Sr Patent counsel M/F/D

bioMérieux; Marcy-l'Étoile; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

bioMérieux seeks an experienced European Patent Attorney with dual expertise in biochemistry and molecular biology to support its Molecular & Next Generation Sequencing IP matters. You will assess technical subjects, prepare applications, and manage a global patent portfolio while coordinating with EPO and other offices.

Ideal candidates have at least 6 years in a similar role, preferably in-house, with strong English skills (French a plus).

Qualifications

• Dual expertise in biochemistry and molecular biology with experience in contract matters.
• Qualified as a European Patent Attorney with in-house experience preferred.
• Fluent in English; French is a strong advantage.

Responsibilities

• Support IP matters for Molecular & Next Gen Sequencing projects, including patents and trade secrets.
• Assess subject matter in PCR, molecular diagnostics, sequencing, AI and data analytics concepts.
• Prepare patent applications and manage portfolio through grant and litigation if needed.
• Coordinate worldwide portfolio with EPO and monitor competitor activities.
• Review IP clauses in contracts and train internal teams on IP topics.
• Contribute to process improvements and use AI tools to detect infringement.

Skills

Biochemistry

Molecular biology

Patent law

English fluency

Education

Doctoral degree

Job description

A family-owned company, bioMérieux has grown to become a world leader in the field of in vitro diagnostics. For more than 60 years and across the world, we have imagined and developed innovative diagnostics solutions to improve public health. Today, our teams are spread across 46 countries and serve 160 countries with the support of a large distribution network.

Come and join a family-owned global company with a long-term vision, and a human-centered culture.

What will your responsibilities be at bioMérieux?

• Support bioMérieux’s Molecular & Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) for Intellectual Property matters, through patents, designs, copyright and/or Trade Secrets.
• As part of the Molecular & NGS Patent team, assess subject matter in the fields of PCR. Molecular diagnostics, sequencing, diagnostic instruments, artificial intelligence and machine learning, bioinformatics, data analytics platforms, digital health and software solutions.
• Identify potential intellectual property assets and protect them strategically through patents, copyright and/or trade secrets.
• Prepare patent application drafts for filing with the relevant patent offices (USPTO, EPO, WIPO, etc.) and manage them through to grant and, where appropriate, litigation.
• Coordinate the management of the existing worldwide patent portfolio, and work directly with EPO, ensuring the portfolio advances and aligns with the company’s business strategy.
• Monitor competitor patent activities to identify opportunities and conduct risk analyses relating to technologies developed internally or technologies for which the company may seek to obtain rights through licensing or corporate acquisitions.
• Review intellectual property clauses in contracts in support of the legal team.
• Advise and provide training to internal clients, particularly the R&D, Marketing, Legal and Business Development departments, on intellectual property matters.
• Contribute to the Centres of Excellence to enhance departmental processes and procedures and tools (including AI tools), detection of infringement, and monitoring of third-party rights.

Who are you?

• You have dual expertise in biochemistry and molecular biology, with working knowledge in mechanical and/or bioinformatics, ideally supported by a doctoral degree, as well as experience in contract matters.
• You are qualified, at least as a European Patent Attorney, and have at least 6 years of successful experience in a similar role, preferably in-house.
• Extensive experience in EPO Oppositions proceedings and UPC litigation is desired.
• You enjoy working as part of a team and can communicate fluently in English, which is essential given the international scope of the role. French is a strong advantage.
• Rigorous, organized and self-reliant, you have demonstrated through one or more previous roles your ability to autonomously manage complex situations while meeting deadlines.
• Your intellectual curiosity, proactive approach and ability to work with stakeholders from different professional backgrounds will be genuine advantages in this role.

bioMérieux welcomes applications from all individuals, regardless of race, national origin, gender, age, physical characteristics, social origin, disability, union membership, religion, family status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or any unlawful criterion under applicable law. We are committed to treating all applicants fairly and avoiding discrimination.