About the role
The Patent Counsel Biology provides global intellectual property support for biology research, platform technologies, and early development programs. You will partner closely with scientific teams to develop and execute intellectual property strategies, manage global patent portfolios, and provide practical advice on innovation protection, freedom-to-operate, risk management, and competitive patent landscapes. This is a highly collaborative role supporting research teams mainly across the United States while partnering with colleagues in Europe and globally.
Who you'll work with
You will work alongside a global network of intellectual property professionals, scientists, legal colleagues, and business partners supporting innovative research and development programs. The team collaborates across Intellectual Property, Ethics & Legal Affairs, Contracts & Partnering, and Research functions to deliver strategic, risk-based intellectual property support that advances scientific innovation and patient impact.
What you'll do
- Develop intellectual property strategies for research and development programs.
- Manage global patent portfolios and prosecution activities.
- Conduct freedom-to-operate and competitive landscape assessments.
- Harvest inventions and identify emerging intellectual property opportunities.
- Deliver intellectual property training and awareness initiatives.
- Partner with legal, contracting, and research stakeholders globally.
Interested? For this role we're looking for the following
Minimum requirements
- Advanced scientific degree (at least Master degree).
- Registered United States Patent Attorney, or alternatively European Patent Attorney with US patent agent qualification.
- 3+ years patent attorney experience in-house or private practice.
- Technical expertise in cell therapy or stem cell technologies.
- Strong knowledge of United States and European patent law.
- Proven patent drafting and prosecution expertise.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
Preferred requirements
- Experience supporting molecular biology or gene therapy programs.
- Experience handling patent validity and infringement matters.
- Knowledge of intellectual property agreements and partnering transactions.
- Demonstrated ability to influence cross-functional global stakeholders.
- Experience working within a multinational life sciences environment.
This positions reasonably anticipated base salary range is $168,000 - $220,500. The actual salary offered will take into account related knowledge, skills, experience and location among other factors and may fall outside the expected range.
Are you ready to 'go beyond' to create value and make your mark for patients? If this sounds like you, then we would love to hear from you!
At UCB, we've embraced a hybrid-first approach to work, bringing teams together in local hubs to foster collaborative curiosity. Unless explicitly stated in the description or precluded by the nature of the position, roles are hybrid with 40% of your time spent in the office.
