Senior Patent Agent - REMOTE
Danaher Corporation
Summary
The Senior Patent Agent is responsible for partnering with R&D, manufacturing, and other business and legal stakeholders to develop and execute strategies to protect and perfect Cepheid's intellectual property. The role will help encourage and sustain innovation across Cepheid.
Job description
This position reports to the Deputy Chief IP Counsel and is part of the legal department and will be fully remote based in the US.
In this role, you will have the opportunity to:
- Integrate with R&D teams to learn about our molecular diagnostic technologies and manufacturing processes and identify key IP opportunities while enabling innovative protection strategies.
- Provide a full range of patent support functions, including drafting and prosecuting patent applications in the molecular diagnostics space, biochemistry, conducting freedom-to-operate studies (e.g., infringement and validity analyses), and advising internal stakeholders, including providing IP diligence for M&A and related activities.
- Direct outside counsel on global patent filing and prosecution matters.
- Prepare and present training materials to business stakeholders to bolster invention disclosure, trade secret protection, and intellectual property protection efforts.
- As a member of the IP team within Cepheid's legal team, manage and/or participate in projects impacting Cepheid as a whole.
The essential requirements of the job include:
- Registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office as a Patent Agent, with hands-on experience in patent preparation and prosecution in the molecular biology or life sciences field.
- At least 4 years of patent prosecution experience in the life sciences field, preferably in molecular biology, biochemistry, molecular diagnostics, or related disciplines, gained in a law firm, patent boutique, and/or in-house setting.
- A bachelor's degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, biology, genetics, or a closely related life sciences discipline, with preference for an advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in molecular biology or a related field.
It would be a plus if you also possess previous experience in:
- Deep technical understanding of molecular biology techniques (e.g., PCR, nucleic acid amplification, and next gen sequencing) and the ability to translate complex science into clear patent claims.
- Artificial intelligence/machine learning, including the use of AI tools in IP practice (search/claim and application drafting/claim charting/office action response, etc.) and the application within bioinformatics, data analytics, genomics and molecular diagnostics.
- Ability to think creatively, devise patent strategies for novel inventions, effectively drive IP issues to closure; self-directed and proactive with excellent writing, communication, organizational, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
Requirements
- Registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office as a Patent Agent
- Hands-on experience in patent preparation and prosecution in molecular biology or life sciences
- At least 4 years of patent prosecution experience in the life sciences field
- Bachelor's degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, biology, genetics, or closely related life sciences discipline
- Preference for an advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in molecular biology or related field
- Deep technical understanding of molecular biology techniques (PCR, nucleic acid amplification, next gen sequencing)
- Experience with AI/machine learning in IP practice
- Excellent writing, communication, organizational, problem-solving, and analytical skills
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- 401(k)
- Flexible time off
- Bonus/incentive pay
Company overview
Danaher Corporation is a leading global science and technology innovator headquartered in Washington, D.C., specializing in biotechnology, life sciences, and diagnostics. Founded in 1984 by brothers Steven and Mitchell Rales, the company has evolved from its origins as a manufacturing conglomerate into a premier healthcare technology organization with approximately 63,000 employees worldwide. Danaher operates through three core divisions: biotechnology (28% of revenues), which develops products for therapeutic development; life sciences (31% of revenues), focused on disease identification, new therapies, and drug testing/manufacturing; and diagnostics (41% of revenues), providing instruments, consumables, and software for disease diagnosis. The company's portfolio includes renowned brands such as Beckman Coulter, Cytiva, Pall Corporation, Cepheid, Leica Microsystems, and Abcam, serving pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology firms, healthcare providers, and research institutions globally. Danaher is distinguished by its Danaher Business System (DBS), a continuous improvement methodology that drives innovation and operational excellence. With 2024 revenues of $23.9 billion, the company ranks 180th on the Fortune 500 and plays a critical role in advancing scientific research, improving diagnostic capabilities, and accelerating the development of life-saving therapies.