Watchmaker Genomics
Join to apply for the
Patent Agent
role at
Watchmaker Genomics
Position: Patent Agent Position Type: Full-Time Employee Department: Legal/Administration Location: Boulder, CO or remote Experience: JD + a minimum of 5 - 7 years of relevant experience
Position Summary Watchmaker Genomics seeks a highly skilled and experienced
Patent Agent
to join our legal team. This individual will be pivotal in driving the strategy and execution of the company’s innovation engine. As a Patent Agent, you will oversee all aspects of the company’s intellectual property, including patents, trademarks, and copyrights, ensuring compliance with laws and regulations and guiding IP strategy. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of the life sciences industry, specifically genomics, protein engineering, and next‑generation sequencing, and a strong background in IP law. The role also involves providing support on license agreements, MTAs, commercial contracts, and due diligence projects. The successful candidate will thrive in a dynamic, fast‑paced working environment and contribute directly to our company culture and success.
Responsibilities
Patent Prosecution & IP Management
Draft, file, and prosecute U.S. and international patent applications related to enzyme engineering, NGS reagents, kits, and platforms.
Collaborate closely with R&D teams to identify inventions, maintain lab notebooks, and conduct invention disclosure reviews.
Conduct freedom‑to‑operate (FTO) analyses and monitor competitor IP landscapes.
Coordinate with outside patent counsel and foreign associates to manage global prosecution.
Transactional Support
Assist legal team in reviewing, drafting, and negotiating license agreements, material transfer agreements, collaboration and sponsored research agreements, supply, distribution, and commercial contracts.
Support IP diligence activities for partnerships, M&A, and financings.
Strategy & Operation
Help refine and implement company‑wide IP strategies aligned with business and scientific goals.
Support development of IP awareness and training for R&D staff.
Track docket deadlines and ensure timely execution of filings and annuities.
Skills and Requirements
Required
Bachelor’s or Master’s in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, or related field.
USPTO registration as a Patent Agent.
3–7 years of patent prosecution experience (in‑house, law firm, or combination), with life sciences patent drafting and prosecution experience.
Familiarity with IP issues in genomics, diagnostics, or enzyme technologies.
Strong writing skills, attention to detail, and ability to communicate complex ideas clearly.
Preferred
Experience with commercial contract drafting or review (NDAs, licenses, MTAs).
Background in next‑generation sequencing or biotech tools.
Prior experience supporting cross‑functional legal or BD teams.
Compensation The base compensation for the Patent Agent role starts at $130,000–$160,000 + bonus + equity; actual pay will be adjusted based on skills and experience. Employees are eligible for Flexible Time Off, Holidays, employer covers 75% of base medical plan with buy‑up options, EAP, employer paid dental, vision, $25,000 life/AD&D policy, paid parental leave, and a 401(k) retirement plan with a 4% match.
Application Requirements To apply for the position, please submit the following in a PDF format on
watchmakergenomics.com :
Letter of motivation (upload where it says cover letter)
Resume or Curriculum vitae, highlighting relevant qualifications and experience
Applications without a Letter of Motivation will not be considered. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled; early submission is encouraged. If selected for the interview process, names and contact information of three professional references who can assess your suitability for the position will be requested.
NO RECRUITMENT AGENCIES PLEASE. We are only accepting direct applications for this position. We are not working with external recruiters or agencies at this time. Unsolicited resumes or candidate submissions from third‑party recruiters will not be considered and will be deemed the property of Watchmaker Genomics.
WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER. Watchmaker Genomics is committed to being an equal opportunity employer and creating a culturally diverse environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability status, age, veteran status or any other characteristics protected by applicable law.
All applicants will be asked if currently eligible to work in the United States of America; and if now or in the future will require visa sponsorship to continue working in the United States.
This position may be subject to pre‑employment checks, including driving history check, drug screening and a background check for any convictions directly related to its duties and responsibilities. All pre‑employment checks will comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.
