In-House Patent Attorney (Newly Qualified)

Job Purpose  

We are seeking a new, or nearly qualified, In-House Patent Attorney to join our established Intellectual Property department. This is a unique opportunity to develop your IP career within a growing, fast-paced agricultural biotechnology company.

In this role you will deliver commercially-aligned IP strategies that protect and maximise the value of key company assets, including managing patent portfolios and mitigating freedom-to-operate risks. The role works cross-functionally to provide clear, pragmatic IP guidance to support R&D and commercial objectives and contributes to broader legal matters including licensing and regulatory considerations as part of the wider legal function. 

Responsibilities 

• Deliver holistic and creative IP strategies to build protection around key commercial assets, using different forms of both registered and non-registered IP. 

• Oversee and coordinate prosecution of Tropic’s patent case portfolio, with external counsel and under supervision of the Senior Patent Attorney. 

• Identify and manage FTO risks as an integrated part of R&D projects and commercial launches. 

• Liaise with stakeholders within the business – including: R&D, Senior Leadership, and Commercial – to advise on IP issues, and deliver strategy, within a broader commercial context.  

• Assisting with legal queries on issues tangential to IP, such as technology licensing, Access Benefit Sharing and Stewardship, within the support network of Tropic’s wider legal function. 

Requirements 

 Essential 

• Biological Sciences discipline degree specialising in Plant Biology / Genetics / Molecular Biology, or adjacent fields. 

• Newly, or nearly, qualified UK and/or European Patent Attorney (from finalist level up to 3 years post-qualification).   

• Experience in managing international patent portfolios. 

• Experience in identifying biological inventions and drafting corresponding patent applications. 

• Experience in devising and executing FTO exercises. 

• Confidence when communicating complex legal advice succinctly in different formats (e.g. orally and in writing) and to audiences with varying levels of experience in IP.  

• A high-level of attention to detail and organisation, with the ability to work independently and pro-actively.  

Desirable 

• Experience in IP for gene-editing and/or plants, including Plant Breeder’s Rights. 

• Experience in Trade Marks. 

• Experience in, or an interest in developing knowledge of, technology licensing, Access Benefit Sharing and/or stewardship of regulated material. 

• Interest in, and experience of using, AI within the working environment. 

About Us 

Tropic is one of the world’s leading agricultural gene-editing companies. Our team is dedicated to the development and commercialization of high-performing varieties of tropical crops to provide significant benefits to growers, processors and consumers globally, tackling real-world problems around food security and sustainability.  

Our vision is to become a leading seed business with significant ownership of its products from the laboratory to the field, while maintaining constructive relationships with growers and consumers based on transparency and trust.  

Why Join Tropic?  

• Diverse workforce operating in a dynamic working environment  

• Excellent learning and career development opportunities  

• Social events throughout the year  

• Competitive compensation and benefits including Private Medical Care, Medical Cash Plan,  25 days annual leave and Life Assurance  

Further Information 

• Job Location – UK based: preferably office based in Norwich, but hybrid or remote working arrangements will be considered. 

• Time Requirement – Full Time  

• Contract – Permanent  

• Closing date – 12th June 2026