Patent Agent, Intellectual Property

Protagonist Therapeutics is seeking a Patent Agent or Scientific Advisor to join the Intellectual Property practice of our legal team. The successful candidate will capture inventions, assess patentability, draft and prosecute patents, manage outside counsel, assist with IP‑related legal agreements, and provide diligence support. This role reports to the Vice President of Intellectual Property and requires onsite presence 4 days a week at our headquarters in Newark, California.

$150,000–$175,000 per year

• Foster a collaborative culture with scientists to understand and monitor key inventions.
• Investigate relevant state of the art to assess patentability and devise drafting strategies for inventions.
• Draft or co‑draft key patent applications with outside counsel.
• Work with outside counsel to prepare patent filings and manage active prosecution domestically and internationally.
• Assist on IP‑related agreements, including confidentiality, joint research, and license agreements.
• Maintain databases and spreadsheets related to the IP portfolio.
• Assist in trademark portfolio management.

• Ph.D. in Medicinal Chemistry, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Genetics, or similar field, or an M.S. in organic chemistry with a strong background in molecular biology.
• Two to four years of experience as a patent agent or scientific advisor (pre‑patent bar registration) with a law firm and/or in‑house legal group.
• Either already passed the patent bar (patent agent) or willing to take and pass the patent bar after joining the company (scientific advisor).
• Organized, calm, and positive approach under deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written. A writing sample will be requested.
• Independent, curious, and proactive learner—unafraid to dive into and learn new technologies and grow expertise in patent law.

Mid‑Senior level

Full‑time

Legal

Biotechnology

Newark, California (onsite, 4 days per week)