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Job Description

New hires in office-based roles in the US & Puerto Rico will be required, subject to applicable law, to demonstrate that they have been fully vaccinated for COVID-19 or qualify for a medical or religious exemption to this vaccination requirement that can be accommodated without an undue burden to the operation. However, subject to applicable law, employees working in roles that the Company determines require routine collaboration with external stakeholders, such as employees in health services, customer facing commercial, or research based roles, will be required to be fully vaccinated as a condition of employment.

We partner with the business to ensure we maintain our company’s values and high ethical standards, comply with the law, protect our people, and enhance our reputation. We strive to foster an environment that is inspiring, supportive, and diverse.  

Position Description:

The attorney will provide patent support functions for discovery and development programs in the human health area. 

• Drafting and prosecuting patent applications to protect the company's products, product candidates and platform technologies

• Conducting freedom to operate analyses for the company's extensive R&D activities

• Conducting intellectual property due diligences for various types of corporate transactions, including research collaborations and acquisitions

• Providing legal counseling services that are consistent with law and Company policies, furthering business objectives and appropriately balancing divisional/functional/corporate business objectives and legal risks

• Reviewing and advising on intellectual property provisions in various types of agreements including licensing and collaboration agreements

• Exercising judgment to drive decisions on routine and non-routine matters within areas of practice

• Supervising activities and managing relationships with outside counsel

• Some domestic and international travel may be required

• This role is hybrid and will required 3 days in the office with the flexibility to work from home 2 days.

Qualifications:

Education:

• A minimum of a bachelor's degree in the pharmaceutical, chemical or biological sciences from an accredited institution; and Graduate of an accredited U.S. law school.

Required:

• Registered to practice before the USPTO;

• Member in good standing of a Bar of at least one state or the District of Columbia

• Two (2) or more years of experience as an attorney in a law firm or corporate setting, practicing in the patent area (Note: time accrued as a practicing patent agent may be considered)

• Expertise in drafting and prosecuting biologic/vaccine (large molecule) or chemical (small molecule) patents, with a willingness to develop expertise in the other area

• Strong technical background

• Excellent communication and analytical skills.

Preferred:

• Experience in counseling clients on intellectual property issues

• Experience in managing a significant workload, with the ability to juggle multiple projects simultaneously

• Ability to work in cross-functional teams

• Ability to be proactive and take initiative

Our Support Functions deliver services and make recommendations about ways to enhance our workplace and the culture of our organization. Our Support Functions include HR, Finance, Information Technology, Legal, Procurement, Administration, Facilities and Security.

Who we are …

We are known as Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey, USA in the United States and Canada and MSD everywhere else. For more than a century, we have been inventing for life, bringing forward medicines and vaccines for many of the world's most challenging diseases. Today, our company continues to be at the forefront of research to deliver innovative health solutions and advance the prevention and treatment of diseases that threaten people and animals around the world.

What we look for …

Imagine getting up in the morning for a job as important as helping to save and improve lives around the world. Here, you have that opportunity. You can put your empathy, creativity, digital mastery, or scientific genius to work in collaboration with a diverse group of colleagues who pursue and bring hope to countless people who are battling some of the most challenging diseases of our time. Our team is constantly evolving, so if you are among the intellectually curious, join us—and start making your impact today.

NOTICE FOR INTERNAL APPLICANTS

In accordance with Managers' Policy - Job Posting and Employee Placement, all employees subject to this policy are required to have a minimum of twelve (12) months of service in current position prior to applying for open positions.

If you have been offered a separation benefits package, but have not yet reached your separation date and are offered a position within the salary and geographical parameters as set forth in the Summary Plan Description (SPD) of your separation package, then you are no longer eligible for your separation benefits package. To discuss in more detail, please contact your HRBP or Talent Acquisition Advisor.

We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing diverse, talented, and committed people together. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when diverse ideas come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another’s thinking and approach problems collectively. We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace.

Residents of Colorado

Click here to request this role’s pay range.

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:

Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities. Please click here if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process.