Director, Corporate Patent Counsel We are looking for an experienced European or US patent attorney to strengthen our pharma patents team at Merck in Eysins, Switzerland (Lake Geneva area). As a member of cross-functional teams, you shape the global IP strategy for pharmaceutical development projects and commercial products. This includes building and defending patent portfolios, managing freedom to operate, and advising on IP provisions in contracts. You are thus responsible for invention harvesting, patent drafting, prosecution, enforcement and opposition / invalidation proceedings, as well as legal opinions. You will also perform IP due diligence on external business opportunities and, as a member of small deal teams, contribute to and negotiate license and other agreements. In your role, you will routinely interact with scientists of our pharmaceutical R&D organization, but also with colleagues from other functions including Regulatory Affairs, Business Development and Legal. You will join an established team of patent attorneys with global responsibility, reporting to the Global Head of Patents Healthcare. Who you are : You are a qualified European or US patent attorney.You hold an advanced degree in the chemical, biological or pharmaceutical sciences.You have gained several years of post-qualification experience in a patent department in the pharmaceutical industry or in a patent law firm.Your experience includes patent drafting, prosecution, post-grant proceedings, as well as FTO analysis.Experience in due diligence and contract negotiation would be an advantage.Infringement litigation experience would be an advantage.Knowledge of biological manufacturing processes would be an advantage.Sound understanding of the regulatory framework for pharmaceuticals would be an advantage.You take ownership of your work and its impact on our business.You are a strong communicator and a team player.You are comfortable managing competing priorities without losing sight of either essential details or the big picture.Your command of English is excellent, French or German language skills would be a plus.