Life Sciences Patent Agent

Job Overview:
A law firm is seeking a Life Sciences Patent Agent to join their team in Philadelphia, PA. The ideal candidate will be responsible for preparing, filing, and prosecuting patent applications, conducting prior art searches, performing patentability analysis, and engaging in various intellectual property-related activities in the field of life sciences. This role requires an advanced degree in a relevant biological field, a minimum of 1 year of experience as a practicing patent agent in life sciences, and registration with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Job Duties:

• Prepare, file, and prosecute patent applications before the US Patent and Trademark Office.
• Conduct prior art searches and analyses to assess the novelty and inventiveness of inventions.
• Perform patentability analysis and provide intellectual property due diligence.
• Engage in practice development activities to establish and maintain client relationships.
• Prepare substantive client correspondence related to patent matters.
• Instruct local counsel for foreign filings and Office Actions as needed.
• Assist in patent clearance studies and participate in other patent-related opinion projects.
• Apply advanced concepts in life sciences, particularly in molecular biology, cell biology, and biochemistry.
• Study and analyze scientific and technical documents, including previously published patent documents.
• Convert prior provisional applications into utility applications and manage the application process.
• Convert foreign-filed patent applications into U.S. applications and vice versa.

Requirements:

• Possess an advanced degree (Masters or PhD) in a biological field (e.g., Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Microbiology, or Biomedical Engineering) with excellent academic credentials.
• Have a minimum of 1 year of experience as a practicing patent agent in the field of life sciences.
• Must be registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Education:

• Advanced degree (Masters or PhD) in a biological field.

Certifications:

• Registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Skills:

• Strong knowledge and expertise in life sciences, with a focus on molecular biology, cell biology, and biochemistry.
• Ability to perform patent searches and analysis.
• Excellent communication skills for client correspondence.
• Proficiency in converting patent applications and managing the application process.

Benefits:

The firm offers a full range of medical, financial, and other benefits, including 401(k) eligibility and various paid time off benefits such as vacation, sick time, and parental leave.

This is one of the top law firms in the country to work forin its huge Philadelphia office, this firm draws rave reviews. Although much more a large firm atmosphere than most of the East Coast (non-New York) based firms, this firm has one of the most exciting full service practices around. However, it is not easy to get in with this fairly elite group of attorneys--they are very picky about their candidates. The culture here is fairly competitive--although the partners take care of their own, this is a group of high powered professionals who are used to acheiving at very high levels--and used to beating out the guy next door. This internal drive will keep associates staying later and later to earn bragging rights on occasion--but it's not as if the work isn't abundant enough to keep you there.