Life Science Patent Prosecution Associate
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. The associate will work alongside a nationally respected and growing life sciences patent team, helping sophisticated clients protect and use innovations in pharmaceuticals, specialty chemicals, and agricultural biotechnology. The ideal candidate has an advanced degree in organic chemistry and hands-on experience in U.S. and foreign prosecution, along with an interest in strategic patent practice, including global portfolio development, IP due diligence, patentability, and freedom-to-operate work. The associate will work directly with clients and inventors, take on meaningful responsibility early, and assume increasing responsibility as their judgment and client relationships develop. 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 has more than 125 dedicated IP attorneys and agents and advises 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; candidates with an M.S. and substantial relevant experience will be considered.
- Excellent writing, analytical, and communication skills, including the ability to explain complex chemistry clearly to clients, examiners, and colleagues.
- Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple deadlines while consistently producing high-quality work.
Nice To Haves
- Ph.D. in organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, or a closely related field.
- 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 covering small molecule pharmaceuticals, specialty chemicals, agricultural-biotechnology 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, turning complex technical, legal, and commercial issues into clear, actionable advice.
- Assess patent portfolios for financings, licensing, and M&A transactions, and 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.
- Assume increasing responsibility for matters and client-facing workstreams over time.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
