Patent Scientist

About The RoleAs a Patent Scientist (Trainee Patent Attorney/Technical Assistant) you will be reporting and responsible to the Principals of Spruson & Ferguson, particularly those within the Chemical/Life Sciences group.

Your responsibilities include participation in and responsibility for the undertaking of the patent and trade mark attorney (and related) business of Spruson & Ferguson at a junior/trainee level.

Key Responsibilities

• management of your training and education as a Patent and Trade Marks Attorney in relation to both UTS and firm-based education;
• management of your workflow including arranging for review and supervision of your work by the Principals of Spruson & Ferguson, such work including:
• activities related to receiving, reviewing, forwarding and responding to Patent Office Examiner’s Reports;
• researching and preparing replies to client queries;
• interaction with clients and inventors for preparation of patent specifications;
• the provision of advice on the infringement and/or validity of patents; and
• preparation of articles for publication.
• management of your work quality and ensuring appropriate quality control of work undertaken by you;
• management of your work timeliness and ensuring appropriate timing of work undertaken by you;
• management of your day-to-day activities and interacting with relevant professional and support staff members to achieve both your and Spruson & Ferguson’s short and long-term plans;
• management of administrative functions, including recording of work-in-progress (WIP), management of potential and actual conflicts of interest, management of professional standard obligations
• coordinating and communicating with other Principals and practice groups, and corporate group members (as appropriate);
• participation, as requested, in appropriate marketing activities including undertaking marketing visits to clients, professional organisations and attending at relevant events; and
• such other responsibilities as directed by Spruson & Ferguson from time to time commensurate with your role as a junior professional employee of Spruson & Ferguson.

Skills & Experience

• bachelor’s degree with specialisation in biochemistry, molecular biology, immunology, genetics or similar discipline applicable to biotechnology
• PhD in biochemistry, molecular biology, immunology, genetics or similar discipline
• preference will be given to post-doctoral or industry research experience (although is not essential to be considered)
• excellent written and verbal communication skills
• high attention to detail
• excellent time management skills.

What We OfferSpruson & Ferguson is committed to promoting and maintaining a collaborative environment and workplace culture of shared respect where all team members contribute to the success of the firm and are recognised for their unique contributions.

We encourage all team members to grow and progress to their potential, supported by a broad range of learning and development opportunities available through our membership of the broader IPH network.

Spruson & Ferguson offers a wide range of other benefits aimed at supporting our employee’s wellbeing and ongoing development, including but not limited to:

• flexible work environment with hybrid work options
• equitable salary packaging
• parental leave for all genders
• health and wellbeing programs
• employee benefits program.

About Spruson & FergusonSpruson & Ferguson is one of the largest specialist intellectual property (IP) service firms operating across the Asia-Pacific region from 10 offices, providing a variety of services in the protection, commercialisation, enforcement and management of IP. Assisting a diverse client base of Fortune Global 500 companies, SMEs, public sector research organisations, foreign associates and local clients, we are proud to be recognised through local, regional and global industry awards.

Operating from offices in Bangkok, Beijing, Brisbane, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Melbourne, Singapore and Sydney, our multidisciplinary team of more than 480 people includes some of the most highly regarded IP professionals in the region.

Spruson & Ferguson is a subsidiary of IPH Limited, the first IP services group to list on the ASX.

Find out more at www.spruson.com (use this only in external job ads)

How To Apply

We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and individuals from diverse backgrounds. We remain committed to providing reasonable and fair adjustments to provide a positive, barrier free, transparent recruitment process and supportive workplace.

If this role sounds like a great fit, apply now with your updated resume and cover letter introducing yourself and why this role is right for you.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted directly.