Director, Patent Attorney

We are seeking a conscientious patent attorney with considerable experience in various aspects of intellectual property in the life sciences industry to join our IP team. In this newly created role, the Director, Patent Attorney will be responsible for preparing and prosecuting patent applications in the life sciences space, with a particular focus on antibodies, and will also be expected to conduct patent landscape analyses, provide patentability guidance and identify and help address any freedom-to-operate risks. The ideal candidate must be willing to take initiative, be a team player and possess strong interpersonal and communication skills.   

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and prosecute patent applications, including drafting applications and responses to Office Actions before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
• Coordinate patent filing and prosecution strategy ex-US (globally) and instruct foreign counsel accordingly   
• Work alongside scientific and technical colleagues to identify patenting opportunities and convert innovative ideas into patent applications 
• Conduct patent and patent application landscape analyses and provide guidance to stakeholders
• Perform patentability analyses and communicate guidance to stakeholders
• Perform freedom-to-operate assessments, identify and investigate any potential risks and assist with any risk-mitigation measures 
• Communicate patent-related information clearly, concisely and carefully with colleagues across functions

Ideal Candidate

• An advanced degree in Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biomedical Engineering or related field  
• A Juris Doctorate (J.D.) degree and membership in a state bar
• Registration as a patent attorney with the US Patent & Trademark Office
• 5+ years of experience as a patent attorney at a law firm or in-house in the biotech or pharmaceutical industry (preferably a combination of both)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills 
• Exceptional organizational skills 
• Ability to work in a rapidly changing environment and manage competing priorities 
• Keen attention to detail 
• Strong work ethic with the willingness and ability to take initiative and think and work independently in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to think creatively and strategically 
• Ability to collaborate effectively with team members across the organization as well as external counsel 
• Proficiency with SharePoint, and Microsoft Office programs such as Word, Excel, Teams, and PowerPoint 
• Successfully exhibit Apogee’s C.O.R.E. values: Caring, Original, Resilient and Egoless
• Position requires up to 10% travel including mandatory in-person attendance at Apogee All Hands meetings typically held twice per year

The anticipated salary range for candidates for this role will be $245,000-$275,000. The final salary offered will depend on several factors, which may include, but is not limited to relevant years of experience, educational background, and geography.