Life Science Patent Prosecution Associate

Barnes & Thornburg LLP • Grand Rapids, MI

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. The associate will work with the firm's nationally respected and growing life sciences patent team, helping sophisticated clients protect and use innovations in pharmaceuticals, specialty chemicals, and ag-biotech technologies.

The role involves hands-on U.S. and foreign patent prosecution as well as strategic patent work, including global portfolio development, IP due diligence, patentability, and freedom-to-operate analyses. The associate will work directly with clients and inventors, assume meaningful responsibility early, and take on increased responsibility as their judgment and client relationships develop.

Barnes & Thornburg LLP is an AmLaw 100 firm with 26 offices. Its intellectual property practice combines the strength of an IP boutique with a full-service firm and includes more than 125 dedicated IP attorneys and agents. The firm describes its environment as inclusive, collegial, and supportive, with a transparent path for professional growth. It represents clients ranging from startups to Fortune 500 companies and has received recognition in Chambers USA, IAM Patent 1000, World Trademark Review 1000, and IP Stars.

The firm is committed to equal employment opportunity and states that applicants and employees are treated without regard to protected characteristics under applicable law.

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 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 covering 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 reasoned 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 scientific, commercial, and competitive goals.
• Conduct and support patentability, freedom-to-operate, validity and invalidity, and non-infringement analyses, translating complex technical, legal, and commercial issues into 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.
• Gradually assume greater responsibility for matters and client-facing workstreams, with mentorship and support.

What This Job Offers

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