PATENT PARALEGAL/ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGER

The Scripps Research Institute • San Diego, CA

66d • $90,000 - $110,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Patent Paralegal / Administrative Manager provides comprehensive support for the Office of Patent Counsel in patent prosecution, docket management, reporting obligations, and administrative operations. This role combines paralegal expertise with office management responsibilities, ensuring accurate and timely filings, compliance with grant obligations, and efficient coordination across internal and external stakeholders. Responsible for various patent prosecution matters, filing, docketing, reporting and office management.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in related field preferred
• 3-5 years' experience as Paralegal or equitable legal experience.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Acrobat Pro, Outlook, and Dropbox required.
• Prior experience in patent prosecution, paralegal support, docketing and knowledge of U.S. and PCT patent filing processes.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage deadlines and communicate effectively with stakeholders.
• While subject to change based on business needs, this is an on-campus position requiring a minimum of 4 days per week working onsite from our La Jolla campus, with flexibility to work 1 day per week remotely from home.

Responsibilities

• Patent Prosecution Support: Prepare and file formal patent documents with the USPTO and PCT Receiving Office.
• Monitor and route communications from the USPTO, outside counsel, and foreign associates.
• Maintain complete patent files and coordinate new matter setup with OTD.
• Conduct compliance reviews, including Government Support Clause (GSC) and Verify File Completeness (VFC) audits.
• Track issued patents, record assignments, and maintain accurate prosecution histories
• Ensure all prosecution deadlines are accurately entered into the docket.
• Provide notifications and track authorizations for pending actions.
• Prepare and circulate monthly Patent Strategy Committee (PSC) dockets; take notes and update instructions.
• Support automation of deadline notifications through AppColl.
• Manage reporting obligations under grants and contracts (invention disclosures, confirmatory licenses, extensions, utilization reports).
• Advise iEdison on the progress of inventions and update records accordingly.
• Provide patent estate and status reports as requested by attorneys, OTD, or General Counsel
• Oversee OPC personnel records, subscriptions, and office equipment.
• Order supplies, process invoices and reimbursements, and coordinate purchase orders.
• Manage file archiving and storage logistics.
• Support hiring processes, onboarding, and general administrative functions.
• Maintain and reconcile the USPTO Deposit Account, ensuring sufficient funds for filings.
• Work with CPA Global (or equivalent) to manage patent annuity payments, invoices, and reporting.
• Provide receipts and billing information to OPC Billing for chargebacks to licensees.
• Details of established essential functions for this position will be addressed/discussed during the interview process.

Benefits

• Employer Contributed Retirement Plan - Depending on eligibility, employees receive an employer contributed retirement plan (no employee contribution required) and the option to contribute to a 403(b) (which is similar to a 401(k) using your own pre or post-tax dollars)
• Full Suite of Health and Welfare plans including three medical plan options (including an HSA available option), dental, vision, life insurance, disability, EAP and more
• Access to Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical/Dependent Care)
• Competitive vacation and sick leave policies
• Free, on-site parking

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Educational Services
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees