LS Patent Counsel

Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany; Burlington (MA); Hybrid; USD 147,300 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

PTO

Retirement contributions

Other perquisites

Job summary

MilliporeSigma in Burlington, MA is seeking a patent attorney to actively manage our Life Science patents. You will draft, file, prosecute and defend patents, prepare opinions, and advise on IP matters that protect our technologies and products.

You will work with R&D teams and cross‑functional colleagues worldwide to identify opportunities and guide strategic decisions. Requirements include a BS/BA in a relevant field, a JD, USPTO registration, and at least 3 years of patent law experience,

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in a relevant scientific or technical field
• JD from an accredited law school and bar admission (USPTO)

Responsibilities

• Draft, file, prosecute and defend patents for Life Science technologies
• Prepare opinions on IP matters and advise on strategies
• Collaborate with R&D and cross-functional teams worldwide to identify IP opportunities

Skills

English fluency

Education

BS/BA in relevant field

JD from accredited law school

Job description

Work Your Magic with us! Start your next chapter and join MilliporeSigma.

Ready to explore, break barriers, and discover more? We know you’ve got big plans – so do we! Our colleagues across the globe love innovating with science and technology to enrich people’s lives with our solutions in Healthcare, Life Science, and Electronics. Together, we dream big and are passionate about caring for our rich mix of people, customers, patients, and planet. That's why we are always looking for curious minds that see themselves imagining the unimaginable with us.

This role does not offer sponsorship for work authorization. External applicants must be eligible to work in the US.

Ready to grow? You’ve learned the patent basics. Now you’re ready for the next level. Building deep understanding of the business. Working directly with inventors. Helping shape the IP strategy. Growing with experienced colleagues. Developing the judgment that turns a strong patent practitioner into a trusted business advisor. That’s what this opening in our Life Science Patents team offers.

We are adding to our team and are seeking a patent attorney who has the right skills and real curiosity, practical judgment, and genuine drive -a professional who sees patent work as a way to help shape and protect our meaningful Life Science innovations for our customers.

This team is passionate about what we do. We work directly with our R&D and business stakeholders, protecting our innovations, and are committed to delivering practical, high-quality IP strategic counseling aligned with our business objectives.

Your Role

In this role, you will be an active, hands‑on contributor to patent portfolio management, including drafting, filing, prosecuting, and defending patents, preparing opinions, and advising on IP matters that protect our technologies and products. You will work directly with R&D teams and cross‑functional colleagues around the world to identify IP opportunities, assess risks, develop solutions, and support smart strategic decisions.

The Life Science technologies you will support are exciting and diverse, spanning areas such as 3D cell biology and cell culture, protein chemistry, diagnostics, molecular and cellular separation technologies, and more.

Success here calls for the right technical expertise, curiosity, sound judgment, strong communication, and the ability to build trusted relationships across technical and business teams.

If you are ready to grow your career in an engaged, collaborative, and globally connected environment, we are excited to hear from you. Question is, are you ready?

Who You Are

Minimum Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree (BS/BA) in a relevant scientific or technical field, particularly spatial biology, cell and tissue engineering, biomedical engineering or related discipline
• JD from an accredited law school
• Registered to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office
• Minimum of 3 years of patent law experience
• Fluency in English

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree and/or research and development experience
• Clear, confident, and effective communicator
• Engaged user and adopter of current and emerging digital tools
• Sharp attention to detail and commitment to high-quality work
• Strong time management skills and discipline to meet deadlines
• Proactive, collaborative working style, with the confidence to take initiative and the judgement to know when to seek input or guidance
• Sound judgment and awareness of legal, business, and reputational risks
• Strong business orientation and ability to connect IP strategy with business objectives using a practical, solutions‑focused approach to complex IP matters

Location

Burlington, MA, USA (Hybrid); Remote to be considered

Travel

<10%; International and Domestic

Pay range for this position

$147,300.00 - $220,000.00

The offer range represents the anticipated low and high end of the base pay compensation for this position. The actual compensation offered will be determined by factors such as location, level of experience, education, skills, and other job-related factors. Position may be eligible for sales or performance-based bonuses.

Benefits offered by the Company include health insurance, paid time off (PTO), retirement contributions, and other perquisites.

For more information click here.

What we offer

We are curious minds that come from a broad range of backgrounds, perspectives, and life experiences. We believe that this variety drives excellence and innovation, strengthening our ability to lead in science and technology. We are committed to creating access and opportunities for all to develop and grow at your own pace. Join us in building a culture of inclusion and belonging that impacts millions and empowers everyone to work their magic and champion human progress!