Biotech Patent Counsel

Merck; Cambridge (MA); Hybrid; USD 170,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck in Cambridge, MA is seeking a skilled Patent Attorney to work with our internal R&D team to identify inventions, draft and prosecute patent applications, and support global IP strategies across biopharmaceutical platforms.

The role involves collaborating with in-house attorneys, regulatory, and business development teams to secure robust IP protection, perform freedom-to-operate analyses, and contribute to strategic initiatives while traveling as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biological, pharmaceutical or chemical sciences and US law degree.
• US bar admission and USPTO registration or equivalent.
• 5+ years of attorney experience drafting and prosecuting pharmaceutical or biological patent applications.
• Strong technical background in chemical or biological sciences.
• Excellent communication and analytical skills.
• Experience in cross-functional collaboration with R&D, regulatory and business teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop patenting strategies with product development teams to build robust IP portfolios.
• Draft and prosecute patent applications globally for vaccines, biologics, or chemical therapeutics.
• Support opposition or other proceedings with internal litigation colleagues.
• Collaborate with in-house patent attorneys, paralegals and support staff.
• Conduct freedom-to-operate analyses for R&D activities.
• Assist IP due diligence for alliances, collaborations or acquisitions.

Skills

Excellent communication

Analytical skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Legal drafting experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in biological/chemical sciences

Juris Doctor from an accredited US law school

Job description

Merck in Cambridge, MA is seeking a skilled Patent Attorney to work with our internal R&D team to identify inventions, draft and prosecute patent applications, and support global IP strategies across biopharmaceutical platforms.

The role involves collaborating with in-house attorneys, regulatory, and business development teams to secure robust IP protection, perform freedom-to-operate analyses, and contribute to strategic initiatives while traveling as needed.