Science Advisor/Patent Agent - Chemistry

Job Overview

A law firm seeks an experienced Science Advisor/Patent Agent with 2-4 years of experience to join their Life Sciences Business Unit and Intellectual Property Transactions & Strategies Group in San Francisco. This role is ideal for candidates with a strong scientific background and a passion for innovation, eager to apply their expertise in a dynamic legal environment supporting clients in the life sciences sector.

Duties

• Draft patent applications, including detailed specifications and claims.
• Perform comprehensive prior art searches and FTO analyses.
• Assess scientific inventions for patentability and infringement risks.
• Support IP due diligence in mergers, acquisitions, and licensing.
• Conduct IP landscape and competitive intelligence analyses.
• Advise on patent portfolio development and management.
• Manage clients' patent portfolios and prepare responses to office actions.
• Collaborate with attorneys and clients to align IP strategies with business objectives.

Requirements

• Strong academic credentials with technical writing and communication skills.
• Familiarity with U.S. and international patent law, especially in life sciences and biotech.
• Eligible for the USPTO registration examination if not already registered.

Education

• M.D., Ph.D., or equivalent advanced degree in Chemistry.

Certifications

• Admission to practice before the USPTO is strongly preferred.

Skills

• Proactive, detail-oriented approach with project management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

This international firm covers the full range of corporate law practices, and specializes in niche fields such as transportation, food, and carbon markets; its four offices in the state give the firm a strong presence in California. Attorneys in this firm take an entrepreneurial approach to minimizing risks and maximizing outcomes for leading corporations and investors, and are equally comfortable in the courtroom or the conference room.