Qualified UK and European Patent Attorney - Cell engineering, immunology and immunotherapy

ABOUT US

At Quell we seek to deliver truly innovative, life-changing therapies for our patients. Our vision as a company is to build a major global biopharmaceutical company bringing transformational and valued therapies for a range of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, as well as preventing rejection in organ transplantation, based on modular engineered Tregs.

OUR COMPANY

Quell was founded in March 2019 in partnership with six prominent immunological experts from King’s College London, University College London, and Hannover Medical School, and is led by Iain McGill, a leading pharmaceutical executive with extensive relevant experience, having spent most of his 25 years in the industry in immunology, including the areas of solid organ and cell transplantation. The Company was founded with initial series A financing, led by Syncona Ltd who committed $83M with a further $1M contributed by UCL Technology Fund.

THE ROLE

Quell is looking for a qualified (up to 5 years PQE) UK and European in-house patent attorney with a strong background in cell and protein engineering, immunology and immunotherapy. The role is part-time (2.5-3 days/week) and has a fixed-term of 10 months for maternity leave cover, with an anticipated start in July/Aug 2026.

Reporting directly to the VP, IP, you will be highly motivated, organised and personable, with good communication skills. The ideal candidate will have experience working with direct clients or in-house and must be capable of working as part of a team, directly with scientists.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supporting Quell’s scientific and project teams
• Identifying/protecting IP including confidential information and trade secrets
• Patentability assessments
• Patent application drafting
• Patent application prosecution
• Monitoring third party IP
• Reviewing FTOs
• Preparing third party observations and Oppositions
• Maintaining and updating IP management system
• IP training

EXPERIENCE AND TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

Experience

• Qualified CPA, EPA
• Life sciences BSc and PhD
• Patent prosecution
• Exposure to contentious actions – FTOs, third-party observations and Opposition
• Drafting experience
• Strong background in cell/protein engineering and immunology
• Proficient in Microsoft Office packages, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Ability to track, prioritise and carry out multiple tasks in parallel
• Organisational and planning skills are essential
• Attention to detail

BENEFITS

• Holidays: 25 days per year
• Life Assurance: 4 x base salary
• Group Personal Pension: Auto-enrolled at 6% employer contribution, 3% employee contribution
• Private Medical Insurance for your whole family
• Health Cash Plan
• Annual Bonus

PERKS

• Fantastic collaborative environment at Translation & Innovation Hub - Click here for Virtual Tour
• £61 Million Investment including brand new lab equipment, innovative methods, and exposure to cutting edge technology
• Flexible working
• Fast paced and progressive company looking for future leaders and innovators