Patent Counsel

Are you interested in the intersection of scientific innovation and property law, especially how to efficiently capture innovation with intellectual property, incentivize continued R&D and drive access to life-saving medicines for patients? If so, the Patent Counsel role at our Company could be an ideal opportunity for you. We are looking for a highly motivated and skilled individual to join our team in New Jersey or Massachusetts.

In this role, you will work directly with our internal R&D team to identify inventions, conduct patentability assessments, and draft and prosecute patent applications for novel chemical sciences inventions. The position will support programs in all phases of development, from discovery through development and commercialization, and allows for the support of programs in areas (including different therapeutic areas and modalities). This role also provides exposure to and interaction with major areas of the business including discovery, development, manufacturing, and supply, regulatory, business development, commercial groups, and other legal functions.

• →Bachelor's degree in the biological, pharmaceutical or chemical sciences from an accredited institution; and
• →Graduate of an accredited US law school.
• →Registered to practice before the USPTO;
• →Member in good standing of a Bar of at least one state or the District of Columbia;
• →Five (5) or more years of experience as an attorney in a law firm or corporate setting, drafting and prosecuting pharmaceutical or biological patent applications (Note: time accrued as a practicing patent agent may be considered);
• →Strong technical background in chemical or biological sciences; and
• →Excellent communication and analytical skills.

• Advanced degree in the biological or chemical sciences;
• Experience in counseling clients on intellectual property issues;
• Experience prioritizing work and leveraging resources to manage a significant workload;
• Ability to build partnerships and work in cross-functional teams;
• Ability to communicate competently and confidently with R&D clients, business partners, and senior leaders;
• Ability to exercise judgment to drive decisions on routine and non-routine matters within areas of practice; and
• Ability to be proactive and take initiative.

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

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We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing together, talented, and committed people with diverse experiences, perspectives, skills and backgrounds. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when people with diverse ideas, broad experiences, backgrounds, and skills come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another’s thinking and approach problems collectively.

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The salary range for this role is

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business or organizational needs.

The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits.  Available benefits include medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days. More information about benefits is available at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits.

You can apply for this role through https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (or via the Workday Jobs Hub if you are a current employee). The application deadline for this position is stated on this posting.