Ph.D. Patent Agent / Technical Specialist — Life Sciences & Chemistry
About The Position
This role is for an exceptional Ph.D.-trained scientist to join an intellectual property practice as a Patent Agent or Technical Specialist. The position values the intellectual and professional foundation of the candidate and their potential for growth. It is not for someone who simply has a Ph.D., but rather for someone who is intellectually curious, can absorb complicated science quickly, is comfortable moving beyond their research boundaries, is an exceptional scientific communicator, detail-oriented, resourceful, adaptable, comfortable with feedback, driven to produce excellent work, and takes ownership. The role involves working across sophisticated intellectual property matters for innovative life-sciences clients, including patent application drafting, U.S. and foreign patent prosecution, inventor interviews, prior-art analysis, portfolio management, patent clearance, and other strategic IP projects. The level of responsibility will grow with demonstrated ability. Candidates will work with sophisticated scientists and companies developing complex technologies and should become comfortable talking science with inventors and translating it into excellent patent work.
Requirements
- Ph.D. in a relevant scientific discipline (chemistry, organic or medicinal chemistry, chemical biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, biotechnology, pharmaceutical sciences, pharmacology, immunology, cell biology, and related life-sciences disciplines)
- Exceptional written and oral communication skills
- Demonstrated scientific and academic achievement
- Ability to understand and communicate sophisticated technical concepts
- Strong analytical and problem-solving ability
- Exceptional attention to detail
- Authorization to work in the United States
- USPTO registration is required for appointment as a Patent Agent
- Candidates must currently reside in the DMV area or be willing to relocate
Nice To Haves
- Prior patent-law experience is not required for an exceptional candidate
- For experienced candidates, substantive experience with patent drafting and prosecution, inventor interaction, technical analysis, and increasingly independent matter responsibility is of particular interest.
Responsibilities
- Patent application drafting
- U.S. patent prosecution
- Foreign prosecution strategy and coordination
- Inventor interviews and invention harvesting
- Prior-art and patentability analysis
- Portfolio management and strategy
- Patent clearance and freedom-to-operate analysis
- Technical and claim analysis in support of opinion work
- Other strategic IP projects as your capabilities develop
Benefits
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k)
- Life insurance
- Short- and long-term disability coverage
- Commuter benefits
- Paid time off
- Mental health days
- Birthday leave
- Annual holiday break, including a half-day on Christmas Eve and firm closure through New Year’s Day
- "Sunshine Fridays"/early Fridays when applicable performance targets are met
- A collaborative, respectful working environment
- Performance-based bonus opportunities
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
