Science Advisor/Patent Agent - Bio/Chem

Goodwin Procter • Santa Monica, CA

1d

About The Position

We are seeking a Science Advisor/Patent Agent to join our Life Sciences Industry and Patent Group. This opportunity is suited to candidates with a deep scientific background and a passion for innovation who want to apply their expertise in a legal environment supporting clients in the life sciences sector.

The role involves supporting patent preparation and prosecution, evaluating scientific inventions and technologies, conducting patent and competitive analyses, and advising on intellectual property strategy. The Science Advisor/Patent Agent collaborates with attorneys, inventors, clients, and in-house counsel 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 the life sciences and biotech domains.
• Eligible to sit for the USPTO registration examination if not already registered.

Nice To Haves

• 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.
• A proactive, detail-oriented approach and the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Draft patent applications, including preparing detailed specifications and claims in coordination with inventors and in-house counsel.
• Perform 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