Director, Intellectual Property

Position Summary

IDEAYA Biosciences is seeking an experienced Intellectual Property (IP) Attorney to support the Company’s intellectual property function protecting small molecule product candidates. The role reports directly to the Vice President of Intellectual Property and is based in South San Francisco. Employees are expected to be onsite four days per week.

Responsibilities

• Manage the global IP portfolio, including preparing and prosecuting patent applications focused on small molecules and developing IP strategy.
• Partner with cross‑departmental teams to understand project technology, identify patentable inventions, and implement protection strategies.
• Identify and evaluate complex risks (e.g., patentability, infringement, validity) and develop business‑focused mitigation strategies.
• Conduct freedom‑to‑operate reviews, analyze third‑party patent positions, and guide overall IP strategy.
• Perform IP due diligence and provide support for business development opportunities.
• Manage external legal counsel and ensure compliance with global IP laws and regulations.
• Coordinate and manage patent filings and strategy with collaborators and licensors.
• Assist in building IP department infrastructure and policies, and provide internal IP training.
• Monitor and assess competitive IP landscape and industry trends for risk and opportunity analysis.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemistry (preferably Organic Chemistry) or Master’s in Organic Chemistry.
• Juris Doctorate from an ABA‑credited law school and membership in good standing of the California Bar, or ability to qualify as a California Registered In‑House Counsel, plus registration before the USPTO.
• Minimum 7 years of experience providing IP counsel and support in pharmaceutical small molecules (patent preparation and prosecution, life cycle management, opinions, and IP strategy), including preferably 2–3 years in‑house experience.
• Proven track record of developing and implementing successful patent strategies securing meaningful protection for products and related technology.
• Ability to work independently and cooperatively in a fast‑paced start‑up environment with internal teams, responding in a timely and effective manner.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to interpret complex scientific and legal information.
• Proficiency in using scientific and IP databases.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and attention to detail.

Total Rewards

IDEAYA offers a competitive total rewards package reflecting a pay‑for‑performance philosophy. Employees are eligible for merit‑based salary increases, discretionary short‑term incentive plan participation, and discretionary stock option awards. The benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision coverage (100% company paid for employees and 90% for dependents), a 401(k) plan, an employee stock purchase plan, and wellness programs. The expected salary range for the Director of Intellectual Property is $261,000–$322,000, with final compensation based on location, experience, education, and performance.

Equal Opportunity Employer

IDEAYA is an equal‑opportunity employer. We comply with all laws respecting equal employment opportunities and do not discriminate against applicants based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital or veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status. EOE/AA/Vets. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact View email address on click.appcast.io.