Intellectual Property Strategist - Microbiology (Australia / USA)

About Loam

At Loam, we have the earth in our hands. As a team of scientists, farmers and entrepreneurs, we are on a mission to improve the world's farmland and address climate change.

At the intersection of microbial science and agriculture, we have built a technology discovery platform to develop tools to address climate change. 
 By mobilising the power of microbiology and agriculture, we create an impact on a global scale.

We are a rapidly-growing team of more than 30 researchers and practitioners. As a start-up with ambitious founders and investors, our work is fast-paced and multidimensional. We foster a supportive and diverse workplace where every team member is encouraged to learn and grow beyond their area of expertise.

This is more than just a job — this is our life's work.

About the Role (Australia or USA based)

The IP Manager is responsible for Loam's existing patent portfolio as well as the ongoing evaluation of inventions related to plant-microbe interactions from both a legal and scientific perspective. We are a global organisation with offices in Sydney, Minneapolis, and Calgary. Our headquarters is located in the regional town of Orange, NSW.

Key Responsibilities

• Work closely with research and development teams to conduct landscape and third party patent assessments to identify potential IP risks and/or licensing opportunities
• Engage and manage external counsel while overseeing filings in multiple jurisdictions
• Ensure effective protection and growth of the company's intellectual property portfolio

• Develop and maintain tracking systems for invention disclosures and filed patent applications
• Review invention disclosures and provide recommendations on filings and claims
• Review proposed publications for potential IP impact
• Provide training on Intellectual Property matters to research teams
• Perform patent assessments and assist in the drafting of patent applications
• Provide infringement opinions and help to develop patent strategies
• Control and manage the allocated budget for patent portfolios
• Support business objectives and counseling inventors in line with areas of commercial focus

Requirements

About You

You'll likely be an experienced intellectual property manager with a background in biology mycology, biochemistry, soil ecology, or another relevant field. You will bring a deep understanding of the patent landscape and technologies relevant to the field of plant-microbe interactions. Ideally, you will have:

• Advanced degree in one of the following fields: biology, microbiology, mycology, soil science, biochemistry, plant pathology, molecular biology,
• 3-5 years of experience in (being involved in) drafting and/or prosecuting biotech patent applications
• Capability of connecting scientific details of research projects with patentability considerations
• Ability to work independently and proactively
• Strong organisational skills, keen attention to detail, and ability to prioritise projects and meet aggressive deadlines
• Outstanding writing skills as demonstrated by original writing samples of patent applications, prosecution submissions, memorandums, and other communications

It's excellent, but not required, if you have

• Agricultural R&D experience
• Experience with IP portfolio analyses, and/or landscape mapping
• Experience in working with business and technical teams to develop IP strategies for technical programs

Benefits

Joining Loam

As an inclusive, team-first company, our people are at the essence of everything we do. We care profoundly about building a workplace where our team members feel valued, appreciated and empowered.

As Loam continues to evolve and innovate, we encourage our team members to do the same with their careers. As such, we provide ongoing opportunities to grow and make a real difference.

We value flexibility and encourage our team members to work in ways that meet their work/life commitments and support their wellbeing. We work hard to create a safe and inclusive environment for all, and genuinely care about designing better experiences, for our team, and our extended partners.

You'll be supported by regular 1:1 check-ins, engagement in cross-functional, cross-geographical product teams. You will be working with leading scientists, innovators and entrepreneurs in a fast growing international organisation.