Senior IP Counsel

Essential Duties

• Partner with R&D teams to understand new technologies, identify patentable inventions, develop invention disclosures, and participate in invention brainstorming sessions that are strategically aligned with Cellanome's business strategy.
• Prepare and prosecute U.S. patent applications, including drafting claims and specifications, responding to office actions, and conducting examiner interviews.
• Support the review and negotiation of IP provisions in confidentiality, sponsored research, collaboration, material transfer, and licensing agreements, including in-licensing activities.
• Conduct freedom-to-operate and patentability analyses; monitor third-party patents and competitor portfolios; and communicate findings, risks, and practical options to the VP of Intellectual Property and relevant business teams.
• Support IP diligence and dispute-related matters in alignment with the VP of Intellectual Property.
• Review proposed publications, presentations, and other external disclosures to identify patent filing opportunities and protect confidential information.
• Develop and implement filing and prosecution strategies, including continuation applications and international filings, to protect commercially important technologies and anticipated product developments.
• Coordinate with outside counsel on U.S. and foreign matters; review work product, filing recommendations, and invoices with attention to quality, timing, and cost.
• Work with IP operations and outside counsel to maintain accurate portfolio records, monitor deadlines, and support timely decisions on filings, prosecution, and maintenance.
• Provide practical IP training to scientists and engineers and help improve invention disclosure and review processes.

Minimum Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school and active membership in good standing in at least one U.S. state bar, with eligibility to practice as in-house counsel in California.
• Registration to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
• 4–7 years of relevant experience as a patent attorney in a law firm, corporate legal department, or both, with substantial experience supporting research tools relating to life sciences technologies.
• A technical degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, bioengineering, or a related discipline, with the ability to understand and evaluate complex biotechnology inventions.
• Substantial hands-on experience drafting and prosecuting patent applications, including developing claim strategies and working directly with inventors.
• Experience with freedom-to-operate analyses, international patent portfolios, IP agreements, or technology licensing.
• Experience building a patent portfolio that supports commercial objectives.
• Strong analytical, writing, and communication skills, including the ability to explain patent issues and business implications clearly to technical and nontechnical colleagues.
• Sound judgment, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple matters, meet deadlines, and take ownership of assignments while recognizing when to seek guidance.
• Intellectual curiosity, a willingness to learn unfamiliar technologies, and the ability to collaborate across scientific, engineering, and business teams.
• Demonstrated ability to perform the Essential Duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. in molecular biology or another relevant life sciences discipline, or equivalent research experience.
• Experience with life sciences tools, single-cell analysis, sequencing, molecular assays, microfluidics, or related instrumentation and software.
• Experience in both a law firm and an in-house legal department, particularly at a biotechnology or life sciences tools company.