Science Advisor/Patent Agent - Bio/Chem

Goodwin Procter LLP; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Goodwin Procter LLP in San Francisco seeks a Science Advisor/Patent Agent with a strong life sciences background to support a leading patent practice. You will draft applications, conduct FTO analyses, and advise on portfolio development in collaboration with in-house counsel.

Ideal candidates hold an advanced degree in a relevant scientific field, are familiar with US and international patent principles, and are eligible for USPTO registration. Prior law firm or IP experience is preferred.

Qualifications

• Strong academic credentials and robust scientific writing ability.

Responsibilities

• Draft patent applications with inventors and in-house counsel.
• Perform prior art searches and freedom-to-operate analyses to support product development.
• Assess patentability, validity, and infringement risk.
• Support IP due diligence for mergers, acquisitions, investments, and licensing.
• Conduct IP landscape and competitive intelligence analyses.
• Advise clients on portfolio development and prosecution strategies.
• Manage day-to-day patent portfolio needs under supervision of senior advisors/associates.
• Collaborate with attorneys to align IP strategy with business goals.

Skills

Technical writing

Excellent communication

Legal patent knowledge

Life sciences background

Collaboration with attorneys

Education

MD/PhD or equivalent in relevant field

Background in chemistry/biology/biochemistry/mol biology

USPTO registration eligibility

Job description

We are seeking a Science Advisor/Patent Agent to join our Life Sciences industryand Patent group. This is an exciting opportunity for candidates with a deep scientific background and a passion for innovation, who are looking to apply their expertise in a dynamic legal environment supporting cutting-edge clients in the life sciences sector.

Key Responsibilities:

Preferred candidates will have demonstrated interest and/or experience in the following:

• Drafting patent applications, including preparing detailed specifications and claims in coordination with inventors and in-house counsel.
• Performing comprehensive prior art searches and freedom-to-operate (FTO) analyses to support product development and risk mitigation strategies.
• Assessing scientific inventions and complex technologies to evaluate patentability, validity, and potential infringement risks.
• Supporting IP due diligence efforts in connection with mergers, acquisitions, investments, and licensing transactions.
• Conducting IP landscape and competitive intelligence analyses to inform client R&D, IP strategy, and business planning.
• Advising clients on patent portfolio development and management, including prosecution strategies and global filing approaches.
• Managing the day-to-day needs of a client’s patent portfolio, including by preparing responses to offices actions under the supervision of senior science advisors/associates in coordination with in-house counsel.
• Collaborating closely with attorneys and clients to align IP strategies with business objectives.

Job Requirements:

Qualifications:

• Strong academic credentials and demonstrated technical writing and communication skills.
• Familiarity with US and international patent law principles, particularly in the life sciences and biotech domains.
• Eligible to sit for the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) registration examination if not already registered.

Preferred Qualifications:

• MD, PhD, or equivalent advanced degree in a relevant scientific field (e.g., chemistry, biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, engineering, immunology, pharmacology, or a related discipline).
• Prior law firm or in-house IP experience, particularly involving patent preparation and prosecution.
• Admission to practice before the USPTO is strongly preferred.