Science Advisor/Patent Agent - Bio/Chem

Goodwin Procter • San Francisco, CA

1d

About The Position

We are seeking a Science Advisor/Patent Agent to join the Life Sciences Industry and Patent Group. This role offers candidates with a deep scientific background and an interest in innovation the opportunity to apply their expertise in a legal environment supporting clients in the life sciences sector.

The position involves patent application drafting, prior art and freedom-to-operate analyses, evaluation of scientific inventions and complex technologies, IP due diligence, landscape and competitive intelligence work, and advising on patent portfolio development and management. The Science Advisor/Patent Agent also supports day-to-day portfolio needs, including preparing office-action responses under the supervision of senior science advisors or associates and in coordination with in-house counsel, and collaborates with attorneys and clients to align IP strategies with business objectives.

Requirements

• Strong academic credentials.
• Demonstrated technical writing and communication skills.
• Familiarity with U.S. and international patent law principles, particularly in life sciences and biotechnology.
• Eligible to sit for the USPTO registration examination if not already registered.

Nice To Haves

• An M.D., Ph.D., or equivalent advanced degree in a relevant scientific field, such as chemistry, biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, engineering, immunology, pharmacology, or a related discipline.
• Prior law firm or in-house IP experience, particularly involving patent preparation and prosecution.
• Admission to practice before the USPTO is strongly preferred.
• A proactive, detail-oriented approach and the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Draft patent applications, including detailed specifications and claims, in coordination with inventors and in-house counsel.
• Conduct prior art searches and freedom-to-operate (FTO) analyses to support product development and risk mitigation.
• Assess scientific inventions and complex technologies for patentability, validity, and potential infringement risks.
• Support IP due diligence for mergers, acquisitions, investments, and licensing transactions.
• Conduct IP landscape and competitive intelligence analyses to inform client R&D, IP strategy, and business planning.
• Advise clients on patent portfolio development and management, including prosecution strategies and global filing approaches.
• Manage day-to-day patent portfolio needs, including preparing responses to office actions under the supervision of senior science advisors or associates and in coordination with in-house counsel.
• Collaborate with attorneys and clients to align IP strategies with business objectives.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: No Education Listed