Life Sciences Patent Agent

Job Overview: A law firm in Houston, TX, is seeking a highly qualified Life Sciences Patent Agent to join their team. The ideal candidate will have an advanced degree in a biological field and at least one year of experience as a practicing patent agent in the life sciences. This role involves preparing, filing, and prosecuting patent applications, conducting prior art searches, and contributing to practice development activities while focusing on life sciences patents, particularly in the fields of molecular biology, cell biology, and biochemistry.

Job Duties:

• Prepare, file, and prosecute patent applications before the US Patent and Trademark Office.
• Conduct prior art searches and analyses to assess patentability and inventiveness.
• Perform IP due diligence for clients in the life sciences sector.
• Engage in practice development activities to establish and maintain client relationships.
• Draft substantive client correspondence regarding patent matters.
• Provide instructions to local counsel for foreign filings and Office Actions.
• Assist in patent clearance studies and other patent-related opinion projects.
• Apply advanced concepts in various life sciences fields, with a strong emphasis on molecular biology, cell biology, and biochemistry.
• Study and analyze scientific or technical documents, including previously published patent documents.
• Convert provisional applications into utility applications and foreign applications into U.S. applications, and vice versa.

Requirements:

• An advanced degree (Masters or PhD) in a biological field, such as Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Microbiology, or Biomedical Engineering, with excellent academic credentials.
• A minimum of 1 year of experience as a practicing patent agent in the field of life sciences.
• Registration 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, particularly in molecular biology, cell biology, and biochemistry.
• Proficiency in patent preparation, prosecution, and analysis.
• Exceptional research and analytical skills.
• Excellent communication and client management abilities.
• Ability to work effectively in a team and independently.

Benefits Offered: The firm provides a comprehensive benefits package, including a full range of medical, financial, and other benefits. Eligible employees can participate in the 401(k) plan, and various paid time off benefits, including vacation, sick time, and parental leave, are available.