Patent Scientist

Overview:

Kiel Laboratories is a pharmaceutical research and development company located in Flowery Branch, GA. As a pharmaceutical research and development firm bringing products from concept to licensure without performing any cGMP-compliant operations in-house, Kiel Laboratories relies on its Research and Development staff to lead the preparation of patent application documents. The Research and Development staff are also responsible for collecting and writing technical descriptions of products or technologies, designs and specifications for new patent applications. The Patent Scientist is a key contributor in each of these areas.

The Patent Scientist will efficiently review patent and non-patent literature for key concepts. Prior experience working with an IP team responding to Patent Office actions is preferred, ideally with pharmaceuticals, synthetic methods, molecular biology and drug discovery. The right individual will have strong academic credentials with a superb organic chemistry-related background and can draft high-quality patent applications and respond to office actions. The ideal candidate will have excellent written and verbal communication and organizational skills as well as the ability to grasp new technical teachings quickly. This position will work directly with the Drug Discovery team and the VP of Research and Development to prepare patent filings and assist as appropriate in the management of Intellectual Property.

Essential Duties:

Working independently with minimal supervision, the Patent Scientist w-ill:

-Interact with Discovery and CMC group inventors to learn about new ideas to be patented.

-Prepare patent applications, which includes drafting technical descriptions and drawings describing the inventions.

-Analyze all spectral data for drafted compounds to verify its structural accuracy.

-Review prep sheets submitted by chemists and updating database.

-Identify and assess inventions that have the potential for new product development.

-Research and analyze literature search reports in order to assist in potential patentability, freedom to practice/operate and prior art analysis for new inventions.

-Assume significant responsibilities, communicate with various levels of management and staff and, at times, require a significant degree of autonomy.

- Research and analyze third-party rights.

-Assist in the evaluation of competitors' patents to create new ways to position and develop company’s products in the market without violating other company’s rights.

- Participate in weekly departmental drug discovery team meeting to plan to prepare a draft for a potential future new invention.

-All other duties as assigned.

Other Duties:

Possess an in-depth knowledge of the basic and advanced concepts that are related to pharmaceutical development studies.

Proficiency in in Microsoft Office applications (i.e. Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access)

Superior attention to detail

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Please note duties, activities, or responsibilities outlined herein are required for this position and may be subject to change with or without notice.

Supervisory Responsibility:

This position has no supervisory responsibilities of managing the day to day activities of employees

Work Environment:

This job operates in a professional business environment. This role also routinely utilizes standard office equipment and technology such as computers, telephones, photocopiers, and email.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.

While performing the duties associated with this position, the employee is regularly required to communicate with other staff members and/or outside customers or vendors using both verbal and written communication. The employee will be frequently required to stand, walk, use his/her hands to handle or feel, reach with hands and arms and occasionally lift office products and laboratory supplies, up to 20lbs.

Position Type/Expected Work Hours:

This is a full-time position. Work days and hours are as follows: Monday through Friday, 8:00am – 5:00pm. Over-time and weekends may be required.

Travel Requirements:

Domestic and international travel required up to 5%.

Educational & Experience Requirements:

PhD degree in organic or medicinal chemistry having superior academic credentials with 2-5 years of experience (or an equivalent combination of education and experience) in the same field of science, preferably in a Biotech industry setting.

Prior legal experience is not mandatory, but registration with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (if not already established) is a plus.

Ability to situate an idea or concept in a broader context enabling the company to be more competitive and to secure research developments over many years to come.

Rapid learning, good communication skills, and the ability to break down complex legal and technical issues into simpler forms.

Outstanding writing ability is required.

Experience in using scientific software (ChemDraw, MestReNova) and search engines (SciFinder)

The ideal candidate will have experience in assisting the IP team in responding to Patent Office actions.

Kiel Laboratories, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origins, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender, identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.