Pfizer Inc. is seeking Patent Counsel to handle a variety of intellectual property issues relating to the research and development in small molecule therapeutics in Cambridge, MA.

Responsibilities:
• Lead and develop patent strategies that build the strongest patent portfolio. 
• Ensure global consistency in the drafting of patent applications, particularly regarding prior art statements, disclosure of indications or combinations, or scope of claims. 
• Manage the Disease Area patent portfolio(s): review portfolios and recommend retention, abandonments or cutbacks in area of responsibility. Provide rationale for the same. 
• Represent the Patent department on Research Unit teams in areas of responsibility. 
• Ensure cross-Research Unit issues are addressed, e.g., receptor targets or chemical matter that are common across Research Units.
• Maintain dialogue with R&D and patent colleagues in the Research Unit and ensure global consistency in legal advice. 
• Partner with appropriate Business Unit Patent support to ensure that strategies align with business objectives. 
• Conduct due-diligence when requested.
• Maintain awareness of licensing activities and advise on these matters as needed.
• Provide general guidance as needed to support LOE determinations and lifecycle planning in areas of responsibility. 
• Maintain awareness of patent litigation issues in areas of responsibility.

Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry, an advanced degree is preferred;
• J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school, be a member in good standing of a state bar, and be registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office;
• Minimum of 2 years legal experience gained in a law firm or corporate setting;
• Experience with preparation and prosecution of patents (U.S. and foreign); preparation of infringement, validity, freedom-to-operate opinions and client counseling;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds and at different levels in the company (i.e., staff scientists, group directors, Vice Presidents, etc.); and,
• Team-oriented self-starter with strong communication, analytical, and organizational skills, be able to work under deadline pressures, and maintain close attention to detail

Throughout our 153 years, a legacy of caring for others has been at the heart of everything we do at Pfizer. This commitment is no less important when it comes to our employees. Pfizer wants to ensure that employees have resources to help them develop and succeed both in their careers and personal lives. One way we can achieve this is through our comprehensive benefits program, which offers employees and their eligible dependents the variety and flexibility to help address their needs at different stages in life.

Pfizer is committed to equal opportunity in the terms and conditions of employment for all employees and job applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity or gender expression, national origin, disability or veteran status. Pfizer also complies with all applicable national, state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment as well as employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration and Nationality Act. 

All applicants must have authorization to work for Pfizer in the U.S. In certain circumstances it may be advantageous to Pfizer to support the application(s) for temporary visa classification and/or sponsor applications for permanent residence so that a foreign national colleague can accept or remain in a work assignment in the U.S. 

For certain classes of temporary visas, the resulting work authorization may be specific to Pfizer and the specific job and/or work site. Pfizer may at its business discretion decide to or refrain from obtaining, maintaining and/or extending the temporary visa status and/or sponsoring a colleague for permanent residency and /or employment eligibility, considering factors such as availability of qualified U.S. workers and the colleague's long-term prospects for securing lawful permanent residence, among other reasons. 

Employment applicants requiring immigration sponsorship must disclose, when initial application for employment is made, whether or not they are legally authorized to work for Pfizer in the U.S. and, if so, whether that authorization permits them to work in the job they seek. In no case should Pfizer's support of a colleague's temporary visa application or sponsorship of a colleague for permanent residence be construed to guarantee success of that application or amend or otherwise invalidate the "at-will" employment relationship between the colleague and Pfizer.

Contact:
To apply for this position please go to: http://posttrak.arbita.net/cgi-bin/PostTrak.cgi?RefCode=R8843283408452

Additional Info:
Employer Type: Large Corporation
Job Location: Madison, New Jersey