We are seeking a Patent Agent to join Aspect’s Intellectual Property team. Reporting to the Director, Intellectual Property, you will play a vital role in the expansion of our technology stack and associated patent portfolio. You will use your strong scientific background and technical communication skills to assess the strategic opportunity and the patentability of intellectual property generated by our internal R&D team. You will do this by directly liaising with R&D teams, performing in-depth technical assessments, including literature and patent searches and analyses, leading the drafting and preparation of new patent filings, and supporting the maintenance of our existing patent portfolio.

Responsibilities

• Work with internal team members and outside IP counsel to lead drafting and filing of new patent applications.
• Meet regularly with scientists and engineers to identify novel inventions and generate detailed invention disclosure documents.
• Conduct prior art searches of patent and literature databases as needed to determine patentability and freedom to operate of new inventions and in-licensing opportunities.
• Complete detailed patentability assessments of new inventions through analysis of a wide range of internally generated resources including datasheets, schematics, technical papers, presentations, videos, and inventor interviews, and comparing invention disclosures with prior art search results. Summarize findings in assessment reports for consideration by senior management.
• Manage prosecution of the existing patent portfolio by evaluating office actions and work with R&D, management, and outside IP counsel to develop responses that align with overall corporate IP strategy.
• Contribute to planning of experiments as required to generate enabling data for patent applications.
• Track and analyze competitive and/or complementary patent portfolios to support due diligence for licensing, partnering and M&A activity.
• Review public disclosures such as abstracts, presentations, and corporate communications to ensure alignment with corporate IP strategy.
• Provide general IP support to R&D, Corporate, and Business Development teams on an as-needed basis through landscape and FTO projects including claim scope analyses.
• Build and maintain proficiency with emerging tools for intellectual property management and workflow. Evaluate and implement new tools as needed.
• Maintain up-to-date records of all matters relating to IP management.
• Contribute an IP perspective to grant applications and scientific publications as necessary.
• Promote a culture of innovation by providing coaching and feedback to R&D team members on all matters of Intellectual Property.

Qualifications

• Education: MSc or PhD in Cell Biology, Biomedical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Registered Patent Agent: Certified with the Canadian College of Patent Agents & Trademark Agents (CPATA) and/or the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
• Experience: 2-3 years of experience drafting and filing biotechnology patent applications at a law firm.
• Patent Prosecution & Portfolio Management: Proven expertise in drafting and filing patent applications. Strong track record in developing and executing prosecution strategies from initial filing through issuance and lifecycle management.
• Intellectual Property Knowledge: Experience conducting complex scientific and legal prior-art and freedom-to-operate searches. Deep understanding of global patent portfolio management, particularly for platform technologies and combination products.
• Scientific knowledge: Hands-on laboratory experience in stem cell biology and stem cell differentiation protocols is an asset.

Who You Are

• Analytical & Strategic Thinking: Excellent analytical and conceptual thinking abilities, with a demonstrated ability to develop and execute intellectual property strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Leadership & Mentorship: Strong leadership skills with the ability to mentor and develop internal contributors, fostering a high-performing team within the IP function.
• Intellectually Curious: You have a burning desire to learn more and aren’t afraid to ask questions.
• Detail-Oriented & Meticulously Organized: You have outstanding attention to detail and take pride in your work. You can multitask, prioritize competing deadlines, and have a track record for delivering work on time.
• Thrive in Ambiguity: You are highly adaptable, agile, and poised when faced with change, ambiguity, and competing priorities.
• Collaborative: You thrive in a multi-disciplinary team environment and believe that we can get further, faster by working together.
• Effective Communicator: You are an active listener who can effectively communicate to different audiences in diverse situations.
• Go-Getter: You work with a sense of urgency, are results-driven, and thrive in a fast-paced, interdisciplinary, and entrepreneurial environment. You are willing to roll up your sleeves and do what it takes to get the job done.

The hiring range for this role is $87,300-$124,700, annually. Our ranges are based on market data. Offered salaries will be based on a combination of factors including, but not limited to, job-related knowledge, skills, education, and experience. For candidates who exceed role requirements, we are open to exploring above-range offers. Note that base salary is just one part of the overall compensation at Aspect. Members of the Aspect team also receive equity, a comprehensive benefits package, and support for continuous learning and career progression.