THE ORGANIZATION
Texas Medical Center’s (TMC) mission is to support the health, education and research needs of Texas and the world.
TMC’s portfolio of business includes real estate, parking, hospitality, and leasing. TMC also builds programmatic partnerships and relationships across TMC with its member institutions, industry, and city, state, and federal entities.
TMC owns and operates three main districts: the TMC Medical Campus, Helix Park, and the TMC Innovation Factory.
The TMC Medical Campus–the largest medical complex in the world–is at the forefront of advancing life sciences. Home to the brightest minds in medicine, TMC nurtures cross-institutional collaboration, creativity, and innovation. TMC is comprised of renowned hospital systems and preeminent research and academic institutions. As a landowner and developer, we are responsible for the infrastructure and operations that support this large and growing medical center.
Helix Park is a world-class life science complex that unites some of the best minds in medicine, science, academia, and commerce to rapidly drive new research breakthroughs. The 37-acre development includes shared and proprietary research centers, multi-disciplinary laboratories, retail, and several parks designed in a double-helix shape. Future plans include a hotel, residential tower, and conference center.
The TMC Innovation Factory empowers entrepreneurs from across the world to push the limits of discovery and bring their solutions to life faster with the support of TMCi accelerators and programming, industry partners, and the greater TMC ecosystem. TMC Biodesign, a program for entrepreneurs to create solutions for healthcare’s greatest unmet needs, is housed in the Innovation Factory. These entrepreneurs are guided though an innovation approach which consists of identifying, inventing, and implementing healthcare solutions.
POSITION OVERVIEW
TMC is seeking a skilled Intellectual Property Attorney or Patent Agent with at least 3 years of experience in Medical Device patent preparation and prosecution. The ideal candidate will possess a strong scientific background, have experience in drafting and prosecuting patent applications, and have excellent writing skills and academic and work credentials.
You will work directly with members members of the legal, Innovation, and new ventures teams. Your work will primarily support the Biodesign program and protect TMC’s intellecutual property ownership.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
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Draft patent applications and prosecute patent applications through the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Support due diligence activities, including prior art searches and analysis.
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Collaborate with the internal TMC team to ensure accurate and timely patent filings.
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Provide technical expertise to assist in protecting TMC’s technologies with patents.
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Prepare and file responses to office actions and other communications from the USPTO.
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Review and analyze patent portfolios to support strategic decision-making.
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Organize, update, and maintain patent files and patent docketing information for TMC’s intellectual property portfolios.
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Participate in the planning and scheduling of patent filings and ensure projects are completed and deadlines are met.
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Handle new invention disclosure report files.
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Serve as primary liason between TMC and outside patent counsel (for both TMC and start-up companies) to ensure proper protection of TMC’s US and foreign intellectual property rights.
KEY SELECTION AND SUCCESS FACTORS
Work experience
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3-5 years’ experience in medical device intellectual property management
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Direct patent drafting and prosecution experience; experience in academic licensing preferred.
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Enthusiasm for healthcare and life science, ecosystem building, and investments.
Education / Qualifications
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BS/JD
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Background in engineering, biology, or a related field.
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Registration with the USPTO and/or Patent Bar eligibility.
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Proficiency in drafting and prosecuting patent applications.
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Strong technical background and understanding of relevant technologies.
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Excellent written and verbal communication skills with strong attention to detail.
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Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
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Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
Texas Medical Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, age, religion, gender, national origin, disability or Veteran status. If you require assistance or reasonable accommodation in the application process, please contact Human Resources at (713) 797-0100 or talent@tmc.edu.
