Overview
This role is responsible for partnering with R&D, manufacturing, and other business and legal stakeholders to develop and execute strategies to protect and perfect intellectual property. The position will help encourage and sustain innovation.
Reports to the Deputy Chief IP Counsel and is part of the legal department.
Location: Fully remote based in the US.
Responsibilities
- Integrate with R&D teams to learn about molecular diagnostic technologies and manufacturing processes and identify key IP opportunities while enabling innovative protection strategies.
- Provide a full range of patent support functions, including:
- Drafting and prosecuting patent applications in the molecular diagnostics space and biochemistry
- Conducting freedom-to-operate studies (e.g., infringement and validity analyses)
- Advising internal stakeholders, including providing IP diligence for M&A and related activities
- Direct outside counsel on global patent filing and prosecution matters.
- Prepare and present training materials to business stakeholders to bolster invention disclosure, trade secret protection, and intellectual property protection efforts.
- Manage and/or participate in IP team projects impacting the organization as a whole.
Requirements
- Registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office as a Patent Agent, with hands-on experience in patent preparation and prosecution in the molecular biology or life sciences field.
- At least 4 years of patent prosecution experience in the life sciences field, preferably in molecular biology, biochemistry, molecular diagnostics, or related disciplines, gained in a law firm, patent boutique, and/or in-house setting.
- Bachelor’s degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, biology, genetics, or a closely related life sciences discipline, with preference for an advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in molecular biology or a related field.
Preferred Qualifications
- Deep technical understanding of molecular biology techniques (e.g., PCR, nucleic acid amplification, and next gen sequencing) and the ability to translate complex science into clear patent claims.
- Artificial intelligence/machine learning experience, including use of AI tools in IP practice (search/claim and application drafting/claim charting/office action response, etc.) and application within bioinformatics, data analytics, genomics and molecular diagnostics.
- Ability to think creatively, devise patent strategies for novel inventions, effectively drive IP issues to closure; self-directed and proactive with excellent writing, communication, organizational, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
Travel / Physical / Environmental Requirements
- May require occasional domestic travel for in-person meetings and events up to 5% of the time (if applicable for role).
Compensation & Benefits
- Annual salary range: $150,000–190,000.
- Eligible for bonus/incentive pay.
- Comprehensive benefits package including flexible time off, medical/dental/vision insurance, and 401(k) to eligible employees.
Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the employer’s sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the employer’s sole discretion, consistent with the law.