Senior Patent Counsel

The Position

The Roche Innovation Center Philadelphia is seeking a strategic and experienced Senior Patent Counsel to serve as a key business partner and guardian of our intellectual property. Building on Roche's 125-year history, our Philadelphia site is the hub for Gene Therapy evolution, combining human capabilities with cutting-edge technology.

In this role, you will not just manage a docket; you will act as a lead strategist, protecting the innovations that will define the next generation of medicine. You will report directly to the VP for the Roche Innovation Center Philadelphia, and serve as a trusted advisor to scientific leadership and global stakeholders.

The Opportunity

You will drive value by managing intellectual property assets through their entire lifecycle. Key responsibilities include:

Strategic IP Portfolio Management:

• Design & Deliver: Create and execute comprehensive global IP strategies for gene therapies and platform technologies, managing assets from invention capture to patent issuance and beyond.

• Business Partnership: Act as a primary liaison to scientific teams, embedding yourself in the R&D process to identify patentable innovations early.

• Global Collaboration: Work seamlessly with colleagues across Roche's global network to align Philadelphia-based assets with the broader organizational strategy.

Risk Assessment & Counseling:

• Freedom to Operate: Conduct and lead complex patent landscape analyses, freedom-to-operate (FTO) studies, and validity assessments.

• Advisory: Translate complex legal IP risks into actionable business-focused advice for key stakeholders and senior leadership.

• Competitor Intelligence: Monitor third-party IP risks and develop proactive strategies to navigate the competitive landscape.

Transactions & External Relations:

• Partnering Support: Lead IP due diligence for potential acquisitions and in-licensing opportunities.

• Contracting: Draft and negotiate IP provisions in research collaborations, material transfer agreements, and licensing deals.

• External Management: Direct and manage outside counsel to ensure high-quality work product and budget adherence.

Who You Are

You are a seasoned IP professional who thrives in a high-stakes, scientific environment. You combine legal excellence with a "growth mindset" and the ability to influence business leaders.

• Education: Juris Doctor (J.D.) required; Advanced degree (Ph.D. or M.S.) in Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, or a related life sciences field is strongly preferred.

• Licensure: Admission to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and at least one U.S. State Bar.

• Experience: 10+ years of patent prosecution experience in the biotechnology field, with a preference for a mix of law firm and in-house pharmaceutical/biotech experience. Experience with Gene Therapy modalities is a significant plus.

• Skills:

  • Demonstrated track record of strategic portfolio building (not just prosecution).

  • Ability to work independently with minimal direction in a matrixed, global organization.

  • Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate complex legal concepts to scientists and business executives clearly.

• Agility: Willingness to travel periodically to other Roche sites and adapt to the shifting priorities of a dynamic innovation center.

Relocation benefits are not available for this positing.

The expected salary range for this position based on the primary location of Pennsylvania is$177,200 to $329,000. Actual pay will be determined based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other job-related factors permitted by law. A discretionary annual bonus may be available based on individual and Company performance. This position also qualifies for the benefits detailed at the link provided below.

Benefits

Genentech is an equal opportunity employer. It is our policy and practice to employ, promote, and otherwise treat any and all employees and applicants on the basis of merit, qualifications, and competence. The company's policy prohibits unlawful discrimination, including but not limited to, discrimination on the basis of Protected Veteran status, individuals with disabilities status, and consistent with all federal, state, or local laws.

If you have a disability and need an accommodation in relation to the online application process, please contact us by completing this form Accommodations for Applicants.