SENIOR PATENT COUNSEL

Position Summary

The Senior Patent Counsel (Organic Chemistry) will work closely with the Chief Patent Counsel to manage the patent counsel function, ensuring maximum productivity and efficiency, and providing excellent service to internal customers including faculty and other scientific staff. This position offers the opportunity to work directly with world-renowned scientists and innovative technologies at the earliest stages of discovery, helping shape intellectual property strategy that supports groundbreaking advances in chemistry, biology, digital medicine, and translational science.

Responsibilities And Duties

• Prepare and prosecute assigned patent applications in field of expertise.
• Work with Chief Patent Counsel to develop IP prosecution strategies, portfolio development, patent risk assessment, and commercialization opportunities.
• Interview inventors to collect disclosure information.
• Provide prosecution support for other staff attorneys and assist co-counsel in interference and litigation proceedings.
• Affiliate with management of Office of Patent Counsel (OPC) staff and projects.
• Review assigned contracts for IP-related issues including licenses, MTA, RFOA, NDA and collaboration agreements and utilize legal expertise to advise on recommendations for improvement.
• Manage assigned Authorizations of Unlicensed Matters.
• Conduct prior art searches.
• Instruct outside patent counsel on licensed matters.
• Interface with Scripps Research employees of all levels including executives, faculty, and administrative staff.
• Communicate and negotiate with outside companies, universities & institutes on patent-related matters.
• Execute documents on behalf of Office of Patent Counsel (OPC) for Scripps Research.
• Support to Office of Technology Development (OTD) and TSRI legally in connection with licensing efforts and licensee compliance.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry or similar field.
• Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.
• Bar membership required, California Bar membership preferred.
• Must be registered with the U.S. Patent Office.
• 5+ years’ experience as a patent attorney specializing in organic chemistry-related patents.
• Prior experience successfully working with scientists on patent matters required.
• Prior experience using patent portfolio management and docketing software required.
• Prior experience managing multiple patent portfolios required.
• Prior experience managing legal staff preferred.
• Proficiency with Word, Chemdraw, PowerPoint and common chemical structure software.
• Proficiency with searching databases: USPTO, WIPO, CAS and Reaxys.

Compensation

The expected hiring range for this position is $220,000 to $255,000/annually, commensurate with experience. Consideration will be given to experience that exceeds the listed requirements.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Benefits Include Employer Contributed Retirement Plan – Depending on eligibility, employees receive an employer contributed retirement plan (no employee contribution required) and the option to contribute to a 403(b) (which is similar to a 401(k) using your own pre or post-tax dollars).
• Full Suite of Health and Welfare plans including three medical plan options (including an HSA available option), dental, vision, life insurance, disability, EAP and more.
• Access to Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical/Dependent Care)
• Competitive vacation and sick leave policies
• Free, on-site parking

EEO Statement

The Scripps Research Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We promote diversity of thought, culture, and background in the fields of science. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic or status.