Patent Portfolio Manager

In this role, you will:

• Manage patent docketing and prosecution processes to ensure timely and accurate filings.
• Prepare, review, and file patent applications and supporting documentation.
• Coordinate international patent filings and maintain compliance with country-specific requirements.
• Monitor incoming correspondence, update IDS charts, and provide status reports to keep our legal team informed and proactive.

Your work will help secure the intellectual property that fuels St. Jude’s research and global impact—ensuring that lifesaving discoveries reach the children who need them most.

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

Job Responsibilities:

• Manage docket and patent prosecution processes for St. Jude.
• Prepare, review, and file patent prosecution applications and supporting documentation (Provisional, Non-Provisional, Track 1, Design, PCT, US National Stage, Convention Filings) with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), and international patent offices.
• Coordinate international patent filings and ensure compliance with country-specific requirements.
• Document Preparation and Filing:
• Prepare and file supporting patent prosecution documents, including Notice to File Missing Parts, Foreign Signature Documents, Formal Documents, responses to Office Actions, Issue Fee Transmittals, and Information Disclosure Statements (IDS).
• Review incoming correspondence from the USPTO, WIPO, and international associates regarding status of patent applications, including Official Filing Receipts, Publications, Notifications, Assignments, Notice of Allowances/Acceptances, and Letters Patent documents. Ensure accuracy of contained information and when necessary, prepare and file necessary documents to correct errors.
• Maintain and update IDS charts, portfolio spreadsheets, and internal docket reports.
• Prepare and deliver regular status updates and reports to regarding the status of applications and patents.
• Send reminders to attorneys, international counsel, and internal personnel regarding deadlines and necessary actions.
• Responsible for case and file management, including uploading communications and documents to docketing and DMS systems, as well as,
• Maintaining and updating files and portals and attending any status meetings
• Upload communications and documents to docketing and document management systems (DMS).
• Maintain and update files, portals, and internal databases.
• Attend status meetings and coordinate project management for multiple high-tech IP cases and portfolios.
• Research and Data Compilation:
• Perform research and compile data as requested to support patent prosecution efforts and strategic decision-making.
• Perform other duties as assigned to meet the goals and objectives of the department and institution.
• Maintains regular and predictable attendance.

Minimum Education and/or Training:

•  Bachelor's degree in Risk Management, Health Care Administration, Paralegal Studies, or related field.
• Experience working with legal, risk, governance, and/ or compliance issues.
• Experience working in an academic or health care setting preferred.
• Proven performance in earlier role. 
• Comprehensive knowledge of USPTO, PCT, and international patent rules and procedures.
• Proficient in filing with the USPTO and ePCT systems.
• Familiarity with Sequence Listings and Chemical Formulas.
• Docketing and Organization:
• Strong understanding of IP docketing systems and deadlines, with experience in maintaining secondary dockets.
• Experience with CPi docketing software preferred.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills to effectively interact with inventors, internal and external counsel, USPTO personnel, and vendors.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to prioritize multiple projects to meet deadlines.
• Robust administrative and management skills to handle tasks for multiple, high-tech IP cases and portfolios.
• Demonstrated ability to set priorities, meet deadlines and manage multiple projects, including preparation and maintenance of internal docket reports, charts, meeting agendas
• Proficient in Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and Adobe Acrobat.

Minimum Experience:

• 6+ years of experience in a legal or risk management setting.
• Juris Doctorate degree with 3+ years of relevant experience.
• Three (3) years direct experience as a patent paralegal in intellectual property practice required.

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

• Paralegal Certification and/or Intellectual Property specialty certificate 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

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.