Patent Agent - Life Sciences/Bioinformatics

A law firm in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is seeking a Patent Agent specializing in Life Sciences/Bioinformatics. The candidate will be responsible for preparing, filing, and prosecuting patent applications before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Working under the supervision of an intellectual property partner, the Patent Agent will have daily contact with all partners in the practice group, providing support to protect inventions while assuming significant client responsibilities and delivering high-quality legal services to domestic and foreign clients.

Duties:

• Prepare, file, and prosecute patent applications before the USPTO.
• Perform prior art searches and analysis.
• Conduct patentability analysis and intellectual property due diligence.
• Engage in practice development activities to build and maintain client relationships.
• Prepare substantive client correspondence and instruct local counsel for foreign filings and Office Actions.
• Assist in patent clearance studies and other patent-related opinion projects.
• Apply advanced concepts in any life sciences field, with particular emphasis on molecular biology, cell biology, and/or biochemistry.
• Study and analyze scientific or technical documents, including previously published patent documents, to assess patentability, novelty, and inventiveness.
• Convert prior provisional applications into utility applications and foreign filed applications into U.S. applications, and vice versa.
• Possess an advanced degree (Masters or PhD) in bioinformatics preferred, with other biological fields such as Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Microbiology, or Biomedical Engineering considered.
• Registered to practice before the USPTO.
• Demonstrate excellent writing and research abilities, proficiency in written and verbal communication, and strong organizational skills.

Requirements:

2+ years of experience in life sciences or 1 year experience as a registered patent agent.

Education and Certifications:

• Advanced degree (Masters or PhD) in bioinformatics preferred, or related biological fields with excellent academic credentials.
• Registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Skills:

• Excellent writing and research abilities.
• Proficiency in written and verbal communication.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Attention to detail and ability to meet tight deadlines.

Benefits Offered:

The total compensation package may include a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, including 401(k) eligibility and various paid time off benefits such as vacation, sick time, and parental leave, dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided upon receiving an offer of employment.

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.