Senior Patent Paralegal

Novartis; Basel; Hybrid; CHF 83,000 - 153,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work options

Parental leave (14 weeks)

Insurance plans

Retirement plans

Job summary

Novartis in Basel, Switzerland seeks a Paralegal or IP specialist to manage complex global patent portfolios and coordinate international filing activities across Europe, the US and other jurisdictions.

The role requires deep knowledge of European, US and PCT filing practices, excellent English communication, and a proactive, ownership-minded approach in a collaborative, hybrid work setting with a competitive base salary. Relocation support is not available; Basel-based eligibility is essential.

Qualifications

• Paralegal or IP certification or equivalent experience in patent administration.
• Extensive experience managing international patent prosecution in a law firm or corporate setting.
• Strong knowledge of European, United States, PCT, and foreign filing practices.
• Excellent written and spoken English with global collaboration skills.
• Ownership mindset with a proactive, solution-oriented approach.

Responsibilities

• Manage complex global patent portfolios and ensure timely execution of filing activities.
• Prepare and coordinate European, US, international and foreign patent documentation.
• Monitor dockets, deadlines, and correspondence to safeguard IP rights.
• Serve as a resource on patent procedures, regulations and best practices.
• Collaborate with patent attorneys, inventors and international partners to advance programs.
• Lead process improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and service quality.
• Mentor colleagues on patent prosecution processes and IP administration.
• Support cross-functional projects and continuous improvement across global operations.

Skills

English communication

Global collaboration

Attention to detail

Ownership mindset

Paralegal/IP certification

Education

Paralegal or IP certification

Job description

Summary

Location: Basel, Switzerland

Relocation Support: This role is based in Basel, Switzerland. Novartis is unable to offer relocation support: please only apply if accessible.

About The Role

Key Responsibilities

• Manage complex global patent portfolios and ensure timely execution of intellectual property filing activities.
• Prepare and coordinate European, United States, international, and foreign patent application documentation.
• Monitor patent dockets, deadlines, and correspondence to safeguard intellectual property rights.
• Serve as a key resource on patent procedures, regulations, and best practices.
• Collaborate with patent attorneys, inventors, and international partners to advance innovation programs.
• Lead process improvement initiatives that enhance operational efficiency and service quality.
• Mentor and train colleagues on patent prosecution processes and intellectual property administration.
• Support cross-functional projects and contribute to continuous improvement across global operations.

Essential Requirements

• Paralegal or intellectual property certification, or equivalent professional experience in patent administration.
• Extensive experience managing international patent prosecution activities in a law firm or corporate environment.
• Strong knowledge of European, United States, Patent Cooperation Treaty, and foreign filing practices.
• Proven ability to manage complex patent portfolios with exceptional accuracy and attention to detail.
• Excellent written and spoken English communication skills and ability to collaborate globally.
• Proven sense of ownership and accountability, with a proactive, solution-oriented mindset and the ability to thrive in collaborative teams.

Benefits & Rewards

At Novartis, we’re committed to reimagining medicine together - and rewarding the people who make it happen.

Expected Annual Base Salary Range for role: CHF 82.600 - CHF 153.400

The base salary offered is determined based on gender-neutral objectives, such as relevant skills, competencies and experience in accordance with the Novartis pay setting policy and upon joining Novartis will be reviewed periodically.

• In addition to your base salary, you may be eligible for a performance-based bonus depending on certain performance parameters.
• We also offer a variety of competitive benefits in kind to help you thrive personally and professionally, such as insurance plans, retirement plans, wellbeing resources and global recognition programs.
• In addition, we provide flexible and hybrid working options, where possible, and minimum 14 weeks paid parental leave.

Read our brochure to learn more about our global total rewards offering: https://www.novartis.com/sites/novartis_com/files/novartis-life-handbook.pdf

Note: Benefits and compensation may vary by country and are subject to local legal requirements, including provisions of collective bargaining agreements where applicable. A full overview of your compensation package, including any relevant collective bargaining agreement details applicable to your role based on your employment location and Novartis employer entity, will be communicated separately to you during the application process.

Commitment To Diversity And Inclusion

Novartis is committed to building an outstanding, inclusive work environment and diverse teams representative of the patients and communities we serve.

Accessibility And Accommodation

Novartis is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to all individuals. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the recruitment process, or in order to receive more detailed information about the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to [e-mail] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.

Why Novartis:

Helping people with disease and their families takes more than innovative science. It takes a community of smart, passionate people like you. Collaborating, supporting and inspiring each other. Combining to achieve breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. Ready to create a brighter future together? https://www.novartis.com/about/strategy/people-and-culture

Benefits and Rewards:

Learn about all the ways we’ll help you thrive personally and professionally.

Read our handbook (PDF 30 MB)