(SENIOR) Counsel Intellectual Property (IP)

As innovators in nutrition, health, and beauty, dsm-firmenich reinvents, manufactures, and combines vital nutrients, flavors, and fragrances for the world’s growing population to thrive. With our comprehensive range of solutions, with natural and renewable ingredients and renowned science and technology capabilities, we work to create what is essential for life, desirable for consumers, and more sustainable for the planet. dsm-firmenich is a Swiss-Dutch company, listed on the Euronext Amsterdam, with operations in almost 60 countries and revenues of more than €12 billion. With a diverse, worldwide team of nearly 30,000 employees, we bring progress to life™ every day, everywhere, for billions of people.

At dsm-firmenich, being a force for good is not optional. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion is a shared responsibility woven into our daily work to not only benefit our People, Customers & Communities but also drive business value. Equal access to opportunities is a given, belonging is a shared feeling, authenticity is celebrated.

We are seeking an EQE qualified in-house patent counsel to join our IP team. This position will be responsible for managing and implementing all aspects of the assigned business unit IP strategy, including patent portfolio life cycle management, drafting and prosecuting patent applications, handling oppositions and appeals and managing third-party IP risk. The successful candidate will play a key role in advancing our IP portfolio, supporting business objectives and ensuring the company’s IP is protected and defended.

Key Responsibilities:
• Pro-actively identify opportunities for IP protection and provide advice on protection strategies by working in close collaboration with innovation teams
• Draft, file and prosecute patent applications in various jurisdictions, ensuring alignment with business goals and long-term IP strategy
• Develop and implement strategies for challenging third-party patents and defending the company’s patents during post-grant proceedings, including managing patent oppositions or equivalent post grant challenges and invalidation of third-party patents
• Lead the identification, evaluation and mitigation of third-party patent risks through freedom-to-operate (FTO) analyses, patent landscaping and monitoring of competitors' IP activities, working closely with key business stakeholders
• Help build and manage a strong patent portfolio that supports business growth and competitive advantage, including contributing to patent portfolio and prioritisation reviews with cross divisional teams
• Play a proactive role in a post-merger team environment, helping shape flexible processes and structures and contributing to a culture of adaptability, strategic thinking and shared expertise.

You bring:
• MSc or PhD in Chemistry, Materials Science or Chemical Engineering.
• Qualified European Patent Attorney, with up to 7 years of post-qualification experience.
• Experience in Colloid Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry, Polymer Science or Physical Chemistry of Biomaterials.
• Understanding of colloid chemistry, interfacial science, polymer science, emulsion/interfacial polymerization, encapsulation, bottom-up assembly or synthesis of delivery systems and relevant characterization techniques.
• Strong relationship-building skills with internal stakeholders and cross-functional teams.
• Excellent communicator with the ability to translate complex technical/legal matters into actionable advice.
• Proven organizational ability in managing multiple projects in a dynamic environment.
• Fluent in English; proficiency in French, German, or Dutch is a plus.

We bring:
• The opportunity to work in a strategy, and business priority, driven IP department
• The opportunity to work alongside a talented and experienced team of IP and business professionals
• Being part of an interdisciplinary and diverse team that encourages innovation and professional growth
• A diversity of exciting projects related to foods and fragranced products
• To be part of a company shaping a strong legacy through breakthrough industrial innovations and technology

Equal Opportunity Employer
dsm-firmenich is fully dedicated to inclusion because when people feel engaged and empowered, their creativity and innovation drives unprecedented progress. We aim to build a workplace where opportunity really is equal, so everyone can thrive. We do not discriminate: there’s a place for everyone at dsm-firmenich.

As a committed equal opportunity employer, we ensure our recruitment practices are inclusive and fair. We encourage the recruitment of a diverse workforce, representative of the communities in which we work, by using inclusive language, diverse interview panels, diversified sourcing strategies. Selection is based on qualifications, competency, experience, performance history and fit with the team to advance fair and equitable opportunity.

Employment decisions are based upon job-related reasons regardless of an applicant's race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, backgrounds, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law.

We are committed to providing reasonable support for disabled applicants in our recruiting process. Should you need assistance, and are comfortable to share this, please let us know.

Agency statement
Please note this is a direct search led by dsm-firmenich. We only accept applications from candidates, not from agencies nor subject to agency’s fees, percentages or similar.