Job Description
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. This individual will also provide 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. The position provides an opportunity to participate in the growth and success of our business.
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 (in- and out-licensing of IP)
- Material Transfer Agreements (MTAs)
- Collaboration and Sponsored Research Agreements (SRAs)
- 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 (employee assistance program), employer paid dental, employer paid vision, employer paid $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 and the position will remain open until filled; however, early submission is encouraged as review will begin immediately.
If selected to participate in the interview process, the names and contact information of three professional references who are able to assess your suitability for the position in terms of the specified requirements will be requested.
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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.
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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, or veteran status or any other characteristics as 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.
