Life Sciences Technical Specialist / Patent Agent

Job Overview:
A prominent law firm is seeking a Patent Agent or Technical Specialist with expertise in life sciences to join its Intellectual Property Practice Group. This position involves preparing, filing, and prosecuting patent applications before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). The successful candidate will have experience in molecular biology, cell biology, or biochemistry, with strong technical and client-facing skills. This role offers the flexibility of a hybrid working schedule.

Location:

• Palo Alto, CA

Duties:

• Prepare, file, and prosecute patent applications before the USPTO
• Perform prior art searches and patentability analysis
• Conduct intellectual property (IP) due diligence
• Draft substantive client correspondence and manage client relationships
• Instruct local counsel for foreign filings and office actions
• Assist with patent clearance studies and other patent-related projects
• Apply advanced life sciences concepts in molecular biology, cell biology, and biochemistry
• Analyze scientific or technical documents to assess patentability
• Convert provisional applications into utility applications and manage U.S. and foreign filings

Requirements:

• At least 1 year of experience as a practicing patent agent or 2 years of professional experience in life sciences
• Advanced degree (Master's or PhD) in a biological field, such as Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Microbiology, or Biomedical Engineering
• Registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)
• Strong writing, research, and organizational skills
• Excellent verbal communication abilities

Education:

• Advanced degree (Master's or PhD) in relevant biological fields

Certifications:

• Registered to practice before the USPTO

Skills:

• Expertise in life sciences-related patent prosecution and IP law
• Strong analytical and drafting skills
• Ability to manage complex projects independently
• Effective communication and client relationship management

Benefits:

• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Law school tuition reimbursement program for eligible employees
• Generous parental leave and fertility benefits
• Hybrid work arrangement offering flexibility between in-office and remote work options

This large law firm opened with a labor and leveraged-leasing practice and quickly built a substantial corporate and litigation practice. Today, the firm focuses its practice on business and finance, investment management, litigation, labor and employment, real estate and environmental issues. Attorneys at the firm enjoy a faily casual, though conservative, environment where partners tend to be collegial and offer excellent formal and informal training programs. In addition to recieving fair market salaries, associates at the firm have the opportunity to participate in award winning pro bono work.