LS Patent Counsel

Merck•Burlington, MA

10d•Hybrid

About The Position

This role is for a Patent Attorney on the Life Science Patents team at MilliporeSigma. The position involves patent portfolio management, including drafting, filing, prosecuting, and defending patents, preparing opinions, and advising on intellectual property matters related to innovative technologies and products. The attorney will work directly with R&D teams and cross-functional colleagues globally to identify IP opportunities, assess risks, develop solutions, and support strategic decision-making. The role requires technical expertise, curiosity, sound judgment, strong communication skills, and the ability to build trusted relationships. The company emphasizes innovation, diversity, inclusion, and empowering employees to contribute to human progress.

Requirements

Undergraduate degree in a relevant scientific or technical field, particularly engineering, biotechnology or a 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.
Experience supporting technologies relevant to Life Science, such as engineering, filtration, chromatography, bioprocessing, chemistry, or biology.
Effective communicator.
Skilled in, and adopter of, current and new digital tools.
Keen attention to detail and commitment to high-quality work.
Diligent time management skills and ability 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 part in patent portfolio management, including drafting, filing, prosecuting, and defending patents.
Prepare opinions and advise on intellectual property matters that protect innovative technologies and products.
Work directly with R&D teams and cross-functional colleagues around the world to identify IP opportunities.
Assess risks, develop solutions, and support strategic decision-making.
Support strategic decision-making related to Life Science technologies such as filtration, chromatography, substrates, ligands, bioreactors, sensors, devices, chemistry, biology, and more.