Patent Agent Life Sciences

Job Overview:
A top-tier law firm is seeking a skilled and intellectually driven Patent Agent to join its Patents and Innovations Practice, focusing on life sciences and biotechnology. The ideal candidate will bring advanced scientific expertise and a collaborative mindset to support patent drafting, prosecution, and portfolio development for groundbreaking technologies. This is an excellent opportunity to work alongside experienced attorneys and innovators shaping the future of healthcare, digital biology, and biopharmaceuticals.

Location:

• Palo Alto, CA

Duties:

• Draft and prosecute patent applications in the fields of biotechnology, life sciences, and digital health

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

• Collaborate with attorneys, inventors, and clients to develop IP strategies and manage patent portfolios

• Respond to U.S. and international patent office communications

• Assist with IP due diligence and support licensing and transactional matters

• Stay current on relevant legal and scientific developments

Requirements:

• Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and entrepreneurial professional with strong scientific and communication skills

• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced legal environment

• Previous patent agent experience in a law firm or industry setting is preferred

Education:

• Ph.D. or other advanced degree required in one of the following fields:

  • Molecular Biology

  • Cell Biology

  • Immunology

  • Biochemistry

  • Bioengineering

  • Organic Chemistry

  • Medicinal Chemistry

  • Pharmacology

  • Cancer Biology

  • Biophysics

  • Bioinformatics

  • Digital Health–related disciplines

Certifications:

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

Skills:

• Proficiency in drafting patent applications and responding to office actions

• Strong scientific analysis, writing, and research skills

• Familiarity with patent portfolio management and global IP strategies

• Ability to interpret complex scientific data and communicate legal implications

• Collaborative mindset with strong interpersonal skills

Benefits:

• Discretionary merit-based 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 dependents

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

• Paid parental leave

• Parenting support concierge and telemedicine

• Access to parents and caregivers resource groups and coaching

• Backup childcare (in-home and center-based)

• Tutoring and college coaching for older children

• Health Savings Account (HSA) 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 options including:

  • Long-term care

  • Critical illness

  • Hospitalization

  • Accident insurance

  • Identity theft protection

  • Pet insurance

• Medicare consulting services

• Firm-paid CLE, bar review 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.