Patent Agent / Patent Attorney – Biotechnology

ArentFox Schiff; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Profit-sharing

Flexible reimbursement accounts

Generous paid time off

Job summary

ArentFox Schiff, a leading law firm in San Francisco, is looking for a patent agent or attorney with at least five years of experience in biotechnology. Candidates must have a strong background in preparing and prosecuting patent applications, especially in areas like immunoassays and CRISPR-based assays.

The position offers a competitive salary ranging from $200,000 to $300,000 annually, alongside a comprehensive benefits package. ArentFox Schiff values diversity and inclusivity in its workplace, ensuring a broad range of perspectives.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years of experience preparing and prosecuting patent applications.
• Active registration with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office required for patent agents.
• Active bar admission in California or New York required for patent attorneys.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and prosecute patent applications in the biotechnology field.
• Draft patent applications directed to in vitro diagnostic assays.
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.

Skills

Experience with patent applications

Familiarity with patent databases

Collaborative teamwork skills

Experience in biotechnology

Education

M.S. or Ph.D. in Molecular Biology

B.S. in a relevant field with 5+ years experience

Job description

ArentFox Schiff is an award-winning, globally recognized law firm that delivers sophisticated, innovative, and practical legal solutions to clients around the world. With more than 600 lawyers and policy professionals, ArentFox Schiff's expertise is sought out by Fortune 500s, start-ups, international governments, non‑profits and trade associations, and private individuals. Our work spans highly complex, global matters as well as the deeply personal issues that shape the lives of individuals and communities.

Why Join Us

At ArentFox Schiff, we know that diverse backgrounds produce different perspectives, richer thinking, and more creative solutions to the challenges our clients face. We hope you share that vision. Join us and take on the challenge of doing meaningful work while helping us build upon a culture that reflects our dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We base all our employment decisions on merit and do not discriminate on the basis of any legally protected characteristic.

Job Description & Salary

ArentFox Schiff LLP is seeking a patent agent or patent attorney with a minimum of five years of experience preparing and prosecuting patent applications in the biotechnology field at a law firm. The ideal candidate will have substantial experience drafting patent applications directed to in vitro diagnostic assays, along with familiarity in one or more of the following areas: immunoassays, CRISPR‑based assays, nucleic acid sequencing and quantification, and related probes, kits, and reagents. Experience with computational biology is a plus but is not required. This position will be based in the firm's San Francisco or New York office.

Ideal candidates will hold an M.S. or Ph.D. in molecular biology or a closely related discipline. Candidates who do not hold a graduate degree, but who possess a B.S. in a relevant field combined with five or more years of post‑graduate laboratory or industry experience will also be considered.

For the patent agent role, active registration with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (i.e., admission to the Patent Bar) is required. For the patent attorney role, active bar admission in California or New York (depending on which office the candidate will be in) is required in addition to Patent Bar registration. All candidates must demonstrate familiarity with patent databases and search tools, experience managing patent portfolios, and the ability to collaborate effectively with cross‑functional teams.

ArentFox Schiff LLP offers a competitive salary and excellent benefits. Interested candidates should submit a resume, law school transcript, and a writing sample.

The good faith base salary range for this position is a minimum of $200,000 to a maximum of $300,000 per year. The actual salary rate offered to candidates within that range will depend on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, years of relevant experience, position type, education, applicable bar admissions, and the candidate’s overall qualifications for the position as assessed by the Firm. In addition to a competitive base salary, we offer a comprehensive bonus program with opportunities for discretionary incentives that may include productivity, business development, and merit‑based components, subject to applicable policies.

We know that the needs of our employees vary and can change throughout the different stages of life. That’s why we offer a wide array of flexible benefit options designed to help you live healthy, live well, and live for tomorrow. In addition to medical, dental, vision, profit‑sharing, generous paid time off, and numerous other benefits, we also provide a flexible reimbursement account that helps pay for the things that contribute to your personal well‑being, in your own way.

Commitment to Equal Opportunity

ArentFox Schiff is committed to equal employment opportunity and diversity in the workplace. We base all employment decisions on merit and maintain a policy of considering all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion or creed, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, citizenship status, order of protection status, national origin, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, physical or mental disability, parental status, source of income, military or veteran status, unfavorable discharge from military service, or any other basis protected by applicable law. We will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.

* The job description is a general summary of the major duties. It may not specify all duties, tasks, and assignments associated with a job. It does not limit or in any way modify the right of management to direct, assign, and control the work of employees in a unit. Accuracy, attention to detail, ability to work effectively in a team environment, and ability to work in an atmosphere of multiple projects and shifting priorities are requirements of all jobs at ArentFox Schiff LLP. Additional job‑related qualifications may be specified for some openings. Job descriptions are subject to periodic review and modification.