We are looking for a Patent Scientist to join our Research & Innovation Department, reporting to the Head of Innovation Management. This role will primarily focus on Detection and Digital technologies, supporting the protection and valorisation of SICPA’s intellectual property (IP) in these strategic areas. You will work at the intersection of R&D, Business and Operations teams, and collaborate with the Legal IP team to identify, develop and secure high-value innovations.
ROLE
1. Contribute to protecting and valorising SICPA’s IP assets across a broad spectrum of technologies, scientific domains and business activities
2. Engage and collaborate with internal inventors and technology partners to identify and extract patentable inventions, prepare technical memos and lead the preparation of patent applications or trade secrets
3. Work closely with the internal patent attorneys to ensure that the scope and value of the inventions are accurately reflected in patent applications
4. Assist the Legal IP team in filing and defending patent applications until patents are granted
5. Contribute to address key strategic questions and imperatives regarding the patent portfolio
6. Work in tandem with the Legal IP team, the Research & Innovation teams and the Business Units, focusing on the technical memo contents to: Formulate strategies and responses to third party observations Evaluate and mitigate third-party IP risks Conduct oppositions Assess IP clearance and Freedom to Operate
7. Drive the patent watch, monitoring and landscaping activities as part of a global and multi-disciplinary competitive intelligence effort
PROFILE
8. MSc and/or PhD in Computer Science, Electrical and Electronic Engineering or Applied Physics
9. Minimum 3-5 years’ experience in industry, ideally within an R&D environment
10. Strong technical expertise in signal processing, machine learning and optics, with the ability to collaborate closely with researchers to identify and articulate novel inventions
11. Exposure to intellectual property topics (e.g. patent searches, analysis tools) is a plus
12. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, including researchers, engineers, technology partners (startups, corporates, academia), patent counsels, and business teams
13. Strong organizational and planning skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and tight deadlines in a demanding, fast-paced environment
14. Curious, open-minded and keen to explore new technologies and ideas
15. Strong analytical mindset with a high level of attention to detail
16. Team-oriented, proactive, and eager to learn and contribute
17. High level of integrity, with the ability to handle sensitive and confidential information
18. Proficient with standard IT tools (e.g. MS Office)
19. Fluent in French and English
WHY JOIN US?
20. Join a global leader in trust technologies with a mission that matters
21. Be at the strategic heart of a financially sound and innovation-driven company
22. Collaborate with high-level experts and work on impactful international projects
23. Operate in a multi-cultural, high-integrity environment where autonomy and ownership are encouraged