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Biotechnology, Artificial Intelligence

Senior IP Counsel

Foster City, CAOnsiteFull TimeSenior$240,000–$280,000 /yrPosted 5 hours agoVisa sponsorship available

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Required skills

  • J.D
  • U.S. state bar
  • in-house counsel
  • California
  • patent attorney
  • law firm
  • corporate legal department
  • research tools
  • life sciences technologies
  • technical degree

Nice to have

  • life sciences discipline
  • research experience
  • life sciences tools
  • single-cell analysis
  • sequencing
  • molecular assays

Role summary

Cellanome is seeking a Senior IP Counsel to protect its live-cell analysis and single-cell multiomics platform. Reporting to the VP of Intellectual Property, this role involves patent preparation and prosecution, invention development, and freedom-to-operate assessments. You will also advise on IP provisions in various agreements and support strategic IP matters. Key duties include partnering with R&D, drafting and prosecuting U.S. patent applications, conducting FTO analyses, and reviewing IP in agreements. The role requires a J.D., active bar membership, USPTO registration, 4-7 years of relevant experience, and a technical degree in life sciences. Preferred qualifications include a Ph.D. and experience with specific life sciences tools.

We’re a well-funded start-up. You’ll get a chance to wear many hats, be a part of a growing team, and have the potential for exciting financial and career growth.

Here’s what sets us apart. We’ve set our sights on some of the biggest challenges facing biology today. We’re amassing a world class team of engineers, scientists, team builders and problem solvers to tackle these challenges heads-on. We’re passionate about developing the next generation technologies that will unravel the complexities of biology.

This is a unique opportunity to build, be part of an exciting start-up and be surrounded by good humans who are super capable, humble and down-to- earth.

Cellanome is seeking a Senior IP Counsel to help protect our live-cell analysis and single-cell multiomics platform. Reporting to the VP of Intellectual Property, you will focus on patent preparation and prosecution, invention development, and freedom-to-operate assessments, while also advising on IP provisions in research and commercial agreements and supporting other strategic IP matters.

Essential Duties include but are not limited to the following:

  • 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.

    • The estimated base salary range for this position is $240,000 - $280,000/year. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors including job related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

    What you can expect from us:

    You’ll feel the energy when you walk in our door – we work hard, we have fun and we have ambitious plans to grow. Cellanome offers a comprehensive employment package that includes a competitive salary, generous stock options, great individual, and family health plans, a 401(k) and flexibility to balance work and life.

    We embrace and celebrate the diversity of our employees. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, national origin, gender, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital or parental status, disability, veteran status, or other class protected by applicable law. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.

    We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

    Ready to apply?
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