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Patent Agent
role at
Watchmaker Genomics
Position: Patent Agent Position Type: Full-Time Employee Department: Legal/Administration Location: Boulder, CO or remote Experience: JD + a minimum of 5 - 7 years of relevant experience
Position Summary Watchmaker Genomics seeks a highly skilled and experienced
Patent Agent
to join our legal team. This individual will be pivotal in driving the strategy and execution of the company’s innovation engine. As a Patent Agent, you will oversee all aspects of the company’s intellectual property, including patents, trademarks, and copyrights, ensuring compliance with laws and regulations and guiding IP strategy. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of the life sciences industry, specifically genomics, protein engineering, and next‑generation sequencing, and a strong background in IP law. The role also involves providing support on license agreements, MTAs, commercial contracts, and due diligence projects. The successful candidate will thrive in a dynamic, fast‑paced working environment and contribute directly to our company culture and success.
Responsibilities
Patent Prosecution & IP Management
Draft, file, and prosecute U.S. and international patent applications related to enzyme engineering, NGS reagents, kits, and platforms.
Collaborate closely with R&D teams to identify inventions, maintain lab notebooks, and conduct invention disclosure reviews.
Conduct freedom‑to‑operate (FTO) analyses and monitor competitor IP landscapes.
Coordinate with outside patent counsel and foreign associates to manage global prosecution.
Transactional Support
Assist legal team in reviewing, drafting, and negotiating license agreements, material transfer agreements, collaboration and sponsored research agreements, supply, distribution, and commercial contracts.
Support IP diligence activities for partnerships, M&A, and financings.
Strategy & Operation
Help refine and implement company‑wide IP strategies aligned with business and scientific goals.
Support development of IP awareness and training for R&D staff.
Track docket deadlines and ensure timely execution of filings and annuities.
Skills and Requirements
Required
Bachelor’s or Master’s in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, or related field.
USPTO registration as a Patent Agent.
3–7 years of patent prosecution experience (in‑house, law firm, or combination), with life sciences patent drafting and prosecution experience.
Familiarity with IP issues in genomics, diagnostics, or enzyme technologies.
Strong writing skills, attention to detail, and ability to communicate complex ideas clearly.
Preferred
Experience with commercial contract drafting or review (NDAs, licenses, MTAs).
Background in next‑generation sequencing or biotech tools.
Prior experience supporting cross‑functional legal or BD teams.
Compensation The base compensation for the Patent Agent role starts at $130,000–$160,000 + bonus + equity; actual pay will be adjusted based on skills and experience. Employees are eligible for Flexible Time Off, Holidays, employer covers 75% of base medical plan with buy‑up options, EAP, employer paid dental, vision, $25,000 life/AD&D policy, paid parental leave, and a 401(k) retirement plan with a 4% match.
Application Requirements To apply for the position, please submit the following in a PDF format on
watchmakergenomics.com :
Letter of motivation (upload where it says cover letter)
Resume or Curriculum vitae, highlighting relevant qualifications and experience
Applications without a Letter of Motivation will not be considered. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled; early submission is encouraged. If selected for the interview process, names and contact information of three professional references who can assess your suitability for the position will be requested.
NO RECRUITMENT AGENCIES PLEASE. We are only accepting direct applications for this position. We are not working with external recruiters or agencies at this time. Unsolicited resumes or candidate submissions from third‑party recruiters will not be considered and will be deemed the property of Watchmaker Genomics.
WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER. Watchmaker Genomics is committed to being an equal opportunity employer and creating a culturally diverse environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability status, age, veteran status or any other characteristics protected by applicable law.
All applicants will be asked if currently eligible to work in the United States of America; and if now or in the future will require visa sponsorship to continue working in the United States.
This position may be subject to pre‑employment checks, including driving history check, drug screening and a background check for any convictions directly related to its duties and responsibilities. All pre‑employment checks will comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.
#J-18808-Ljbffr