Manager, IP Research

Role Overview

• Lead a team and collaborate with other IP researchers in assessing third-party patents with respect to Abbott products by conducting Freedom to Operate (FTO) and patentability searches as well as other IP research projects for Abbott business units.
• Determine team priorities, define what work should be accomplished, and decide how work should be accomplished.
• Collaborate with the IP legal department to develop search strategies, organize results, and communicate analyses to IP attorneys and other relevant stakeholders.
• Provide patent support for Abbott businesses, including assessing and landscaping technologies and patent portfolios.
• Work with cross-functional teams to assess threats to Abbott products.
• Monitor key competitors using secondary research databases, resources, and technologies for legal projects.
• Collaborate with ARC information teams to compile, analyze, and present research deliverables to support decision-making across Abbott’s business.
• Consult on multifaceted projects to determine information needs, provide information solutions, and apply appropriate data science methodologies and strategies to solve problems.
• Integrate the latest IP tools, including AI technologies where appropriate, into IP workflows to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of IP research, data management, knowledge sharing, and insights generation.
• Apply sound judgment to assess issues holistically, anticipate changes in law and business objectives, and adapt strategies proactively.
• Build strong, influential relationships across a global, matrixed organization to align stakeholders and support desired outcomes.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in science or engineering.
• Registered Patent Agent with the USPTO.
• Experience searching patent and/or scientific literature in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, healthcare, or related fields.
• Minimum 4 years of relevant industry experience.
• Minimum 4 years of experience assessing competitor products and intellectual property.
• Minimum 4 years of experience analyzing competitive intelligence and developing IP strategy.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment and provide practical, business‑aligned, risk‑balanced recommendations.
• Strong collaboration skills with the ability to integrate information from multiple sources in a complex, global, matrixed environment.
• Ability to anticipate emerging risks, industry shifts, and business needs and adjust approaches proactively.
• Proven influencing skills to engage stakeholders and drive alignment.
• Experience managing people and leading teams (preferred).
• Experience working in-house within a highly matrixed environment (preferred).
• Medical device or broader healthcare industry experience, including digital/software solutions (preferred).
• Ability to understand applicable FDA regulations and company operating procedures, processes, and policies (preferred).
• Proven leadership and mentoring abilities with success in cross‑functional collaboration (preferred).

Benefits

• Career development with an international company where you can grow the career you dream of.
• Employees can qualify for free medical coverage in our Health Investment Plan (HIP) PPO medical plan in the next calendar year.
• An excellent retirement savings plan with a high employer contribution.
• Tuition reimbursement, the Freedom 2 Save student debt program, and FreeU education benefit
• an affordable and convenient path to getting a bachelor’s degree.
• A company recognized as a great place to work in dozens of countries worldwide and named one of the most admired companies in the world by Fortune.
• A company that is recognized as one of the best big companies to work for as well as the best place to work for diversity, working mothers, female executives, and scientists.