Biotech Patent Prosecution Associate / Patent Agent

San Diego, CA

Full-Time

On-Site

$115,000 - $145,000 /yr

Posted Yesterday

Biotech Patent Prosecution Associate / Patent Agent

Position Overview

We are seeking a detail-oriented Biotech Patent Prosecution Associate / Patent Agent to support a growing intellectual property practice focused on life sciences. The ideal candidate will combine deep technical expertise in molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, immunology, or related fields with strong patent prosecution skills to draft and prosecute patent applications, counsel inventors and clients, and drive successful outcomes before the USPTO and foreign patent offices.

Key Responsibilities

• Draft, prepare, and file U.S. and international patent applications (including PCT filings) in biotechnology and related life science areas.
• Prepare and prosecute responses to office actions, conduct claim amendments, and shepherd applications through examination to grant.
• Perform patentability, freedom-to-operate (FTO), and prior art analyses to inform filing strategies and client advice.
• Collaborate directly with inventors and cross-functional teams (R&D, business development) to translate scientific discoveries into clear, enforceable patent claims.
• Participate in examiner interviews and coordinate with foreign associates to manage international prosecution and national phase entries.
• Maintain prosecution dockets, track deadlines, and ensure timely submission of filings and responses.
• Support patent portfolio management, including assessment of portfolio strength and alignment with business objectives.
• Prepare client-facing deliverables such as prosecution strategies, status reports, and patentability opinions.
• Mentor junior associates and patent technicians, and contribute to training on patent drafting and prosecution best practices.
• Support business development activities by preparing technical resumes, client pitches, and proposal materials.

Qualifications

• Degree: Ph.D. or advanced degree in Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, Immunology, Biomedical Sciences, or a closely related life science field preferred; M.S. with relevant experience will be considered.
• Patent Agent: USPTO registration required (or ability to obtain promptly).
• Associate Candidates: J.D. from an accredited law school and USPTO registration (or ability to obtain promptly).
• Interest: To work on patent prosecution in biotechnology or life sciences, including drafting claims and responding to office actions; experience as a patent agent or associate in a law firm or corporate IP environment preferred.
• Technical Depth: Strong technical depth in molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, immunology, or related disciplines, with the ability to understand and communicate complex experimental workflows and data.
• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, strong attention to detail, and ability to collaborate with technical and business stakeholders.
• Time Management: Ability to manage multiple matters and deadlines independently, maintain accurate docketing, and prioritize workload in a fast-paced environment.
• Professionalism: Strong problem-solving skills, and a commitment to delivering high-quality client service.

Benefits

Health, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k), PTO, CLE support