Life Science Patent Prosecution Associate

Barnes & Thornburg LLP • Indianapolis, IN

7d

About The Position

Barnes & Thornburg LLP is seeking an associate with 1–4 years of life sciences patent prosecution experience to join its Intellectual Property Department and work alongside its nationally respected, growing life sciences patent team. The role supports sophisticated clients protecting and using innovations in pharmaceuticals, specialty chemicals, and agricultural biotechnology.

The associate will handle U.S. and international patent preparation and prosecution and contribute to strategic patent practice, including global portfolio development, IP due diligence, patentability, and freedom-to-operate work. The position involves direct work with clients and inventors and offers meaningful responsibility that increases with experience, judgment, and client relationships.

Barnes & Thornburg LLP is an AmLaw 100 firm with 26 offices. Its intellectual property department describes an inclusive, collegial, and supportive atmosphere and a transparent path for professional growth. The IP practice includes more than 125 attorneys and agents and serves clients ranging from startups to Fortune 500 companies.

Requirements

• 1–4 years of patent preparation and prosecution experience, with substantial work in chemical, pharmaceutical, or other life sciences technologies.
• J.D. from an accredited law school with strong academic credentials.
• Registration to practice before the USPTO.
• Advanced degree in organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, or a closely related field.
• Excellent writing, analytical, and communication skills, including the ability to explain complex chemistry clearly to clients, examiners, and colleagues.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple deadlines while consistently producing high-quality work.

Nice To Haves

• Ph.D.; candidates with an M.S. and substantial relevant experience will be considered.
• Experience supporting patentability, freedom-to-operate, clearance, non-infringement, or invalidity analyses, or preparing opinions.
• Experience with patent due diligence for corporate transactions or portfolio management.
• Familiarity with pharmaceutical life cycle management and the Hatch-Waxman/Orange Book framework.
• Experience in foreign prosecution, including EPO practice.

Responsibilities

• Draft and prosecute U.S. and international patent applications involving small molecule pharmaceuticals, specialty chemicals, ag-bio treatments, formulations, synthetic processes, and related life sciences technologies.
• Handle PCT and foreign filings in coordination with foreign associates.
• Conduct inventor interviews to capture and frame inventions.
• Prepare responses to Office Actions and participate in examiner interviews and appeals as appropriate.
• Work with clients and supervising attorneys to develop prosecution and global filing strategies aligned with clients’ scientific, commercial, and competitive goals.
• Conduct and support patentability, freedom-to-operate, validity and invalidity, and non-infringement analyses, and communicate complex technical, legal, and commercial issues as actionable advice.
• Assess patent portfolios for financings, licensing, and M&A transactions; help draft and review related opinions, agreements, and client correspondence.
• Collaborate with in-house counsel, R&D scientists, and colleagues across the firm’s IP, corporate, and litigation practices.
• Take on increasing responsibility for matters and client-facing workstreams over time.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree