Patent Technology Specialist

The Patent Technology Specialist has a strong background in biochemistry, biophysics, chemical biology, chemistry, immunology, medicine, pharmacology, or other life sciences and contributes their scientific expertise to the practice of law. Part of the institute’s Intellectual Property Program, the role works collaboratively in support of attorneys, and independently to handle scientific matters of significant complexity and intellectual property matters of moderate complexity. The Patent Technology Specialist serves as a scientific and IP resource to other members of the Intellectual Property team as well as the legal department and the Institute more broadly.

Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a leader in life changing breakthroughs in cancer research and patient care. We are united in our mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS and related diseases. We strive to create an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment where we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all backgrounds, and design programs to promote public health particularly among high-risk and underserved populations. We conduct groundbreaking research that advances treatment, we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers, and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.

• Review scientific content of intellectual property disclosures, proposed publications, and grant applications to identify confidential, proprietary, and/or patentable subject matter.
• Engage with scientific research and medical faculty and staff who are experts in their fields to understand and capture new technologies and innovations in IP.
• Conduct and report scientific results of prior art searches regarding technologies at the cutting edge of cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and care.
• Analyze patent and scientific documents and records relating to topics including but not limited to cell therapies, antibodies, biomarkers, immunological assays or tools, vaccines, and/or small molecule development.
• Evaluate scientific protocols, draft experimental descriptions, and understand scientific data reports.
• Develop scientifically sound arguments regarding patentability, validity, and freedom to operate.
• Make recommendations regarding patent application preparation, prosecution, and maintenance worldwide.
• Conduct scientific due diligence assessments and provide intellectual property support for transactional projects.
• Collaborate with technology transfer professionals in the Belfer Office for Dana-Farber Innovations to support marketing, sponsorship, licensing, and compliance efforts by the Institute.
• Build and maintain relationships with law firms, collaborating institutions, and other external parties.
• Participate in presentations on intellectual property topics relevant to Institute practices or the Medical/ Life Sciences space.
• Aid in development of procedures for the Intellectual Property Program.
• May help draft patent applications, claims, or amendments for filing.
• May perform duties related to other special projects as required.
• Minimum Education: PhD in biochemistry, biophysics, chemical biology, chemistry, immunology, pharmacology, or equivalent; OR a master’s degree in aforementioned life sciences with an additional 3 years of relevant lab or IP experience required.
• Minimum Experience: 0 years’ experience required with PhD. 3 years of relevant lab or IP experience required with a Master’s degree.
• Intellectual Property, Patent or Technology transfer experience preferred.
• License/Certification/Registration: Must be technically qualified and eligible to sit for the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) Patent Bar per the OED (Category A or B).
  
  

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities Required

• Demonstrated knowledge of complex scientific topics.
• Competency with drawing/checking chemical structures, reactions schemes, biological pathways, and/or sequence listings.
• Outstanding scientific written and verbal communication skills.
• Attention to detail, research abilities and analytic skills.
• Remarkable organization skills and ability to prioritize a high volume of complex tasks.
• Strong client service skills and professionalism.
• Discretion, diplomacy, and sound judgment.
  
  

At Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, we work every day to create an innovative, caring, and inclusive environment where every patient, family, and staff member feels they belong. As relentless as we are in our mission to reduce the burden of cancer for all, we are equally committed to diversifying our faculty and staff. Cancer knows no boundaries and when it comes to hiring the most dedicated and diverse professionals, neither do we. If working in this kind of organization inspires you, we encourage you to apply.

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is an equal opportunity employer and affirms the right of every qualified applicant to receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, age, ancestry, military service, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.

EEOC Poster