LS Patent Counsel

Merck • Burlington, MA

10d • Hybrid

About The Position

This role is for a Patent Attorney within the Life Science Patents team at MilliporeSigma. The position offers an opportunity to advance patent law skills by gaining a deep understanding of the business, working directly with inventors, shaping IP strategy, and growing with experienced colleagues. The team is passionate about protecting innovations in Life Science through practical, high-quality IP strategic counseling aligned with business objectives. The role involves active contribution to patent portfolio management, including drafting, filing, prosecuting, and defending patents, preparing opinions, and advising on IP matters. The Patent Counsel will work directly with R&D teams and cross-functional colleagues globally to identify IP opportunities, assess risks, develop solutions, and support strategic decisions. The technologies supported are diverse, including 3D cell biology, cell culture, protein chemistry, diagnostics, and molecular/cellular separation technologies. Success requires technical expertise, curiosity, sound judgment, strong communication, and the ability to build trusted relationships.

Requirements

• Undergraduate degree (BS/BA) in a relevant scientific or technical field, particularly spatial biology, cell and tissue engineering, biomedical engineering or related discipline
• JD from an accredited law school
• Registered to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office
• Minimum of 3 years of patent law experience
• Fluency in English

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree and/or research and development experience
• Clear, confident, and effective communicator
• Engaged user and adopter of current and emerging digital tools
• Sharp attention to detail and commitment to high-quality work
• Strong time management skills and discipline to meet deadlines
• Proactive, collaborative working style, with the confidence to take initiative and the judgment to know when to seek input or guidance
• Sound judgment and awareness of legal, business, and reputational risks
• Strong business orientation and ability to connect IP strategy with business objectives using a practical, solutions-focused approach to complex IP matters

Responsibilities

• Active, hands-on contributor to patent portfolio management
• Drafting, filing, prosecuting, and defending patents
• Preparing opinions
• Advising on IP matters that protect technologies and products
• Working directly with R&D teams and cross-functional colleagues around the world to identify IP opportunities, assess risks, develop solutions, and support smart strategic decisions

Benefits

• health insurance
• paid time off (PTO)
• retirement contributions
• other perquisites

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level