**Work Location:** Satigny, Geneva, Switzerland OR Kaiseraugst, Switzerland As innovators in nutrition, health, and beauty, dsm-firmenich reinvents, manufactures, and combines vital nutrients, flavors, and fragrances for the world’s growing population to thrive. With our comprehensive range of solutions, with natural and renewable ingredients and renowned science and technology capabilities, we work to create what is essential for life, desirable for consumers, and more sustainable for the planet. dsm-firmenich is a Swiss-Dutch company, listed on the Euronext Amsterdam, with operations in almost 60 countries and revenues of more than €12 billion. With a diverse, worldwide team of nearly 30,000 employees, we bring progress to life™ every day, everywhere, for billions of people. At dsm-firmenich, being a force for good is not optional. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion is a shared responsibility woven into our daily work to not only benefit our People, Customers & Communities but also drive business value. Equal access to opportunities is a given, belonging is a shared feeling, authenticity is celebrated. We are seeking an EQE qualified in-house patent counsel to join our IP team. This position will be responsible for managing and implementing all aspects of the assigned business unit IP strategy, including patent portfolio life cycle management, drafting and prosecuting patent applications, handling oppositions and appeals and managing third-party IP risk. The successful candidate will play a key role in advancing our IP portfolio, supporting business objectives and ensuring the company’s IP is protected and defended. **Your key responsibilities** + Pro-actively identify opportunities for IP protection and provide advice on protection strategies by working in close collaboration with innovation teams + Draft, file and prosecute patent applications in various jurisdictions, ensuring alignment with business goals and long-term IP strategy + Develop and implement strategies for challenging third-party patents and defending the company’s patents during post-grant proceedings, including managing patent oppositions or equivalent post grant challenges and invalidation of third-party patents + Lead the identification, evaluation and mitigation of third-party patent risks through freedom-to-operate (FTO) analyses, patent landscaping and monitoring of competitors' IP activities, working closely with key business stakeholders + Help build and manage a strong patent portfolio that supports business growth and competitive advantage, including contributing to patent portfolio and prioritization reviews with cross divisional teams **We offer** + The opportunity to work in a strategic, and business priority, driven IP department + The opportunity to work alongside a talented and experienced team of IP and business professionals + Being part of an interdisciplinary and diverse team that encourages innovation and professional growth + A diversity of exciting projects related to foods and fragranced products + To be part of a company shaping a strong legacy through breakthrough industrial innovations and technology **You bring** + MSc or PhD (preferred) in the field of physical chemistry + Qualified as a European Patent Attorney + 3 to 7 years’ post qualification experience + Experience of proactively building close relationships with key business stakeholders/clients + Excellent communication skills, with the ability to distill complex technical and legal issues into clear, actionable advice + High level of organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and projects in a fast-paced and dynamic environment + Fluent in English (C2) + French, German or Dutch an asset **About dsm-firmenich** At dsm-firmenich, we don’t just meet expectations – we go beyond them. Join our global team powered by science, creativity, and a shared purpose: to bring progress to life. From elevating health to making fortified food and sustainable skincare, the impact of your work here will be felt by millions – every single day. Whether it’s fragrance that helps you focus, alternative meat that’s better for the planet, or reducing sugar without losing flavor, this is where you help shape the future of nutrition, health, and beauty for everyone, everywhere. And while you’re making a difference, we’ll make sure you’re growing too. With learning that never stops, a culture that lifts you up and the freedom to move across businesses, teams, and borders. Your voice matters here. And your ideas? They’re essential to our future. Because real progress only happens when we go **beyond, together.** **DEI and Equal Opportunity Statement** At dsm-firmenich, we believe being a force for good starts with the way we treat each other. When people feel supported, included, and free to be themselves, they do their best work – and that’s exactly the kind of culture we’re building. A place where opportunity is truly equal, authenticity is celebrated, and everyone has the chance to grow, contribute, and feel they belong. We’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and we’re serious about making our hiring process as fair and inclusive as possible. From inclusive language and diverse interview panels to thoughtful sourcing, we’re committed to reflecting the world we serve. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds — no matter your gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or anything else that makes you, you. And if you have a disability or need any support through the application process, we’re here to help – just let us know what you need, and we’ll do everything we can to make it work. **Agency Statement** We’re managing this search directly at dsm-firmenich. If you’re applying as an individual, we’d love to hear from you. We’re not accepting agency submissions or proposals involving fees or commissions for this role.