.Centrient Pharmaceuticals is the leading manufacturer of beta-lactam antibiotics, and a provider of next generation statins and anti-fungals. We produce and sell intermediates, active pharmaceutical ingredients and finished dosage forms.We stand proudly at the centre of modern healthcare, as a maker of essential and life-saving medicines.With our commitment to Quality, Reliability and Sustainability at the heart of everything we do, our over 2200 employees work continuously to meet our customers' needs. We work towards a sustainable future by actively participating in the fight against antimicrobial resistance.Founded 150 years ago as the 'Nederlandsche Gist- en Spiritusfabriek', our company was known as Gist Brocades. Headquartered in Rotterdam (Netherlands), we have production facilities and sales offices in China, India, the Netherlands, Spain, the United States and Mexico. Centrient Pharmaceuticals is wholly owned by Bain Capital Private Equity, a leading global private investment firm.The Corporate Legal department has a vacancy in its team for the following position:Patent CounselThe Patent Counsel will be responsible for providing worldwide technical support and guidance on patent-related matters which are tactically critical to Centrient, including the strategic development and administration of the worldwide patent portfolio (patent prosecution, office actions, oppositions and renewals).The Patent Counsel shall partner, challenge and provide sound, clear and informed counsel to the Innovation & Technology Development (I&TD) team and other relevant technical and business colleagues on opportunities to protect their technology; he/she shall also address competitive patent scenarios, threats and opportunities. The Patent Counsel shall conduct due diligence assessments and provide clear opinions on freedom to operate, patentability and patent infringement requests. This position reports directly to the Commercial & Licensing Counsel (Head of IP).The main activities and responsibilities Supports the Head of IP and advises on patent related matters, also advises, guides and liaises with the I&TD team and other relevant technical and business partners. Manages FTO requests and drafts the corresponding opinions. Drafts patentability opinions regarding internal inventions. Drafts opinions on validity of third-party patent rights. Drafts, files and prosecutes patent applications (potential). Assist the Head of IP to elaborate and execute patent strategies for the business, risk evaluations and mitigation strategies. Manages Invention Disclosure Requests and evaluates invention disclosures cooperatively with I&TD and other relevant colleagues. Assists in building and managing the global patent portfolio, including liaising and instructing outside patent counsels as needed. Assists the Head of IP to execute Centrient's IP Policy in connection with patents