Discipline: Chemistry

Technologies: Ability to work with chemical, pharmaceutical and materials-based subject matter, including organic and bio-organic innovations

Preferred Minimum Level of Qualification: 1st Class degree/Masters/PhD

EIP Tech Group: EIP Elements and EIP HealthTech

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 Elements and EIP HealthTech

The EIP Elements team deals with a wide range of chemical, pharmaceutical and materials-based patents for a broad spectrum of UK and international clients ranging from universities and small start-up companies to large multinational corporations.

We have expertise in pharmaceutical and agrochemical patents, including drug discovery and development, and further medical use and dosage regimen protection. We also have considerable experience in the fields of materials science, catalysis, batteries, polymers, food and flavour ingredients, cosmetics, and the growing area of hydrogen generation and storage chemistry.

The EIP HealthTech team helps clients in the healthcare and medical sectors to identify, protect and defend their innovative products and processes in this commercially important area.

The team is expertly placed to handle the full spectrum of inventions in areas such as medical devices, surgical implants and tools, injection systems, pumps, digital health, animal health, personalised and customised healthcare, medical imaging, femtech, telemedicine, diagnostics, AI, catheters, surgical delivery systems, drug delivery, wound therapeutics and microfluidic devices, as well as computer-implemented healthcare systems, apps and AI-driven assistance innovations.

About the role

We are continuing to develop our integrated Elements and HealthTech practices and are seeking a Trainee Patent Attorney to join our market-leading Trainee Programme in September 2023. We are looking for candidates with previous academic experience in chemistry, including organic and bioorganic chemistry knowledge to join our growing and collaborative team.

Although qualification to PhD level is preferred, we would also encourage applications from candidates with a strong first or further degree and are able to demonstrate the required skill and knowledge to handle these matters.

Experience, skills and 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

Other information

Full academic and professional support ensures EIP are training the Intellectual Property stars of tomorrow.

With our state-of-the-art paperless systems, we offer hybrid working, three days in the office and two from home.

The firm 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
• Qualifying examinations sponsorship and study leave
• 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.