MANAGER, PATENT PARALEGAL / IP SYSTEMS & OPERATIONS

ABOUT US:

Scripps Research is a nonprofit biomedical institute ranked as one of the most influential in the world for its impact on innovation. We celebrated our 100-year legacy in 2024. This significant milestone marks a century of seminal discoveries in immunology, infectious diseases (such as COVID-19, flu, HIV), neuroscience, heart disease, cancer, and more. Located in La Jolla, California, the institute houses six research departments, multiple Nobel laureates, a top-ranked graduate school and a leading postdoctoral training program. Scripps Research encompasses two elite and highly innovative institutes, the Calibr-Skaggs Institute for Innovative Medicines and Scripps Research Translational Institute, which merge foundational studies in biology, chemistry and computer science with translational science to produce pioneering drugs and advances in digital and precision medicine. Together, we cultivate new scientific leaders and expand the frontiers of knowledge to deliver medical breakthroughs impacting human health around the globe. If you have a passion for making a difference, this could be your opportunity to join our transformative team.

POSITION TITLE: Manager, Patent Paralegal / IP Systems & Operations

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Patent Paralegal / IP Systems & Operations Manager provides comprehensive support for the Office of Patent Counsel (OPC) in patent prosecution, docket management, reporting obligations, and modernizing OPC. This role combines paralegal expertise and the development, optimization, and management of systems and workflows including ensuring accurate and timely filings, compliance with grant obligations, and efficient coordination across internal and external stakeholders. Responsible for various patent prosecution matters, filing, docketing, reporting and office management. The ideal candidate is a proactive problem solver who can manage patent portfolios, ensure compliance with federal reporting obligations, and lead improvements that increase efficiency, data integrity, and operational clarity.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

PATENT PROSECUTION SUPPORT DUTIES:

Patent Prosecution Support:

• Prepare and file formal patent documents with the USPTO and PCT Receiving Office.
• Monitor and route communications from the USPTO, outside counsel, and foreign associates.
• Maintain complete and organized patent files and coordinate new matter setup with OTD.
• Conduct compliance reviews, including Government Support Clause (GSC) and Verify File Completeness (VFC) audits.
• Track issued patents, record assignments, and maintain accurate prosecution histories
• Support Patent Strategy Committee (PSC) meetings: prepare dockets, track decisions, update actions.

DOCKETING SUPPORT DUTIES:

• Ensure all prosecution deadlines are accurately entered into the docket.
• Develop or improve AppColl workflows, automated rules, reminders, and reporting dashboards.
• Implement efficiencies in docketing, reporting, and internal communication.
• Identify and lead opportunities for system automation and modernization.
• Support automation of deadline notifications through AppColl.

REPORTING AND COMPLIANCE:

• Manage reporting obligations under grants and contracts (invention disclosures, confirmatory licenses, extensions, utilization reports).
• Update invention progress in iEdison and maintain compliance with Federal regulations.
• Provide patent estate and status reports as requested by attorneys, OTD, or General Counsel

IP OPERATIONS, WORKFLOW DESIGN & PROCESS IMPROVEMENT:

• Design and document internal workflows, SOPs, checklists, and audit controls.
• Standardize procedures across OPC, including intake, filing, docketing, communication, and reporting.
• Identify gaps, propose solutions, and lead improvements to strengthen operational efficiency.
• Support hiring, onboarding and training of future patent operations staff.

ADMINISTRATIVE & FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT:

• Maintain and reconcile the USPTO Deposit Account, ensuring sufficient funds for filings.
• Work with CPA Global (or equivalent) to manage patent annuity payments, invoices, and reporting.
• Provide receipts and billing information to OPC Billing for chargebacks to licensees.
• Oversee OPC personnel records, subscriptions, and office equipment.
• Order supplies, process invoices and reimbursements, and coordinate purchase orders.
• Manage file archiving and storage logistics
• Details of established essential functions for this position will be addressed/discussed during the interview process.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's degree in related field preferred
• 3-5 years' experience as Paralegal or equitable legal experience including IP operations experience (law firm, in-house, or tech transfer).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Acrobat Pro, Outlook, and Dropbox required.
• Prior experience in patent prosecution, paralegal support, docketing and knowledge of U.S. and PCT patent filing processes.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage deadlines and communicate effectively with stakeholders.
• Familiarity with iEdison reporting, government support clause requirements, and experience optimizing or automating AppColl, FoundationIP, Anaqua, IPfolio or similar systems is a plus.
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  While subject to change based on business needs, this is an on-campus position requiring a minimum of 4 days per week working onsite from our La Jolla campus, with flexibility to work 1 day per week remotely from home.

  
  

COMPENSATION:

The expected hiring range for this position is $90,000 to $110,000/annually, commensurate with experience. Consideration will be given to experience that exceeds the listed requirements.

COMPREHENSIVE BENEFITS INCLUDE:

• Employer Contributed Retirement Plan - Depending on eligibility, employees receive an employer contributed retirement plan (no employee contribution required) and the option to contribute to a 403(b) (which is similar to a 401(k) using your own pre or post-tax dollars)
• Full Suite of Health and Welfare plans including three medical plan options (including an HSA available option), dental, vision, life insurance, disability, EAP and more
• Access to Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical/Dependent Care)
• Competitive vacation and sick leave policies
• Free, on-site parking

The above statements describe the level of work performed and expected in general terms. The statements are not intended to list all the responsibilities, duties and/or skills required of employees so classified, and the content herein is subject to change due to the business needs of Scripps Research, with or without notice. Furthermore, nothing in this job description shall be interpreted to be in conflict with or to eliminate or modify in any way the employment-at-will status of Scripps Research staff.

EEO Statement:

The Scripps Research Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We promote diversity of thought, culture, and background in the fields of science. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic or status.