Patent Attorney

Department of Energy Headquarters • Golden, CO

19h

About The Position

The Office of the Assistant General Counsel for Technology Transfer & Intellectual Property seeks a registered patent attorney to advise on complex intellectual property, data rights, technology transfer, and commercialization matters involving DOE-funded research, National Laboratories, and Department programs. The role represents DOE’s interests across Departmental transactions, program designs, laboratory contractor engagements, and compliance and enforcement activities, and helps legally enable the Department’s mission needs and priorities.

The Patent Attorney coordinates and advances DOE’s position on intellectual property and data rights by preparing legal analyses, drafting and reviewing provisions, negotiating terms across agreement types, and providing information and recommendations in support of DOE’s programmatic objectives. The attorney interprets and applies federal and DOE statutes, regulations, precedents, and policies concerning intellectual property, data, and technology transfer, including the Bayh-Dole Act, DOE IP title vesting statutes, other transaction authorities, and laboratory partnering authorities. The role also advises DOE officials, leadership, and program counsel on pending or potential issues, compliance obligations, and strategic options.

This position requires a J.D. or LL.B. from an ABA-accredited law school, active membership in good standing of a U.S. jurisdiction’s bar, a bachelor’s degree in a scientific, technological, or engineering field, and registration to practice before the USPTO. Applicants are evaluated at GS-12 through GS-15 based on grade-specific specialized experience. Occasional travel may be required. The position may be eligible for remote work or telework and/or flexible scheduling, subject to DOE policy.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship.
• J.D. or LL.B. from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association.
• Current, active membership in good standing of the bar of a state, territory of the United States, District of Columbia, or Commonwealth of Puerto Rico; bar membership must be maintained while employed as a DOE attorney.
• Registration to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
• A completed four-year course of study leading to a bachelor’s degree in a scientific, technological, or engineering field.
• Meet the specialized experience requirements for the applicable GS-12, GS-13, GS-14, or GS-15 grade. Requirements include relevant experience and abilities involving intellectual property, data, technology transfer, commercialization, legal frameworks, transactions, compliance, program design, and preparation of sound legal advice and work product.
• Submit transcripts or equivalent documentation and proof of bar membership or a bar number; official transcripts are required if selected.
• If a male applicant was born after December 31, 1959, certify registration with the Selective Service System or exemption under the Selective Service Law.
• If selected, may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination following a background investigation.
• If selected, may be required to complete a trial period of up to two years.
• GS-12 and above must submit an OGE-450 financial disclosure statement.
• If selected, disclose whether currently or within the last five years a Schedule A, Schedule C, or non-career SES political appointee, as OPM approval may be required.
• Occasional travel may be required.

Responsibilities

• Represent DOE’s interests in intellectual property, data, technology transfer, and commercialization matters across Departmental transactions, program designs, laboratory contractor engagements, and compliance and enforcement activities.
• Prepare legal analyses; draft and review provisions; negotiate terms in agreements; and provide information and recommendations to advance DOE’s position on intellectual property and data rights.
• Interpret and apply federal and DOE intellectual property, data, and technology transfer statutes, regulations, precedents, and policies, including the Bayh-Dole Act, DOE IP title vesting statutes, other transaction authorities, and laboratory partnering authorities.
• Advise DOE officials, leadership, and program counsel on pending or potential intellectual property and data issues affecting DOE programs, contractor operations, and technology transfer and commercialization.
• Provide guidance on statutory interpretation, compliance obligations, and strategic options.

Benefits

• Comprehensive federal employee benefits package for employees and their families.
• Hiring incentives may be authorized in accordance with agency policy and if funding is available.
• Potential eligibility for remote work or telework options and/or flexible work scheduling under DOE policy.

What This Job Offers

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