IP Patent Counsel — Invent, Draft & Grow Global Portfolios

Waters Corporation; Wilmslow; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

25 days holidays

Pension contribution

Life assurance

Income protection

Private medical

Job summary

Waters Corporation in Wilmslow, UK, is seeking a Counsel / Patent Attorney to support its IP portfolio across Waters Advanced Diagnostics technologies. The role focuses on invention harvesting, drafting and prosecution, IP research, and cross-functional collaboration with R&D and product teams.

The successful candidate will be newly qualified (1–3 PQE) European Patent Attorney with a strong technical background in chemistry/biology and excellent writing skills.

Qualifications

• Newly qualified European Patent Attorney (1-3 years PQE).
• Degree in a relevant technical subject (e.g., chemistry, biology, biochemistry or related).
• Strong technical aptitude and interest in diagnostic technologies.
• Excellent research, analytical, and writing skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing priorities.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and organization skills.

Responsibilities

• Invention Harvesting & Portfolio Support: Partner with R&D teams to identify inventive concepts; conduct inventor interviews; prepare invention disclosures; contribute to portfolio-building strategies.
• Patent Drafting & Prosecution: Prepare invention disclosures; manage outside counsel on drafting and prosecution; draft applications and responses; ensure high-quality filings; support global prosecution including office actions and examiner communications.
• IP Research & Analysis: Conduct prior-art searches; landscape analyses; monitor competitors; assist with freedom-to-operate assessments and preliminary risk analyses; prepare research summaries and recommendations.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work with technical teams, product managers, and portfolio leaders to embed IP considerations early; support IP education and awareness; build relationships with inventors and subject-matter experts.
• Operational & Process Support: Maintain IP databases; improve workflows and templates; prepare IP reporting materials and portfolio overviews.
• Leadership Attributes: Demonstrates professionalism, accountability, clear communication; adaptable to feedback; contribute to an inclusive, collaborative team culture.

Job description

Waters Corporation in Wilmslow, UK, is seeking a Counsel / Patent Attorney to support its IP portfolio across Waters Advanced Diagnostics technologies. The role focuses on invention harvesting, drafting and prosecution, IP research, and cross-functional collaboration with R&D and product teams.

The successful candidate will be newly qualified (1–3 PQE) European Patent Attorney with a strong technical background in chemistry/biology and excellent writing skills.