Senior Patent Agent

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Texas.

📋 Description

• Collaborate with R&D, manufacturing, as well as business and legal stakeholders to formulate and implement strategies for safeguarding and enhancing Cepheid’s intellectual property.

• Engage with R&D teams to gain insights into molecular diagnostic technologies and manufacturing processes.

• Recognize significant IP opportunities and facilitate innovative protection strategies.

• Draft and manage patent applications in the fields of molecular diagnostics, biochemistry, and related areas.

• Execute freedom-to-operate studies, encompassing infringement and validity analyses.

• Provide counsel to internal stakeholders.

• Conduct IP diligence for M&A and associated activities.

• Oversee outside counsel on global patent filing and prosecution issues.

• Develop and deliver training materials on invention disclosure, trade secret protection, and intellectual property safeguarding.

• Manage and/or engage in projects that affect Cepheid on a broader scale.

• Report to the Deputy Chief IP Counsel as a member of the legal department and IP team.

⛳️ Requirements

• Must be registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office as a Patent Agent.

• Practical experience in patent preparation and prosecution within the molecular biology or life sciences domain.

• Minimum of 4 years of patent prosecution experience in the life sciences sector.

• Preferably experienced in molecular biology, biochemistry, molecular diagnostics, or related fields.

• Experience acquired in a law firm, patent boutique, and/or in-house environment.

• Bachelor’s degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, biology, genetics, or a closely related life sciences discipline.

• Preferred advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in molecular biology or a comparable field.

• Willingness to travel occasionally within the U.S. for in-person meetings and events, up to 5% of the time.

• Strong technical knowledge of molecular biology techniques such as PCR, nucleic acid amplification, and next-generation sequencing.

• Capable of translating complex scientific concepts into clear patent claims.

• Experience with artificial intelligence/machine learning and AI tools in the realm of IP practice is preferred.

• Familiarity with bioinformatics, data analytics, genomics, and molecular diagnostics is preferred.

• Ability to think innovatively and create patent strategies for novel inventions.

• Competence in driving IP issues to resolution.

• Exceptional writing, communication, organizational, problem-solving, and analytical skills.

🏝️ Benefits

• Eligibility for bonus/incentive pay.

• Comprehensive benefits package.

• Flexible time off.

• Medical insurance.

• Dental insurance.

• Vision insurance.

• 401(k) plan.

• Flexible remote working options.

• Opportunity for remote work from home.

• Career advancement and development opportunities.

• Reasonable accommodations available for applicants and employees with disabilities.