Discipline: Biochemistry / Biology / Biotech / Molecular Biology

Technologies: Ability to work in complex life sciences fields such as gene editing, antibody technology, immunology, cell based therapies and regenerative medicines

EIP tech group: EIP Life

Seniority: Associate/Senior Associate

About EIP

EIP specialises in high-value and complex patent matters with offices in Europe and the US. Our multidisciplinary team combines patent attorneys, litigators and commercial IP lawyers in three of the world’s main patent markets – Germany, UK and USA, and now also in the Nordics through our recent expansion into Sweden. EIP has an ever-growing client base, from major multinationals through exciting mid-stage IP-rich companies, to highly innovative start-ups, across the world.

The approach to progress is highly meritocratic, with patent attorneys at all levels receiving support through a sophisticated training program.  New trainees get exposure to clients from the day of joining. Those who join us share in the team’s stand-out visibility in the world of patents and get to celebrate our award wins.

Since 2018 EIP has been a five-time winner of European and UK Patent Contentious Firm of the Year by leading IP magazine, Managing IP while The Financial Times lists EIP as a leading European patent law firm, recently awarding EIP the highest possible ranking (gold stars across all six technology areas). Feedback received from clients and peers rates EIP as “unstuffy and its staff are very personable”, with “excellent technical and legal expertise”, and they “combine an exceptional professional ethic with impressive technical diligence”.

Diversity is an intrinsic part of EIP’s business culture. We are proud to support the IP Inclusive initiative and we are a signatory to the IP Inclusive Charter. EIP actively engages in diversity efforts and is committed to developing an attitude of openness for the benefit of all those working in the IP profession.

About EIP Life

EIP Life attorneys have experience of representing the entire spectrum of organisations in the life sciences sector from academic and charitable institutions to start-ups and global healthcare companies. We are experts in obtaining, enforcing and challenging patents on behalf of our clients. We regularly get involved in due diligence projects required for investment in innovative start-ups or in preparation for a product launch.

About the role

Following the appointment of Monika Rai in 2020 as Head of EIP Life, we are continuing to grow the practice and are looking to hire qualified patent attorneys.

EIP Life has been built upon direct client work, with a client base that is active in technical areas such as antibody and vaccine technology, gene therapies, regenerative medicines, bioarrays, nutraceuticals, biopolymers, microbiological engineering, small molecule pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. Our clients come to us by recommendation from existing clients and due to the strength of our reputation.

We are recruiting at the associate and senior associate level. We welcome applications from candidates who have experience in biotechnology and/or related life science topics. With a largely direct client base, applicants should have demonstrable previous experience of exceptional client care. Those who have had experience in business development initiatives will find plenty of opportunity to use and improve those skills.

We are ideally looking to hire this position in London but also welcome applications from candidates interested in one of our other offices.

Experience, skills & qualifications

You will be comfortable working in a modern, fast-paced environment where you are given a level of autonomy to do your work.

Successful candidates will also be able to demonstrate the following:

• An appropriate professional attitude (personable, well prepared, flexible and enthusiastic)
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Ability to express complex ideas clearly and concisely, and the ability to structure a precise and coherent argument
• Ability to deal with a variety of people at different levels
• Ability to balance knowledge of intellectual property law against commercial requirements
• Ability to work under pressure, which may be the result of competing and inflexible deadlines when working for more than one client at the same time
• Excellent research and presentation skills
• Meticulous attention to detail, and an analytical mind
• Initiative and the ability to act independently and manage own workload

Other information

With our state-of-the-art paperless systems, we offer hybrid working, three days in the office and two from home. EIP’s employees also enjoy reduced business hours on the days when working from the office subject to there being no urgent work commitments.

EIP has a friendly, progressive and mutually supportive working environment along with a smart casual dress policy and stylish modern offices.

Rewards & benefits

We offer a competitive salary and several benefits:

• Discretionary bonus
• 25 days of holiday, excluding bank holidays
• Private medical health care
• Free eye tests
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Season ticket loan
• Electric vehicle scheme
• Group personal pension plan
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption, and shared parental leave
• Holiday loyalty

Equal opportunities

EIP is an equal opportunities employer that values diversity and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, religious practice or any other perceived differences.