Job Description

Wave Life Sciences is a biotechnology company focused on delivering transformational therapies for patients with serious, genetically defined diseases.  We differentiate ourselves through our proprietary chemistry platform that enables the production of stereopure oligonucleotides that precisely target the underlying cause of rare diseases.  At Wave, we welcome those who share a passion to change lives and embrace a culture that is thoughtful, dynamic, humble, and fearless. Together, we can contribute to our mission enabling every patient with a genetic disease to have access to life changing treatments.

Scope: 

Wave Life Sciences is seeking an experienced and driven Patent Agent, with a strong technical background in organic chemistry, preferably with experience in nucleic acids. The Patent Agent will be responsible for drafting and prosecuting global patent applications, intellectual property (IP) due diligence, and patent searching and analysis.  The Patent Agent will report to the head of IP, as a member of our Legal team, and will work in tandem with internal personnel and outside counsel to directly support Wave’s programs, as Wave continues to build and expand its IP portfolio. The individual will be based in Cambridge, Massachusetts with potential travel to Lexington, Massachusetts, as needed.

Position Responsibilities:

• Collaborates with the head of IP and other internal partners, to ensure patent strategy is consistent with Wave’s global IP portfolio, key objectives, and priorities
• Prepares and prosecutes patent applications worldwide, in coordination with outside counsel
• Manages and interacts with outside counsel on patent prosecution, opinion advice, and other matters, as needed
• Performs patentability and FTO searches and assessments for R&D pipeline programs and business development opportunities
• Conducts competitive intelligence and landscape analyses and assessments
• Reviews and analyzes third-party patent filings and technical literature
• Maintains a patent monitoring system and conducts regular meetings with the IP team to review findings; delivers research findings in a timely and high-quality manner
• Reviews proposed publications and presentations for potential impact to Wave’s patent portfolio
• Coordinates and partners with the R&D team to identify company inventions for patent filings
• Attends R&D meetings and patent review meetings, serving as a liaison for the IP team
• Completes special projects such as collaborating on department-wide or company-wide initiatives, as requested

Preferred Skills:

• Strong project management skills with the ability to multi-task and handle multiple patent applications simultaneously in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
• Strong professionalism and interpersonal skills, along with excellent analytical, verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to educate and support colleagues on IP-related matters
• Commitment to ethical conduct; ability to handle confidential and proprietary information using excellent discretion and judgment
• Ability to work proactively, both independently and collaboratively, in a team environment
• Skilled at managing outside counsel
• Proficient skills in MS Suite applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.), GenomeQuest, ChemDraw, SciFinder and other IP software

Education / Experience:

• PhD in life sciences with research experience, along with knowledge of nucleic acids preferred (BS/MS in life sciences with substantial relevant research experience will also be considered)
• USPTO registration to practice is required
• 3+ years previous experience doing hands-on patent searching and patent prosecution in biotech or pharmaceutical industry
• Experience working within a law firm and/or in-house preferred

Throughout the global pandemic, Wave has been committed to ensuring the safety of all employees and their families, while continuing to move the business forward so that we can deliver on our commitment to patients. We have implemented an approach to COVID-19 that is informed by the science and aligns to recommendations established by the CDC and other applicable government health agencies. To that end, Wave has implemented a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy that requires its employees to be vaccinated to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law. 

Wave Life Sciences provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Wave Life Sciences complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Wave Life Sciences expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of Wave Life Sciences’ employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.