Phd Biotechnology Patent Attorney Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Arena Staffing has partnered with a confidential Southern California intellectual property law firm that is hiring a Ph.D.-trained Biotechnology Patent Associate Attorney to support its growing biotechnology and life sciences practice. The position may be based in Long Beach or Carlsbad and follows a hybrid schedule of 3 days in office and 2 days remote.

This is a highly specialized opportunity for an attorney with deep scientific expertise in molecular biology, genetics/genomics, immunology, cell biology, biochemistry, or a closely related biological discipline. The firm works with sophisticated academic researchers, scientists, inventors, biotechnology companies, startups, and technology-transfer professionals to protect complex biotechnology innovations.

Prior patent prosecution experience is a strong plus, but it is not required. The firm is willing to consider an exceptional Ph.D.-trained attorney with the right scientific depth, exceptional writing ability, and a genuine desire to build a career in biotechnology patent prosecution.

• Use Your Ph.D. Every Day: Work with complex molecular, cellular, genetic, genomic, and immunological technologies where your scientific background directly matters.
• Sophisticated Scientific Work: Support biotechnology inventions involving molecular biology, genetics/genomics, immunology, cell biology, biologics, gene and cell technologies, diagnostics, and emerging biotechnology platforms.
• Direct Scientist & Inventor Exposure: Work directly with academic researchers, scientists, inventors, technology-transfer professionals, founders, and in-house counsel.
• Strong Partner Mentorship: Work closely with experienced patent attorneys while taking on increasing responsibility as your experience develops.
• Patent Experience Is Not a Barrier: Scientific depth and writing ability are the priority. The firm will consider strong Ph.D.-trained attorneys who are newer to patent prosecution.
• Strategic IP Exposure: Gain experience across patent drafting, prosecution, claim strategy, patentability, freedom-to-operate, due diligence, licensing, and portfolio strategy.
• Academic Client Exposure: Work in an environment where Ph.D.-level scientific credibility is highly valued when advising sophisticated university and research clients.
• Competitive Package: $130,000-$180,000 base salary plus performance-based bonus, hybrid flexibility, comprehensive benefits, and professional development support.

The Biotechnology Patent Attorney will help translate complex scientific discoveries into commercially meaningful patent protection. This person will work directly with inventors and scientific teams to understand new technologies, analyze experimental data and scientific literature, identify patentable concepts, develop claims and filing strategies, and support domestic and international patent portfolios.

The firm is specifically looking for someone who can operate at a high scientific level with researchers in molecular biology, genetics/genomics, immunology, cell biology, and related fundamental biology. Scientific depth is more important than arriving with several years of patent prosecution experience.

• Draft and prosecute U.S. and international biotechnology and life sciences patent applications.
• Conduct inventor interviews and review invention disclosures, experimental data, research findings, and scientific literature.
• Translate complex biological concepts into clear patent specifications, claims, and prosecution strategies.
• Develop claims and filing strategies based on the client’s scientific, commercial, and competitive objectives.
• Prepare responses to USPTO Office Actions and participate in examiner interviews.
• Conduct prior‑art searches, patentability analyses, and scientific and patent literature reviews.
• Support freedom‑to‑operate, IP due diligence, claim‑chart analysis, licensing, and patent portfolio strategy.
• Communicate directly with scientists, academic researchers, technology‑transfer professionals, founders, in-house counsel, and other clients.
• Collaborate with partners and other attorneys on domestic and international patent portfolios.

• Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Genetics/Genomics, Immunology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or a closely related biological discipline.
• Deep scientific understanding of molecular, cellular, genetic, genomic, immunological, or closely related biological research.
• J.D. from an accredited law school.
• Active membership in good standing in at least one U.S. State Bar.
• Exceptional scientific, technical, and legal writing ability.
• Ability to understand experimental data, scientific literature, biological mechanisms, and sophisticated biotechnology.
• Strong analytical, critical-thinking, communication, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to engage credibly with Ph.D.-level scientists, researchers, and inventors.
• Genuine interest in building or continuing a career in biotechnology patent prosecution.
• USPTO registration or current eligibility and willingness to obtain registration.

• Biotechnology or life sciences patent prosecution experience.
• Hands‑on experience drafting biotechnology patent applications.
• Experience preparing USPTO Office Action responses and developing prosecution strategy.
• Experience participating in examiner interviews.
• Experience working directly with scientists, inventors, or academic research teams.
• Patentability, prior‑art, freedom‑to‑operate, due diligence, licensing, or portfolio counseling exposure.
• Postdoctoral, university, academic laboratory, or biotechnology research experience involving molecular biology, genetics/genomics, immunology, cell biology, or closely related fundamental biology.
• Strong scientific publication or research background.

• Hybrid schedule: 3 days in office and 2 days remote.
• Long Beach, CA or Carlsbad, CA office.
• Schedule is subject to firm policy, client needs, and business requirements.

• Round 1: Virtual interview with partner(s), approximately 45-60 minutes.
• Round 2: Full‑day interview, preferably in person.
• Assessment: Short writing exercise plus a technical presentation to attorneys and patent professionals on a technology the candidate understands well and can explain clearly, followed by Q&A.

• Base salary: $130,000-$180,000, commensurate with scientific background, qualifications, and relevant experience.
• Performance‑based bonus opportunity.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) and FSA benefits.
• Company‑paid life and AD&D insurance.
• 2 weeks PTO.
• Paid firm holidays.
• 10 days / 80 hours of paid sick leave annually, prorated during the first year when applicable.
• CLE and professional development support.

Arena Staffing and our client are equal opportunity employers. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law. We comply with applicable federal, state, and local employment laws, including California requirements related to pay scale disclosures, paid sick leave, and required reporting and recordkeeping. Reasonable accommodations are available for qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the hiring process.