Junior – Mid Level Biology Patent Agent

McDonnell Boehnen Hulbert & Berghoff • Chicago, IL

8d • Hybrid

About The Position

McDonnell Boehnen Hulbert & Berghoff LLP (MBHB) is seeking a life sciences Patent Agent with technical expertise in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, or biotechnology and two to six years of patent prosecution experience. The role is based in Chicago, Illinois. Candidates must be able to commute to the office Monday through Friday during standard business hours; junior practitioners receive one floating work-from-home day per week.

The Patent Agent supports patent prosecution for clients ranging from Fortune 100 companies to startups and academic institutions. The role involves preparing, filing, and prosecuting patent applications, collaborating with clients and inventors, advising on patent strategies, managing client budgets and timelines, contributing to business development, and supporting a collaborative team. The agent is expected to work independently with minimal oversight, communicate complex scientific and legal concepts effectively, and continue developing technical and legal expertise.

The anticipated base salary is $115,000 to $145,000. Practitioners are also eligible for origination, engagement, and productivity bonuses for billed hours in increments of 50 above the 1,900-hour requirement. Benefits information is available on the firm’s website. MBHB is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, biotechnology, or a related life sciences field, combined with substantial industry or research experience.
• Two to six years of patent prosecution experience in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or biology sectors.
• Admission to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex scientific concepts clearly and concisely in legal and technical contexts.
• Strong legal analysis and problem-solving skills, with the ability to think creatively and strategically in patent prosecution and client counseling.
• Ability to manage an active prosecution docket across multiple clients and cases while maintaining strong client relationships.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, including the ability to meet deadlines efficiently.
• Ambition and adaptability, with a desire to contribute to firm growth and advance in leadership.
• Proactive approach to taking on new challenges, providing constructive feedback, and supporting junior team members.
• Ability to commute to the office Monday through Friday during standard business hours.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree or Ph.D. in a relevant discipline.
• Experience working with academic institutions, startups, and mid-sized companies in the biotech or pharmaceutical sector.

Responsibilities

• Assist with patent prosecution for a diverse range of clients, including Fortune 100 companies, startups, and academic institutions.
• Assist with the preparation, filing, and prosecution of patent applications, delivering high-quality work on time.
• Work independently with minimal oversight.
• Interact with clients, understand their technologies, and provide technical insights that inform patent strategies.
• Build professional client relationships and communicate complex technical concepts to legal and non-legal audiences while providing clear, strategic advice.
• Contribute to the firm’s business development efforts and strategic growth.
• Manage client budgets and project timelines, use resources efficiently, and respond promptly to client interactions.
• Support a collaborative, growth-oriented team culture; participate as a mentee in the professional development program and provide informal guidance to junior practitioners and other team members.
• Stay current on industry developments, scientific advances, and legal trends in patent law, and continue developing technical and legal expertise.

Benefits

• Eligible for origination bonuses, engagement bonuses, and productivity bonuses for billed hours in increments of 50 above the 1,900-hour requirement.
• One floating work-from-home day per week for junior practitioners.
• Benefits are offered; details are available on the firm’s website.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level