Senior Patent Counsel

Genentech • Philadelphia, PA

1d

About The Position

The Position The Roche Innovation Center Philadelphia is seeking a strategic and experienced Senior Patent Counsel to serve as a key business partner and guardian of our intellectual property. Building on Roche's 125-year history, our Philadelphia site is the hub for Gene Therapy evolution, combining human capabilities with cutting-edge technology. In this role, you will not just manage a docket; you will act as a lead strategist, protecting the innovations that will define the next generation of medicine. You will report directly to the VP for the Roche Innovation Center Philadelphia, and serve as a trusted advisor to scientific leadership and global stakeholders. The Opportunity You will drive value by managing intellectual property assets through their entire lifecycle. Key responsibilities include: Strategic IP Portfolio Management: Design & Deliver: Create and execute comprehensive global IP strategies for gene therapies and platform technologies, managing assets from invention capture to patent issuance and beyond. Business Partnership: Act as a primary liaison to scientific teams, embedding yourself in the R&D process to identify patentable innovations early. Global Collaboration: Work seamlessly with colleagues across Roche’s global network to align Philadelphia-based assets with the broader organizational strategy. Risk Assessment & Counseling: Freedom to Operate: Conduct and lead complex patent landscape analyses, freedom-to-operate (FTO) studies, and validity assessments. Advisory: Translate complex legal IP risks into actionable business-focused advice for key stakeholders and senior leadership. Competitor Intelligence: Monitor third-party IP risks and develop proactive strategies to navigate the competitive landscape. Transactions & External Relations: Partnering Support: Lead IP due diligence for potential acquisitions and in-licensing opportunities. Contracting: Draft and negotiate IP provisions in research collaborations, material transfer agreements, and licensing deals. External Management: Direct and manage outside counsel to ensure high-quality work product and budget adherence. Who You Are You are a seasoned IP professional who thrives in a high-stakes, scientific environment. You combine legal excellence with a "growth mindset" and the ability to influence business leaders.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) required
• Admission to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and at least one U.S. State Bar.
• 10+ years of patent prosecution experience in the biotechnology field, with a preference for a mix of law firm and in-house pharmaceutical/biotech experience.
• Demonstrated track record of strategic portfolio building (not just prosecution).
• Ability to work independently with minimal direction in a matrixed, global organization.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate complex legal concepts to scientists and business executives clearly.
• Willingness to travel periodically to other Roche sites and adapt to the shifting priorities of a dynamic innovation center.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree (Ph.D. or M.S.) in Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, or a related life sciences field is strongly preferred
• Experience with Gene Therapy modalities is a significant plus.

Responsibilities

• Create and execute comprehensive global IP strategies for gene therapies and platform technologies, managing assets from invention capture to patent issuance and beyond.
• Act as a primary liaison to scientific teams, embedding yourself in the R&D process to identify patentable innovations early.
• Work seamlessly with colleagues across Roche’s global network to align Philadelphia-based assets with the broader organizational strategy.
• Conduct and lead complex patent landscape analyses, freedom-to-operate (FTO) studies, and validity assessments.
• Translate complex legal IP risks into actionable business-focused advice for key stakeholders and senior leadership.
• Monitor third-party IP risks and develop proactive strategies to navigate the competitive landscape.
• Lead IP due diligence for potential acquisitions and in-licensing opportunities.
• Draft and negotiate IP provisions in research collaborations, material transfer agreements, and licensing deals.
• Direct and manage outside counsel to ensure high-quality work product and budget adherence.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees