Patent Agent Life Sciences

Job Overview:
A prestigious law firm is seeking a Life Sciences Patent Agent to join its Patents and Innovations Counseling & Prosecution Practice. This role is ideal for a highly motivated and intellectually curious scientist with a passion for innovation, intellectual property strategy, and client-focused legal support. The position involves working with a diverse portfolio of biotech, pharmaceutical, and digital health clients to help secure and protect cutting-edge technologies.

Location:

• San Francisco, CA

Duties:

• Draft and prosecute U.S. and international patent applications in the life sciences sector

• Conduct patentability, freedom-to-operate, and IP due diligence assessments

• Support global patent portfolio development and strategic counseling for clients

• Collaborate with inventors, attorneys, and scientific teams to evaluate inventions and patent strategies

• Prepare responses to office actions and coordinate with international counsel on global prosecution

• Monitor emerging trends in biotech, pharmaceuticals, and digital health to inform IP strategy

Requirements:

• Demonstrated ability to understand and analyze complex scientific concepts

• Prior patent agent, law firm, or in-house IP experience preferred

• Strong time management skills and the ability to handle multiple projects efficiently

• Clear and professional written and verbal communication skills

Education:

• Advanced degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) in a relevant life sciences discipline, such as:

  • Molecular Biology

  • Cell Biology

  • Immunology

  • Biochemistry

  • Organic Chemistry

  • Medicinal Chemistry

  • Bioengineering

  • Pharmacology

  • Bioinformatics

  • Cancer Biology

  • Biophysics

  • Digital Health–related fields

Certifications:

• USPTO registration (or eligibility to sit for the patent bar) required

Skills:

• Expertise in patent drafting and prosecution in the life sciences domain

• Strong scientific literacy with the ability to quickly learn new technical subject matter

• Proficiency in IP research and analysis

• Detail-oriented with excellent organizational skills

• Client-service mindset with the ability to work collaboratively across teams

Benefits:

• Competitive base salary: $145,000 – $210,000 (based on experience and step level)

• Discretionary merit bonuses

• Monthly wellness reimbursements

• 24/7 access to emotional and behavioral health support and virtual counseling

• Comprehensive healthcare coverage for employees, spouses/domestic partners, and children

• Family-building benefits including IVF, adoption, surrogacy, and egg-freezing

• Paid parental leave and telehealth parenting concierge

• Parents and caregivers support group and career coaching services

• In-home and center-based back-up childcare

• Tutoring and college coaching for older children

• Health Savings Accounts (with firm contribution)

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

• 401(k) retirement plan

• Pretax commuter and parking benefits

• Basic and supplemental life insurance

• Short- and long-term disability insurance

• Voluntary insurance offerings:

  • Long-term care

  • Critical illness

  • Hospitalization

  • Accident coverage

  • Identity theft protection

  • Pet insurance

• Medicare consulting assistance

• Firm-paid CLE, bar review courses, and bar dues

This Vault Law 100 and one of the Best Law Firm in the Emerging Companies & Venture Capital firm boasts cutting-edge clients, pleasant people, and a flexible work/life balance. The firm is a global player with very deep tech roots and has been ranked among the top 10 M&A advisors in the nation. As the premier provider of legal services to technology, life sciences, and growth enterprises worldwide, the firm is appealing to associates for fostering an entrepreneurial and collaborative environment across its attorney ranks, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, career growth, and building leadership and relationship skills with clients and colleagues. Compensation at this firm is competitive with peer firms in the region.