European Patent Attorney - Biologicals

The Syngenta Crop Protection Legal & IP team is currently seeking a commercially-minded European Patent Attorney who will act as a key business partner to support Syngenta's growing Biologicals business. This role combines strategic IP advisory skills with strong stakeholder management, requiring someone who can translate complex IP concepts into deliverable business actions. In this role, you will be responsible for a wide range of IP-related activities supporting the commercial objectives of Syngenta’s Crop Protection’s Biologicals business, including the delivery of effective IP strategies and in providing IP support for our transaction teams. You will be expected to work as a pro-active business leader in an integrated perspective with R&D, Commercial, Legal and Licensing colleagues as appropriate. The role will be based at Syngenta’s Global Headquarters in Basel.

Your responsibilities:  

This position will involve all aspects of Crop Protection IP practice, with an emphasis on:

• Promotion and delivery of the innovative use of IP as an integral part of Syngenta Crop Protection business strategies. Develop global, regional and country IP strategies for assigned areas of responsibility.
• Advise the business with respect to the freedom-to-operate matters, and in certain cases prepare formal opinions.
• Client counselling, including evaluating patent validity and infringement issues, reviewing IP-related agreements and managing an IP portfolio.
• Drafting, filing, prosecution and defense of patents/patent applications in the area of crop protection-related inventions.

Syngenta Crop Protection, the largest Syngenta Group unit, leads in sustainable farming solutions, offering innovative products to keep crops healthy while minimizing environmental impact, from planting to harvest.

Syngenta has been ranked as a top employer by Science Magazine and it has been awarded with the "Friendly Work Space" label to all its Swiss sites.

What are we looking for:

• Qualified European Patent Attorney with 5 years post-qualification experience (PQE) in the patent profession. Exceptional candidates with 2-3 years PQE will be considered. A national patent attorney qualification is considered beneficial.
• Degree or equivalent qualification in biotechnology, biochemistry or related subject, preferably with experience in dealing with plant biology or biologicals.
• Fluency in English, with German-language skills a benefit.
• Excellent communication, problem solving, and organizational skills with strong interpersonal and team building skills. An important component of this role relates to business partnering and raising IP awareness amongst key stakeholders in our Biologicals R&D and business communities.
• Self-starter mentality with ability to proactively identify issues and propose & implement solutions.
• Ability to effectively and constructively interact with various functions at all levels of the organization.

We offer a variety of financial and non-financial benefits including:

• We offer a position which contributes to valuable and impactful work in a stimulating and international environment 
• A superb working environment with an open culture and diverse workforce where new ideas are always welcome
• The opportunity to work with and learn from highly qualified and experienced employees and gain scientific and technical excellence
• Learning culture (Together we Grow) and wide range of training options
• You will profit from a competitive pension fund plan, attractive bonus system, onsite doctor, fitness room, canteen, and other benefits including Family friendly initiatives, Child and Family allowance.

Please send your complete application with your CV, diploma and work certificates (if applicable) in English.

Syngenta is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or any other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.