(Sr.) Patent Counsel

SanegeneBio Inc.; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

SanegeneBio Inc. in the Boston area is seeking a China-qualified Patent Counsel to lead global patent prosecution across major jurisdictions and shape the company’s IP backbone.

You will collaborate closely with R&D leadership to harvest inventions and develop a strategic, scalable patent portfolio. The role requires an advanced science degree, PRC Patent Agent qualification (or equivalent), 5+ years in relevant roles, and strong drafting and analytical skills.

Qualifications

• PRC Patent Agent qualification (China Patent Bar) or PRC licensed attorney preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in both law firm and in-house roles.
• Strong understanding of global patent prosecution and cross-border portfolio management.
• Advanced degree in science (organic chemistry strongly preferred; life sciences desirable).
• Fluent in English, written and spoken, with ability to work with overseas R&D teams and external counsel.
• Strategic drafting and analytical skills in a fast-paced startup environment.
• Proactive, hands-on, solution-oriented approach.

Responsibilities

• Drive and manage global patent prosecution across China, US, EP, and PCT jurisdictions.
• Work with R&D teams to harvest inventions and shape patent strategy from early concepts.
• Conduct high-quality patent searches and patentability analyses.
• Develop and manage a growing international patent portfolio aligned with business goals.
• Coordinate with external counsel to ensure high-quality prosecution strategy worldwide.
• Provide IP guidance on patentability, risk exposure, and portfolio positioning.
• Support strategic initiatives including partnerships, fundraising, and due diligence.
• Monitor competitive IP landscapes to inform strategic decisions.

Skills

Global patent prosecution

Cross-border portfolio management

Patent searching & analysis

English communication

Startup environment

Education

Advanced degree in life sciences or chemistry

Tools

Patent databases

Legal research tools

Job description

SanegeneBio is a global, venture-backed, clinical stage biotech company advancing best-in-class genetic medicines. We are 70+ employees with a single vision: unlocking the full potential of RNAi-powered medicines for metabolic and autoimmune diseases. With our corporate headquarters and platform research center in the Boston area, as well as R&D and clinical operations in China, SanegeneBio is well-positioned to develop innovative oligonucleotide therapeutics and change lives. Our LEAD™ siRNA delivery and chemistry platform enables systemic delivery to tissues and cell types of therapeutic relevance with a strong selectivity, tolerability, potency and duration of action profile. Our Core Values foster cross-functional collaboration, continuous learning, scientific rigor, and an enduring spirit of optimism.

We are scaling rapidly and looking for a China-qualified Patent Counsel who wants to do more than routine prosecution — someone who wants to help shape the long-term IP backbone of a high-growth startup.
This role reports directly to the Head of IP and will work closely with R&D leadership and management. If you are comfortable moving fast, thinking strategically, and taking ownership in a dynamic environment, this role offers real impact and visibility.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive and manage global patent prosecution across China, US, EP, and PCT jurisdictions.
• Work directly with R&D teams to harvest inventions and shape patent strategy from early-stage concepts.
• Possess strong prior art search capabilities, with the ability to independently conduct high-quality patent searches and patentability analyses.
• Develop and manage a growing international patent portfolio aligned with business goals.
• Coordinate closely with external counsel to ensure high-quality and consistent prosecution strategy worldwide.
• Provide practical IP guidance on patentability, risk exposure, and portfolio positioning.
• Support strategic initiatives including partnerships, fundraising, and due diligence.
• Monitor competitive IP landscapes and help inform strategic decisions.

Qualifications

• PRC Patent Agent qualification (China Patent Bar required; PRC licensed attorney preferred).
• 5+ years of experience, including both law firm and in-house experience.
• Strong understanding of global patent prosecution and cross-border portfolio management.
• Advanced degree in science (organic chemistry strongly preferred; life sciences background highly desirable).
• Fluent in English (written and spoken; able to work directly with the overseas R&D team and outside IP counsel).
• Strategic mindset with strong drafting and analytical skills.
• Comfortable in a fast-paced startup environment with evolving priorities.
• Proactive, hands-on, and solution-oriented.