Skip to content

Director, Patents - Life Sciences

Location
Remote-United States
Category
Legal & Compliance
Department
Technology Development & Industry Engagement
Shift
Weekday Day
Position Type
Full Time
Scheduled Weekly Hours
40
Req #
JR6296

Job Description

About St. Jude
There’s a reason St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital consistently earns a Glassdoor Employee Choice Award and is named to its "Best Place to Work" list. At our world-class pediatric research hospital, every one of our professionals shares our commitment to make a difference in the lives of the children we serve. There is a unique bond when you are part of a team that gives their all to advance the treatments and cures of pediatric catastrophic diseases. The result is a collaborative, positive environment where everyone, regardless of their role, receives the resources, support, and encouragement to advance and grow their careers.

Job Overview
The Director, Patents - Life Sciences plays a key role in protecting and advancing our intellectual property portfolio, supporting research and development, and enabling the commercialization of innovative products in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, diagnostics and related fields.

This position may be eligible for the possibility of remote work. 

Job Responsibilities:

  • Manage the preparation, filing, and prosecuting domestic and international patent applications in the life sciences, including biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, and medical devices.

  • Oversee and manage the patent docket.

  • Conduct patentability, freedom-to-operate, validity, and infringement analyses to provide clear, actionable guidance to R&D, business development, and executive teams.

  • Advise on intellectual property strategy, portfolio management, and competitive landscape assessments.

  • Collaborate closely with scientists, researchers, and inventors to identify and assess new inventions and support the patenting process from initial disclosure through issuance.

  • Draft IP-related terms in numerous agreements, including: licenses material transfers, data transfers, collaborations, and sponsored research.

  • Support due diligence activities for business transactions involving life sciences IP assets.

  • Monitor and analyze relevant legal and regulatory developments in patent law, particularly as they relate to the life sciences sector.

  • Provide training and guidance to internal stakeholders on IP best practices and patent processes.

Minimum Education and/or Training:

  • Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school required.

  • Advanced degree (Master’s or PhD preferred) in a life sciences discipline (e.g., biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, pharmacology, or related field) preferred.

  • Strong knowledge of U.S. and international patent laws and procedures, particularly as they pertain to biotechnology and pharmaceuticals.

  • Excellent analytical, written, and verbal communication skills.

  • Ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams in a fast-paced, innovation-driven environment.

Minimum Experience:

  • 5+ years of experience in patent prosecution and IP counseling in the life sciences sector.

Licensure, Registration and/or Certification Required by SJCRH Only:

  • Registration to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is preferred.

Special Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:

  • Demonstrates in-depth knowledge of policies, procedures, regulatory requirements and protocols related to legal operations to plan and execute processes within area.

  • Maintains and monitors processes and plans; supports continuous improvement of the legal operations systems and processes.

  • Maintains strong working relationships with multiple internal departments to successfully oversee resolution of legal/contracting issues/needs.

  • Shows ability to inquire and clarify key legal questions and issues before conducting legal analysis.

  • Performs legal research and interpretation around case law and regulations to prepare and present materials for internal/external counsel.

Compensation

In recognition of certain U.S. state and municipal pay transparency laws, St. Jude is including a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This is an estimate offered in good faith and a specific salary offer takes into account factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the salary range and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current salary range is $160,160 - $329,680 per year for the role of Director, Patents - Life Sciences.

Explore our exceptional benefits!

No Search Firms

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. Please do not call or email. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee or other representative at St. Jude via email, the internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written search agreement in place and approved by HR will result in no fee being paid in the event the candidate is hired by St. Jude.

Go back