Patent Associate Life Sciences

Job Overview:
A nationally recognized law firm is seeking a Patent Associate with 1–4 years of patent prosecution experience to join its growing Life Sciences intellectual property team. The ideal candidate will bring a strong academic foundation in the life sciences, coupled with legal expertise in patent strategy, drafting, and prosecution. This is a unique opportunity to work on cutting-edge innovations in biotechnology and healthcare, in collaboration with top-tier scientists and inventors.

Location:

• Boston, MA

Duties:

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

• Conduct patentability, freedom-to-operate, and due diligence analyses

• Collaborate with clients and inventors to develop global IP strategies

• Assist with opinion work, including validity and infringement analyses

• Provide strategic counseling on patent portfolio development and lifecycle management

• Work with cross-functional legal and scientific teams on complex IP matters

Requirements:

• 1–4 years of law firm experience in patent prosecution

• Demonstrated expertise in life sciences and biotechnology-related subject matter

• Strong writing, communication, and legal analysis skills

• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment

• Interest in long-term professional growth within IP law

Education:

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an ABA-accredited law school

• Advanced degree (M.S., Ph.D., or equivalent) in one of the following:

  • Cell or Molecular Biology

  • Immunology

  • Biochemistry

  • Bioinformatics

  • Bioengineering

  • Organic or Medicinal Chemistry

  • Cancer Biology

  • Pharmacology

  • Biophysics

  • Digital Health-related discipline

Certifications:

• Admission to at least one U.S. state bar

• Registered to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)

Skills:

• Superior academic credentials and strong analytical capabilities

• Excellent verbal and written communication

• Proven ability to handle technical complexity in biotech and pharmaceutical inventions

• Interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with clients, inventors, and colleagues

• Detail-oriented, with the ability to prioritize and meet deadlines

Benefits:

• Discretionary merit bonuses

• Monthly wellness reimbursements

• 24/7 virtual behavioral health and emotional support

• Comprehensive health coverage for employee and eligible family members

• Family-building benefits (IVF, adoption, surrogacy, egg-freezing)

• Paid parental leave

• Concierge services for parenting support

• Access to a parents and caregivers resource group

• Career coaching for working parents

• In-home and center-based backup childcare

• Tutoring and academic support for children

• Health Savings Accounts with firm contributions

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

• 401(k) plan with firm match

• Pretax commuter and parking benefits

• Life insurance (basic and supplemental)

• Short-term and long-term disability coverage

• Voluntary insurance options: long-term care, critical illness, accident, ID theft, pet

• Medicare consulting assistance

• Firm-paid continuing legal education (CLE), bar exam fees, 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.