Science Advisor/Patent Agent - Bio/Chem

Goodwin Procter • San Diego, 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 an opportunity to apply a deep scientific background in a legal environment supporting clients in the life sciences sector. The position involves patent drafting, patentability and risk assessments, IP due diligence, competitive intelligence, and patent portfolio strategy and management, in collaboration with attorneys, inventors, clients, and in-house counsel.

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

• 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.
• Proactive, detail-oriented approach and 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.
• 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 clients’ 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 senior science advisors’ or associates’ supervision 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