Patent Agent Life Sciences

Profile

Job Overview:
A prestigious law firm is seeking a Life Sciences Patent Agent to join its Patents and Innovations Counseling & Prosecution Practice. This role is ideal for a highly motivated and intellectually curious scientist with a passion for innovation, intellectual property strategy, and client-focused legal support. The position involves working with a diverse portfolio of biotech, pharmaceutical, and digital health clients to help secure and protect cutting-edge technologies.

Location:

• San Francisco, CA

Duties:

• Draft and prosecute U.S. and international patent applications in the life sciences sector

• Conduct patentability, freedom-to-operate, and IP due diligence assessments

• Support global patent portfolio development and strategic counseling for clients

• Collaborate with inventors, attorneys, and scientific teams to evaluate inventions and patent strategies

• Prepare responses to office actions and coordinate with international counsel on global prosecution

• Monitor emerging trends in biotech, pharmaceuticals, and digital health to inform IP strategy

Requirements:

• Demonstrated ability to understand and analyze complex scientific concepts

• Prior patent agent, law firm, or in-house IP experience preferred

• Strong time management skills and the ability to handle multiple projects efficiently

• Clear and professional written and verbal communication skills

Education:

• Advanced degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) in a relevant life sciences discipline, such as:

  • Molecular Biology

  • Cell Biology

  • Immunology

  • Biochemistry

  • Organic Chemistry

  • Medicinal Chemistry

  • Bioengineering

  • Pharmacology

  • Bioinformatics

  • Cancer Biology

  • Biophysics

  • Digital Health–related fields

Certifications:

• USPTO registration (or eligibility to sit for the patent bar) required

Skills:

• Expertise in patent drafting and prosecution in the life sciences domain

• Strong scientific literacy with the ability to quickly learn new technical subject matter

• Proficiency in IP research and analysis

• Detail-oriented with excellent organizational skills

• Client-service mindset with the ability to work collaboratively across teams

Benefits:

• Competitive base salary: $145,000 – $210,000 (based on experience and step level)

• Discretionary merit bonuses

• Monthly wellness reimbursements

• 24/7 access to emotional and behavioral health support and virtual counseling

• Comprehensive healthcare coverage for employees, spouses/domestic partners, and children

• Family-building benefits including IVF, adoption, surrogacy, and egg-freezing

• Paid parental leave and telehealth parenting concierge

• Parents and caregivers support group and career coaching services

• In-home and center-based back-up childcare

• Tutoring and college coaching for older children

• Health Savings Accounts (with firm contribution)

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

• 401(k) retirement plan

• Pretax commuter and parking benefits

• Basic and supplemental life insurance

• Short- and long-term disability insurance

• Voluntary insurance offerings:

  • Long-term care

  • Critical illness

  • Hospitalization

  • Accident coverage

  • Identity theft protection

  • Pet insurance

• Medicare consulting assistance

• Firm-paid CLE, bar review courses, and bar dues

Company info

BCG Attorney Search
1750 Montgomery St Fl 1
San Francisco
California
United States 94111
Phone : (415) 464 6897
Fax : (213) 895-7306