Senior Counsel, Patent - Biotech Manufacturing (US- Remote)

Amgen - Washington, DC

Full-time - Senior

Remote - Washington, DC

10,001+ employees

Chemical Manufacturing

About the position

In this vital role, Amgen is searching for a Senior Counsel, Patent -- Biotech Manufacturing within our Intellectual Property and Litigation group. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing, implementing, and executing a global intellectual property strategy for Amgen's Operations and Process Development organizations. This includes large molecule manufacturing in Amgen's biologics pipeline and in-line products. The focus areas will preferably relate to biologics manufacturing expertise, including cell science, purification, analytics, fill finish, and automation processes related to our business. The Senior Counsel will work closely with Amgen engineers and scientists to identify patentable subject matter, draft, file, and prosecute patent applications worldwide, conduct prior art searches, analyze patents, and prepare freedom-to-operate opinions. Additionally, the role involves conducting due diligence in support of licensing activities, negotiating and drafting research agreements, analyzing trademark and copyright issues, and providing legal advice and counsel to business personnel on various IP-related matters. The candidate will also assist with litigation-related matters and challenge or defend patents in PTAB, opposition, and other forums. This position requires a strong intellectual property patent attorney who can thrive in a fast-paced environment, manage multi-dimensional projects, and prioritize workflow to meet demanding deadlines. The role is integral to ensuring that Amgen continues to innovate and deliver better products to patients worldwide.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and execute a global intellectual property strategy for Amgen's Operations and Process Development organizations.
• Work closely with Amgen engineers and scientists to identify patentable subject matter.
• Draft, file, and prosecute patent applications worldwide.
• Conduct prior art searches and analyze patents to prepare freedom-to-operate opinions.
• Conduct due diligence in support of licensing activities.
• Negotiate and draft research agreements; analyze trademark and copyright issues.
• Provide legal advice and counsel to business personnel on various IP-related matters.
• Assist with litigation-related matters and challenge/defend patents in PTAB, opposition, and other forums.

Requirements

• J.D. degree or LL.M. degree from an accredited law school, admission to practice law in a U.S. jurisdiction, and four years of experience practicing intellectual property law.
• Registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Nice-to-haves

• Ten or more years of experience practicing patent or intellectual property law.
• Experience in all aspects of U.S. and foreign intellectual property law relating to biotechnology at a law firm or biotechnology/pharmaceutical corporation.
• Degree in chemical engineering, molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, or chemistry.
• Experience in identifying and filing patent applications related to biologics manufacturing technologies, including cell science, purification, analytics, fill finish, and automation.
• Excellent analytic, legal drafting, and oral and written communication skills.
• Strong management and leadership skills with a strong client service focus.

Benefits

• Comprehensive employee benefits package, including a Retirement and Savings Plan with generous company contributions.
• Group medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Life and disability insurance, and flexible spending accounts.
• A discretionary annual bonus program, or for field sales representatives, a sales-based incentive plan.
• Stock-based long-term incentives.
• Award-winning time-off plans and bi-annual company-wide shutdowns.
• Flexible work models, including remote work arrangements, where possible.