Senior Risk Counsel

NEXTCHEM, a company of the MAIRE Group dedicated to Sustainable Technology Solutions, is seeking a dynamic and innovative Patent Counsel to join our team. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in the development and optimization of cutting-edge technologies aimed at advancing the energy transition agenda. Thanks to NEXTCHEM's extensive know-how of nitrogen, hydrogen, carbon capture, fuels, chemicals and polymers, you'll be part of a dynamic team dedicated driving innovation and sustainability in the energy transition sector .
The candidate will become part of the NX Engineering District of Catania having the opportunity to work on innovative and novel technologies to fully enable the energy transition, click on the link for further information: NX engineering district | NextChemThe Recruitment process is managed by Key2People, a partner of NEXTCHEM.

Key Responsibilities
Advise colleagues regarding patent or general IP legal issues;Invention harvesting (interaction with inventors): Assist Research & Development/Innovation Department colleagues in identifying potentially patentable inventions;Patentability Search: Define scope of search based on preliminary definition of invention in communication with inventors. Prepare draft claims and outline of the invention for outside counsel based on definition of invention in light of the prior art;Assist inventors (and Innovation Departments) with every aspect of the patent process. Support inventors to prepare invention disclosures. Learn about the invention, then research other similar inventions and discuss the concept with other inventors to determine if there is any similarity to another invention that might prevent a patent from being issued;Interact with inventor/outside counsel to review & finalize draft patent application;During prosecution of patent application interact with inventors, business and outside counsel to ensure best available protection;Coordinate and assist outside counsel in Oppositions and LitigationSupport Freedom to Operate searches and give Freedom to Operate opinions as well as provide guidance to internal clients regarding Freedom to Operate. Contribution to the definition of IP strategiesContribution to the management and optimization of the entire NEXTCHEM IP portfolioRequirements and SkillsYou are a qualified European Patent attorney;You have at least 7 years as a Patent Counsel;You have a Technical Master Degree in science or engineering (Chemical Engineering preferred);You have a thorough technical background combined with strong analytical skills and a well-developed sense for details and priorities;Knowledge of and experience with one or more of NEXTCHEM's technologies, such as nitrogen fertilizer technology, hydrogen production technology, carbon capture and utilization technology, polymer technology, chemical and mechanical recycling of waste materials;Understanding of Patent IP administrative processes in general, including formalities concerned with National, International and Regional filings including European Grant Procedure Patent laws;An excellent command of the English language is essential. Contract Type and Classification Contract type: Middle Manager, consistent with job requirements and applicable Collective AgreementCompensation The initial gross annual salary for this position, paid over 14 monthly installments, will be € 60,000.
The compensation package will include the applicable elements of the Collective Agreement as well as benefits provided under company agreements, including flexible benefits and a participation bonus. Any additional variable components and/or benefits, regulated by Standards, Policies and/or company agreements, will be illustrated during the selection process. Equal OpportunitiesThis job opportunity is open to all individuals, in compliance with the principle of equal opportunities and non-discrimination, in accordance with applicable regulations. Equal Opportunities This job opportunity is open to all individuals, in compliance with the principle of equal opportunities and non-discrimination, in accordance with applicable regulations. Transparency StatementAt the end of the selection process, the Company reserves the right to make an offer with a job level and/or gross annual salary different from what is indicated in this job posting, consistently with the candidate's professional experience and technical and soft skills. Professional experience significantly higher/lower than the target profileAdditional specialized skills relevant to the roleScope and complexity of responsibilities assigned in the final job configurationAlignment with internal grading system and consistency with comparable rolesOutcomes of technical evaluations and/or assessments used in the selection processRegulatory Compliance The decision is:taken in compliance with the principle of equal pay for equal work or work of equal value pursuant to Legislative Decree 96/2026 and EU Directive