Senior Patent Agent

Foundation Medicine; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 106,000 - 132,000; Full time

Job summary

Foundation Medicine is seeking a Sr Patent Agent to support its global patent portfolio across biotechnology, computational biology, AI/ML, and software-enabled healthcare. You will draft and prosecute patents, advise on freedom-to-operate, and collaborate with inventors, engineers, and business teams to protect innovations.

The role emphasizes clear technical communication, strategic thinking, and the ability to work across the organization to advance precision oncology and patient access to

Qualifications

• B.S. in Molecular Biology, Genetics, Genomics, Cell Biology, Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Biomedical Engineering, Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field; or an equivalent combination.
• 5+ years of patent prosecution and portfolio management experience.
• Registered to practice before the USPTO.

Responsibilities

• Draft and prosecute U.S. and foreign patent applications.
• Conduct invention disclosure interviews and assess patentability.
• Prepare responses to Office Actions.
• Support freedom-to-operate, landscape, and validity analysis.
• Review scientific publications, conference abstracts, software documentation, and product materials.
• Collaborate with R&D, engineering, bioinformatics, product, and business development teams.
• Assist with IP due diligence, licensing, and strategic transactions.
• Coordinate with outside counsel and foreign associates.
• Deliver IP training and educational programs to business teams.
• Identify patent related risks and translate technical concepts into strong patent applications.

Skills

Patent prosecution

Portfolio management

USPTO registration

Collaboration

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Molecular Biology or related field

Ph.D. or M.S. in related discipline (preferred)

Tools

AI/ML systems

Bioinformatics pipelines

Software platforms/cloud computing

Job description

About The Job

Sr Patent Agent supports Foundation Medicine’s global patent portfolio across molecular diagnostics, multiomic profiling, bioinformatics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and software-enabled healthcare technologies. As part of Foundation Medicine’s IP team, you will help protect innovations that advance precision oncology and expand access to genomic insights for patients with cancer. This position offers the opportunity to build deep patent prosecution experience with mentorship from experienced IP attorneys and exposure to a global life sciences patent portfolio. As part of this experience, you will be exposed to technology that is changing patient’s lives and fulfilling.

This role works closely with inventors, attorneys, scientists, software engineers, and business stakeholders to identify inventions, draft and prosecute patent applications, and support strategic intellectual property initiatives. We are looking for someone who is curious, collaborative, detail-oriented, and excited to work on technology that is advancing patient care.

A successful candidate combines strong technical expertise in biotechnology and computational technologies with excellent written communication skills and a business-oriented approach to intellectual property protection. This candidate will demonstrate developing subject matter expertise, sound judgment, strong collaboration, technical understanding of FMI’s products and services, and an ability to work effectively across the organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Draft and prosecute U.S. and foreign patent applications
• Conduct invention disclosure interviews and assess patentability
• Prepare responses to Office Actions
• Support freedom-to-operate, landscape, and validity analysis
• Review scientific publications, conference abstracts, software documentation, and product materials
• Collaborate with R&D, engineering, bioinformatics, product, and business development teams
• Assist with IP due diligence, licensing, and strategic transactions
• Coordinate with outside counsel and foreign associates
• Support patent litigation and post-grant proceedings as needed
• Deliver IP training and educational programs to business teams
• Demonstrate understanding of biotechnology, diagnostics, software, and AI-related intellectual property issues
• Partner effectively with senior legal team members when appropriate
• Identify patent related risks
• Translate highly technical concepts into strong patent applications
• Build trusted relationships with inventors and business stakeholders
• Support management of a global patent docket with appropriate guidance and oversight
• Deliver high-quality work product under competing deadlines
• Contribute strategic thinking to portfolio development and competitive positioning
• Model FMI values in day-to-day work and collaboration
• Comply with FMI's attendance policies

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications

• B.S. in Molecular Biology, Genetics, Genomics, Cell Biology, Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Biomedical Engineering, Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related discipline; or an equivalent combination of biotechnology and software experience
• 5+ years of patent prosecution and portfolio management experience
• Registered to practice before the USPTO

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. or M.S. in Molecular Biology, Genetics, Genomics, Cell Biology, Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Biomedical Engineering, Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related discipline; or an equivalent combination of biotechnology and software experience
• Experience drafting and prosecuting patent applications with limited supervision
• Experience with AI/ML systems, bioinformatics pipelines, software platforms, cloud computing, or healthcare software
• Experience assessing issue severity, identifying areas of concern, and escalating matters appropriately
• History of collaborative, solution-oriented teamwork
• Strong oral and written communication skills, including the ability to explain complex legal and scientific concepts clearly to audiences with varying levels of subject matter familiarity
• Exceptional skills in organization, planning, and attention to detail
• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality of proprietary and sensitive information
• Understanding of HIPAA and the importance of patient data privacy
• Commitment to reflect FMI’s values: Integrity, Courage, and Passion

The expected salary range for this position based on the primary location of Boston, MA is $106,000 - $132,000 per year. The salary range is commensurate with Foundation Medicine’s compensation practice and considers factors including, but not limited to, education, training, experience, external market conditions, criticality of role, and internal equity. A discretionary annual bonus may be available based on individual and Company performance. This position also qualifies for Foundation Medicine's benefits.