Patent Agent - Life Sciences

Direct Counsel • West Palm Beach Farms, Florida, United States • $130k - $170k / year • 5d ago

Patent Agent - Life Sciences Locations Boca Raton, Florida; Boston, Massachusetts; Greenwich, Connecticut; Hartford, Connecticut; Miami, Florida; New Haven, Connecticut; New Jersey; New York, New York; Providence, Rhode Island; Stamford, Connecticut; Washington, DC; West Hartford, Connecticut; West Palm Beach, Florida Direct Counsel is seeking a Patent Agent to join the Intellectual Property practice of a sophisticated East Coast-based law firm. This is an outstanding opportunity for a Patent Agent with 4+ years of experience to join a growing IP team supporting sophisticated life sciences, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and medical device innovations. The role offers broad exposure to patent drafting, prosecution, portfolio strategy, and IP diligence, working closely with attorneys, inventors, and business teams across multiple disciplines. Position Overview The ideal candidate will have at least 4 years of patent drafting and prosecution experience, with a strong focus on life sciences technologies, including biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices. This role is ideal for a technically sophisticated Patent Agent who enjoys translating complex scientific innovations into strong patent protection strategies and who wants meaningful involvement in portfolio management, diligence, and long-term IP counseling. The firm offers a hybrid schedule with two remote days per week. Key Responsibilities

Evaluate the patentability of innovations across life sciences and related technology areas
Prepare, draft, and file U.S. patent applications
Manage and prosecute U.S. patent applications
Coordinate with foreign counsel on international prosecution
Support IP due diligence and freedom-to-operate analyses
Assist with strategic patent portfolio development and management
Conduct legal and technical research using:
- SciFinder
- USPTO
- WIPO
- EPO
- Other scientific and patent databases
Collaborate with attorneys, inventors, scientists, and business teams on IP strategy
Support interdepartmental IP initiatives and outside counsel coordination

Qualifications

Minimum 4 years of patent drafting and prosecution experience
Experience in a law firm or in-house setting
Strong focus on:
- Biotechnology
- Pharmaceuticals
- Medical devices
- Life sciences innovations
Ph.D. in a relevant life sciences discipline required
USPTO registration required, or eligibility to sit for the Patent Bar in the near term
Strong experience using patent and scientific search tools/databases
Ability to connect detailed scientific research with patentability and claim strategy
Excellent organizational skills and deadline management
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Experience with mechanical or electrical patent prosecution is a plus

Compensation Base salary range: $130,000 - $170,000 Compensation will vary based on office location, experience, scientific background, and overall fit. Ideal Candidate The ideal Patent Agent will be:

Deeply technical with strong life sciences fluency
A polished patent drafter and strategist
Comfortable working directly with inventors and R&D teams
Interested in portfolio counseling beyond routine prosecution
Highly organized and deadline-driven
Collaborative and team-oriented

Why This Opportunity This is an excellent opportunity for a life sciences Patent Agent seeking sophisticated prosecution and strategic portfolio work within a collaborative, growth-oriented IP platform. The broad office flexibility and strong technical focus make this particularly attractive for candidates who want national practice sophistication with geographic optionality.