Portfolio Support:

• Partner with in-house counsel and R&D leadership to ensure seamless patent process integration with drug development timelines, including alignment with regulatory filings (e.g., IND, NDA, BLA).

• Maintain robust systems for invention disclosure intake and tracking, with an emphasis on timely evaluation and filing decisions.
  

Team and Vendor Management:

• Manage and mentor a team of patent operations professionals, paralegals, and coordinators; foster a high-performance, collaborative culture.

• Oversee relationships with external IP service providers (e.g., foreign associates, annuity services, patent law firms) to ensure quality, efficiency, and compliance with company standards.
  

Systems and Data Integrity:

• Lead the administration, optimization, and compliance of IP management systems (e.g., Anaqua, IPfolio, Foundation IP), ensuring accurate, timely data for strategic decision-making.

• Partner with IT and Legal Ops to drive system upgrades, integrations, and automation efforts.
  

Governance and Compliance:

• Develop and enforce SOPs and best practices for global patent operations, ensuring alignment with internal controls, and applicable laws (USPTO, EPO, JPO, etc.).

• Support audits, due diligence, and licensing activities through timely and accurate portfolio data.
  

Financial and Risk Management:

• Work with IP leadership team to forecast and manage global patent budgets, including prosecution, maintenance, translation, and annuity fees; identify cost-saving opportunities while maintaining quality and compliance.

• Support IP risk management and litigation readiness by ensuring accurate recordkeeping and process documentation.

Essential for the role

• Bachelor’s degree

• 7+ years of experience in patent operations, including at least 5 years in a leadership role within the biotech/pharmaceutical industry.

• Deep understanding of global pharmaceutical patent lifecycle management, including Hatch-Waxman, SPCs, and patent term extensions.

• Expertise in U.S. and international patent prosecution, annuity management, and regulatory alignment.

• Proven success managing large IP portfolios, cross-functional teams, and complex vendor relationships.

• Strong command of IP management systems (e.g., Anaqua, IPfolio) and data analytics tools.

• Exceptional organizational, leadership, and communication skills

Desirable for the role

• Experience supporting R&D-driven IP strategy in regulated environments (FDA, EMA).

• Familiarity with IP aspects of M&A, licensing, and collaboration agreements.

• Project management certification (e.g., PMP) and/or Lean Six Sigma experience a plus.

• Strong understanding of data privacy and compliance in an IP context.

Office Working Requirements

When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash bold thinking with the power to inspire life-changing medicines. In-person working gives us the platform we need to connect, work at pace and challenge perceptions. That’s why we work, on average, a minimum of three days per week from the office. But that doesn’t mean we’re not flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our unique and ambitious world.

The annual base pay (or hourly rate of compensation) for this position ranges from $220,500.00 - 330,750.00 USD as an annual base salary. Hourly and salaried non-exempt employees will also be paid overtime pay when working qualifying overtime hours. Base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.  In addition, our positions offer a short-term incentive bonus opportunity; eligibility to participate in our equity-based long-term incentive program (salaried roles), to receive a retirement contribution (hourly roles), and commission payment eligibility (sales roles). Benefits offered included a qualified retirement program [401(k) plan]; paid vacation and holidays; paid leaves; and, health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans. Additional details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base pay (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors. 

Equal Opportunities

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.

#LI-Hybrid

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorisation and employment eligibility verification requirements.