Patent Agent (Life Sciences)

Job Overview:
A law firm is currently seeking a Life Sciences Patent Agent with over 2 years of experience to join their esteemed Intellectual Property team. The ideal candidate will have a background in biomedical engineering, cell and molecular biology, biochemistry, DNA sequencing, immunology, physics, material science, or a related life sciences or medical device technology. The firm is looking for a professional who is well-versed in patent prosecution and experienced in handling complex patent portfolios, due diligence, and other IP transactional matters. While experience in PTAB proceedings is advantageous, it is not mandatory. This role is based in one of several office locations across the United States, with flexibility for hybrid working arrangements.

Location:

• Washington, D.C.

Duties:

• Prepare and draft patent applications incorporating scientific aspects of inventions.
• Respond to communications from U.S. and foreign patent offices on factual and scientific matters.
• Discuss inventions with clients and inventors, then provide reports on those discussions to attorneys.
• Act as a liaison between inventors and the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (PTO).
• Evaluate and report on technological aspects of inventions, advising attorneys on specific technologies.
• Draft, organize, review, analyze, and summarize patent-related documents.
• Conduct regulatory and factual research to support patent applications.
• Communicate with clients, staff, vendors, and PTO personnel via various channels.
• Coordinate workflow with outside service providers and prioritize tasks to meet deadlines.
• Address and resolve complex patent issues, implementing solutions where necessary.
• Maintain confidentiality and interact professionally with clients, attorneys, and internal teams.
• Provide guidance to legal support staff on patent-specific issues.
• Stay current with technological trends and developments in the life sciences industry.
• Pursue continuing education to maintain required accreditation and stay informed on patent prosecution trends.
• Perform additional job-related duties as required.

Requirements:

• 2+ years of experience in patent prosecution within life sciences or related fields.
• Strong understanding of patent documentation principles and procedures in the life sciences field.
• Ability to analyze and interpret research findings and draft comprehensive reports.
• Solid investigative and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to effectively communicate complex technical and scientific information.
• Familiarity with patent portfolio management and due diligence.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
• Proven ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently, often under tight deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both written and oral.
• Ability to use independent judgment and handle sensitive matters.
• Flexibility to work additional hours when necessary to meet deadlines.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in life sciences, or a related field.
• Advanced degrees in relevant disciplines preferred.

Certifications:

• Registration with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is preferred.
• Continuing education to maintain required accreditations and stay updated on patent trends.

Skills:

• Knowledge of complex patent documentation drafting and patent law.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Strong problem resolution and investigative capabilities.
• Advanced communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to use various software tools and manage office equipment effectively.
• Proficient in time management and project management strategies.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary based on experience.
• Hybrid work model with a minimum of three days in the office per week.
• Opportunities for professional growth and continuing education.
• Exposure to a wide range of clients in the life sciences industry.
• Collaborative and supportive work environment.
• Health, dental, and retirement benefits (if applicable).

This Texas-headquartered elite firm is appealing for associates interested in energy work. The firm is serious about its career development. Junior associates are assigned a senior associate mentor and formal training at the firm is guaranteed. Associates confirmed the firm has an encouragement aspect and all workers strive to the best job they can do. This firm has gained important recognition in the community for its diversity efforts. Pro bono is popular among the attorneys and most have devoted over 100 years each year to pro bono efforts. Thefirm pays top-of-market compensation.