Patent Attorney / Agent

DNA Script is a leading company in manufacturing de novo synthetic nucleic acids using enzymatic DNA synthesis (EDS) technology. The company aims at accelerating innovation in life science and technology through the decentralization of rapid, on demand and high-quality DNA synthesis. DNA Script’s approach leverages nature’s billions of years of evolution in synthesizing DNA to set a new standard for customizing nucleic acid synthesis thus accelerating discovery in genetics, genomics, and synthetic biology. Discovery disciplines with profound impacts upon humanity such as biopharma, translational genetics and even molecular information storage all start with synthetic DNA. The company has recently initiated the commercialization of its first EDS powered platform, the SYNTAX system.

To date, DNA Script has raised over $315M of financing, with leading investors such as Coatue Management, Fidelity Management and Research, Catalio Capital Management, Casdin Capital, LSP, Bpifrance Large Ventures, Danaher, Illumina Ventures, Agilent, Merck Ventures, Sofinnova Partners, Kurma Partners and Eurazeo.

DNA Script also partners on technology and product development with leading organizations such as DARPA, IARPA, Moderna Therapeutics, GE Research, Illumina, the Broad Institute, Harvard University, Institut Pasteur and the French Department of Defense.

DNA Script has its research and manufacturing facilities headquartered in Paris, France, and is in the process of expanding its commercial and development teams in South San Francisco.

The role

DNA Script is looking for a talented patent attorney to join the legal department, in a role that is central and critical to support the development of the company. The candidate will be responsible for (i) patent preparation and prosecution ; (ii) patent committee and idea sourcing ; and (iii) related and competitor IP monitoring. writing and filling patent applications, managing existing patent portfolio and track office actions, animating patent committee and monitoring new ideas and findings, monitoring competitive landscape and IP.

Responsibilities

• Drafting and filling patent applications
• Managing existing patent and applications portfolio, maintaining internal docket and track office actions
• Overseeing IP advisors and outside patent attorneys involved in patent prosecution
• Managing inventorship and ensuring proof of ownership of the company invention via assignments
• leading and organizing patent committees and new invention related processes
• Monitoring new ideas and finding generated by the organization
• Organizing and lead the interaction with innovating stakeholders in the Company to gather new ideas and findings
• Track and follow operational team work related to patent filling and prosecution
• Monitoring competitive landscape and IP
• Conduct freedom-to-operate studies on regular basis or on ad-hoc requests
• Conduct IP landscape analysis as requested by management or operational activities
• Sensitize and train operational teams on importance and processes of IP
• Manage internal communication on IP related activities
• Provide legal help/support with general agreements and contract upon requests

Qualifications and experience

Essential
• Has a Juris Doctorate or equivalent
• Has an advanced degree in Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, Molecular Genetics, Synthetic Biology, Microbiology, or a related biotechnology-relevant discipline or an advanced degree in Organic Chemistry, Nucleic Acid Chemistry or related biochemistry-relevant discipline.
• Cumulate 3-5 years of total prior legal experience including time at a top-tier law firm and/or pharmaceutical or biotechnology industries
• Proven track record in drafting and prosecuting biotechnology-related patent applications
• Experience in working with research and development teams and environment
• Experience in managing, organizing or taking part in IP committee or relevant processes
• Possess working knowledge of transactional, commercial, and intellectual property law
• Can handle large volume of work on a prioritized basis
• Has exceptional attention for detail and accuracy abilities. As well as the ability to set a course that is optimal for the company in the context of both ambiguity and complicated and conflicting priorities.
• Strong interactive skills and collaborative attitude to work effectively in a team environment
• Has excellent organizational, project management and problem-solving skills with the ability to ensure to stay in budget and time while communicating clearly to the rest of the management team.
• Has the highest levels of personal honesty, integrity and commitment.

Desirable
• Experience in the field of DNA such as DNA synthesis or DNA sequencing
• Start-up/small company experience
• International and preferably US experience or work for a US firm

Miscellaneous
• Job located in Kremlin-Bicêtre (Paris area)
• Start date: ASAP

Contact
vb@dnascript.co
ty@dnascript.co