European Patent Attorney

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.

The Syngenta Crop Protection Legal & IP team is currently seeking a European Patent Attorney to join our Crop Protection Patents team at our headquarters in Basel. In this newly created role, you will be responsible for a wide range of IP-related activities supporting the commercial objectives of the Syngenta Crop Protection business, including the delivery of effective IP strategies and providing IP support for our transaction teams. You will be expected to work as a proactive business leader in an integrated perspective with R&D, Commercial, Legal and Licensing colleagues as appropriate.

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

• Drafting, filing, prosecution and defense of patents/patent applications in the area of crop protection-related inventions.
• 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.
• Become the Patent team’s contact for matters involving our Process Technology & Engineering Group, in particular relating to Formulation Technology.

• 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 experience in chemistry, preferably with experience in dealing with formulation technology subject matter.
• Fluency in English.
• Excellent communication, problem solving, and organizational skills with strong interpersonal and team building skills.
• Self-starter mentality with ability to proactively identify issues and propose & implement solutions.
• Experience of having formally coordinated IP activities across a business unit or function involving numerous stakeholders would be beneficial.
• 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:

• A position that 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 English CV, diploma and work certificate copies (if applicable).

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.