What are the responsibilities and job description for the Science Advisor/Patent Agent - Chemistry (Silicon Valley) position at Pernini Legal, LLC?
Our client, a premier international AmLaw 50 firm, is seeking a talented Science Advisor/Patent Agent with a strong background in Chemistry to join its Life Sciences Business Unit within their Intellectual Property Transactions & Strategies Practice Group. This position offers a unique opportunity to leverage scientific expertise in a dynamic legal environment, advising cutting-edge clients in the life sciences sector on their most complex intellectual property matters.
Candidate Profile
- Advanced Degree: M.D., Ph.D., or equivalent advanced degree in Chemistry is strongly preferred
- Excellent academic record required
- U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) Admission is strongly preferred
- Eligibility to sit for the USPTO registration examination is required
- 3 years of substantive experience in patent preparation and prosecution, patent strategy, or intellectual property (IP) transactions in the life sciences sector
- Demonstrated ability to assess complex inventions, perform patentability and freedom-to-operate analyses, and draft patent specifications and claims
- Familiarity with U.S. and international patent law, particularly in the biotech and life sciences domains
- Prior law firm experience or in-house IP experience involving patent preparation and prosecution
- Soft Skills: Strong technical writing abilities, exceptional attention to detail, and proven ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment
Key Responsibilities
- Draft and prosecute patent applications, preparing detailed specifications and claims in coordination with inventors and in-house counsel.
- Perform prior art searches, freedom-to-operate analyses, and IP landscape reviews to support client research & development and business strategy.
- Evaluate patentability, validity, and potential infringement issues for scientific innovations in the life sciences sector.
- Support IP due diligence for mergers, acquisitions, investments, and licensing transactions.
- Advise clients on patent portfolio management and global filing strategies to align IP protection with business objectives.
- Collaborate with attorneys, clients, and internal teams to execute comprehensive IP strategies and meet key deadlines.
Why Join Us?
This role offers a distinctive platform for scientists seeking to expand into the legal sphere while working with some of the most innovative companies in life sciences and biotechnology. You will gain hands-on exposure to patent drafting, prosecution, and strategic counseling on breakthrough technologies, while collaborating with leading attorneys and industry experts. The firm’s emphasis on mentorship, professional development, and cutting-edge legal technology ensures that you will grow as both a scientist and an IP strategist, with opportunities to influence high-impact innovation strategies worldwide.
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive Compensation: Annual base salary is expected to range from $145,000 – $155,000, depending on experience, qualifications, and market factors.
- Comprehensive Benefits: Includes medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; 401(k) plan; paid maternal and paternal leave; generous vacation and time off; wellness initiatives; and commuter benefits.
- Additional Perks: Include pet insurance, tuition reimbursement, FSA/HSA accounts, Dependent Care FSA, long term care, Health Advocate, a range of reproductive health benefits, and a concierge program, among others.
Application Requirements
Interested candidates should submit a resume, relevant academic transcripts, and cover letter for consideration.
Our client is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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Salary : $145,000 - $155,000
