Intellectual Property Lead Biology

UCB; Cambridge (MA); Hybrid; USD 168,000 - 221,000; Full time

Job summary

UCB's Cambridge, MA site is seeking a Patent Counsel Biology to provide global IP support for biology research, platform technologies and early development programs. You will partner with scientific teams to develop IP strategies and manage portfolios, delivering practical advice on innovation protection and risk management.

The role requires 3+ years patent attorney experience, US/European qualification options, and strong English communication skills.

Qualifications

• Advanced scientific degree (Master preferred).
• Registered United States Patent Attorney, or European Patent Attorney with US patent agent qualification.
• 3+ years patent attorney experience in-house or private practice.
• Technical expertise in cell therapy or stem cell technologies.
• Strong knowledge of United States and European patent law.
• Proven patent drafting and prosecution expertise.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.

Responsibilities

• Develop intellectual property strategies for research and development programs.
• Manage global patent portfolios and prosecution activities.
• Conduct freedom-to-operate and competitive landscape assessments.
• Harvest inventions and identify emerging intellectual property opportunities.
• Deliver intellectual property training and awareness initiatives.
• Partner with legal, contracting, and research stakeholders globally.

Skills

Patent law

English proficiency

Education

Master's degree in a scientific field

Job description

Make your mark for patients

We are looking for a strategic, collaborative, and proactive Patent Counsel, Biology to join our Intellectual Property team, based in our Cambridge, MA office.

About The Role

The Patent Counsel Biology provides global intellectual property support for biology research, platform technologies, and early development programs. You will partner closely with scientific teams to develop and execute intellectual property strategies, manage global patent portfolios, and provide practical advice on innovation protection, freedom-to-operate, risk management, and competitive patent landscapes. This is a highly collaborative role supporting research teams mainly across the United States while partnering with colleagues in Europe and globally.

Who You'll Work With

You will work alongside a global network of intellectual property professionals, scientists, legal colleagues, and business partners supporting innovative research and development programs. The team collaborates across Intellectual Property, Ethics & Legal Affairs, Contracts & Partnering, and Research functions to deliver strategic, risk-based intellectual property support that advances scientific innovation and patient impact.

What You'll Do

• Develop intellectual property strategies for research and development programs.
• Manage global patent portfolios and prosecution activities.
• Conduct freedom-to-operate and competitive landscape assessments.
• Harvest inventions and identify emerging intellectual property opportunities.
• Deliver intellectual property training and awareness initiatives.
• Partner with legal, contracting, and research stakeholders globally.

Interested? For this role we're looking for the following

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced scientific degree (at least Master degree).
• Registered United States Patent Attorney, or alternatively European Patent Attorney with US patent agent qualification.
• 3+ years patent attorney experience in-house or private practice.
• Technical expertise in cell therapy or stem cell technologies.
• Strong knowledge of United States and European patent law.
• Proven patent drafting and prosecution expertise.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.

Preferred Requirements

• Experience supporting molecular biology or gene therapy programs.
• Experience handling patent validity and infringement matters.
• Knowledge of intellectual property agreements and partnering transactions.
• Demonstrated ability to influence cross-functional global stakeholders.
• Experience working within a multinational life sciences environment.

This positions reasonably anticipated base salary range is $168,000 - $220,500 . The actual salary offered will take into account related knowledge, skills, experience and location among other factors and may fall outside the expected range.

About Us

UCB is a global biopharmaceutical company, focusing on neurology and immunology. We are over 9.000 people in all four corners of the globe, inspired by patients and driven by science.

Why work with us?

At UCB, we don’t just complete tasks, we create value. We're not afraid to push forward, collaborate, and innovate to make our mark for patients. We have a caring, supportive culture where everyone feels included, respected, and has equal opportunities to do their best work. We 'go beyond' to create value for our patients, and always with a human focus, whether that’s on our patients, our employees, or our planet. Working for us, you will discover a place where you can grow, and have the freedom to carve your own career path to achieve your full potential.

At UCB, we've embraced a hybrid-first approach to work, bringing teams together in local hubs to foster collaborative curiosity. Unless explicitly stated in the description or precluded by the nature of the position, roles are hybrid with 40% of your time spent in the office.

UCB is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions will be made without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. UCB invites you to voluntarily self-identify during the application process. Provision of self-identification information is entirely voluntary and a decision to provide or not provide such information will not have any effect on your application for employment, your employment with UCB, or otherwise subject you to any adverse treatment. Any information you provide will be considered confidential and will be kept separate from your application and/or personnel file and will only be used in accordance with applicable laws, orders, and regulations.

Should you require any adjustments to our process to assist you in demonstrating your strengths and capabilities contact us on [e-mail] for application to US based roles. Please note should your enquiry not relate to adjustments; we will not be able to support you through this channel.