Patent Agent Life Sciences

Job Overview:
A respected law firm is seeking a highly motivated and intellectually curious Patent Agent to join its Patents and Innovations Practice, with a focus on life sciences and biotechnology. The ideal candidate will bring advanced scientific training, collaborative spirit, and a passion for intellectual property strategy and protection. This role involves working with cutting-edge clients in industries such as biopharma, biotech, digital health, and diagnostics, supporting patent prosecution and counseling efforts for innovative technologies.

Location:

• Los Angeles, CA

Duties:

• Draft and prosecute patent applications related to life sciences technologies

• Conduct prior art searches, patentability analyses, and freedom-to-operate assessments

• Collaborate with attorneys, clients, and inventors on IP strategy and portfolio development

• Prepare responses to U.S. and international patent office actions

• Assist with due diligence for transactions involving IP assets

• Stay current on emerging trends in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare innovations

Requirements:

• Demonstrated interest or experience in patent prosecution within life sciences sectors

• Strong communication and organizational skills

• Ability to work independently and within cross-functional legal and scientific teams

• Prior patent agent experience in a law firm or relevant industry role preferred

Education:

• Advanced degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) required in a scientific discipline such as:

  • Cell or Molecular Biology

  • Immunology

  • Biochemistry

  • Bioengineering

  • Bioinformatics

  • Organic Chemistry

  • Medicinal Chemistry

  • Cancer Biology

  • Pharmacology

  • Biophysics

  • Digital Health–related fields

Certifications:

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

Skills:

• Proficiency in patent drafting, prosecution, and IP analysis

• Strong understanding of biological sciences and ability to translate scientific concepts into legal frameworks

• Detail-oriented approach to document preparation and review

• Ability to manage multiple projects in a deadline-driven environment

• Enthusiastic, collaborative, and entrepreneurial mindset

Benefits:

• Discretionary merit bonuses

• Monthly wellness reimbursements

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

• Comprehensive health insurance for employees, spouses/domestic partners, and children

• Family-building benefits: IVF, surrogacy, adoption, egg freezing

• Paid parental leave and access to parenting support concierge services

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

• Tutoring and academic coaching for children

• Health Savings Accounts with employer contribution

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

• 401(k) retirement plan

• Pretax commuter and parking benefits

• Basic and supplemental life insurance

• Short- and long-term disability coverage

• Voluntary benefits: long-term care, critical illness, hospitalization, accident, ID theft protection, pet insurance

• Medicare consulting services

• Firm-paid CLE programs, bar review fees, and bar dues