Senior IP Counsel

Senior IP Counsel - Biochemistry & Imaging Technologies.

DEU - Wetzlar - Multiple OpCo | Full time

Bring more to life.

Are you ready to accelerate your potential and make a real difference within life sciences, diagnostics and biotechnology?

You’ll thrive in a culture of belonging where you and your unique viewpoint matter. And by harnessing Danaher’s system of continuous improvement, you help turn ideas into impact – innovating at the speed of life.

Shape the Future with Us!

At Leica Microsystems, we have been shaping the future for over 175 years with groundbreaking optical and digital solutions. With a culture rooted in customer focus, innovation, and teamwork, we lead the market in microscopy, imaging, and analysis, unveiling the invisible and empowering our customers to build a better, healthier world.

Joining Leica Microsystems means contributing to scientific discoveries and supporting surgeons in making critical decisions. Our advanced microscopes and AI-based image analysis solutions enable users to gain profound insights into development and engineering challenges. Here, you will work on meaningful projects alongside passionate colleagues, driving progress and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.

Learn about the Danaher Business System which makes everything possible.

The Senior IP Counsel (Biochemical Assays, Dyes, Reagents, and Imaging Technologies) is responsible for developing and implementing an IP strategy for our portfolio of Biochemical Assays, Dyes, Reagents, and Imaging Technologies. This role involves preparing (mainly using outside counsel), maintaining, defending, and enforcing intellectual property rights for the Life Science Research Division. The position significantly impacts the organization by actively participating in product definition and development based on competitive intelligence, and by conducting due diligence for the acquisition of new companies to strengthen market position and defend against third-party challenges.

This position reports to the Chief IP Counsel and is part of the IP department located in Wetzlar or Mannheim and will be an on-site role.

In this role, you will have the opportunity to:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive IP strategy for the Life Science Research Division.

• Prepare mainly (using outside counsel), maintain, and enforce patents in the areas of assays, dyes, reagents, and related imaging technologies.

• Provide strategic input during product development and definition phases.

• Conduct competitive intelligence to inform IP strategy and product development.

• Lead due diligence efforts during the acquisition of new companies.

• Defend against potential third-party IP challenges to protect the company’s market position.

• Negotiate, draft, and review IP-related agreements, including licensing and collaboration agreements.

The essential requirements of the job include:

• A qualification as National and European Patent Attorney or even as US patent attorney is a preference.

• An advanced degree in biochemistry or a related field. A Phd degree is preferred but not necessary.

• strong intellectual property experience, including hands-on experience in prosecuting patents throughout at least Europe and the US.

• Must be able to speak and write in English at an advanced level.

• Proven experience in disputes pertaining US patents in the relevant field.

• Experience in developing and implementing IP strategies within the life sciences sector.

Travel, Motor Vehicle Record & Physical/Environment Requirements:

Ability to travel up to 15%, including overnight stays.

It would be a plus if you also possess previous experience in:

• Solid experience in drafting and negotiating IP-related agreements.

• Proven track record in conducting due diligence for mergers and acquisitions.

• Experience working in a matrixed organization.