Patent Counsel

MSD•Rahway, NJ

1d•$206,200 - $324,600•Hybrid

About The Position

Are you interested in the intersection of scientific innovation and property law, especially how to efficiently capture innovation with intellectual property, incentivize continued R&D and drive access to life-saving medicines for patients? If so, the Patent Counsel role at our Company could be an ideal opportunity for you. We are looking for a highly motivated and skilled individual to join our team in Rahway, New Jersey. In this role, you will work directly with our internal R&D team to identify inventions, conduct patentability assessments, and draft and prosecute patent applications for novel chemical sciences inventions. The position will support programs in all phases of development, from discovery through development and commercialization, and allows for the support of programs in diverse areas (including different therapeutic areas and modalities). This role also provides exposure to and interaction with major areas of the business including discovery, development, manufacturing and supply, regulatory, business development, commercial groups, and other legal functions. Our company is a global health care leader with a diversified portfolio of prescription medicines, vaccines and animal health products. The difference between potential and achievement lies in the spark that fuels innovation and inventiveness; this is the space where we have codified our legacy for over a century. Our success is backed by ethical integrity, forward momentum, and an inspiring mission to achieve new milestones in global healthcare.

Requirements

A minimum of a bachelor's degree in the biological, pharmaceutical or chemical sciences from an accredited institution
Graduate of an accredited US law school
Registered to practice before the USPTO
Member in good standing of a Bar of at least one state or the District of Columbia
Five (5) or more years of experience as an attorney in a law firm or corporate setting, drafting and prosecuting pharmaceutical patent applications (Note: time accrued as a practicing patent agent may be considered)
Strong technical background in chemical sciences
Excellent communication and analytical skills

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree in the biological or chemical sciences
Experience in counseling clients on intellectual property issues
Experience prioritizing work and leveraging resources to manage a significant workload
Ability to build partnerships and work in cross-functional teams
Ability to communicate competently and confidently with R&D clients, business partners, and senior leaders
Ability to exercise judgment to drive decisions on routine and non-routine matters within areas of practice
Ability to be proactive and take initiative

Responsibilities

Working independently through product development teams to devise a patenting strategy with the goal of building robust portfolios of intellectual property for cutting-edge biopharmaceutical products
Drafting and prosecuting patent applications related to our Company’s products, product candidates and platform technologies on a global basis
Working with internal litigation colleagues to support oppositions, or other proceedings related to your supported programs
Working with a large team of in-house U.S. and European patent attorneys, paralegals, legal operations and support staff, and local agents
Conducting freedom to operate analyses for our Company’s R&D activities
Actively supporting various business development activities (e.g., research collaborations and acquisitions) by conducting IP due diligence on assets or technology of interest, counseling the business as to IP expectations, and supporting the drafting and negotiation of related agreements, all while working with a team of scientific, legal and commercial functions