Intellectual Property Associate (Chemistry)

Job Overview

A leading law firm is seeking a highly motivated Intellectual Property Associate with a background in Chemistry to join its dynamic IP department. This opportunity is ideal for a candidate with 1–4 years of patent prosecution experience, particularly in the pharmaceutical sector. The role involves working on high-level intellectual property matters in a collaborative environment, supporting clients in protecting their innovations across various domains.

Location

• San Francisco, CA

Duties

• Draft and prosecute patent applications with a focus on pharmaceutical and chemical inventions

• Provide strategic IP counsel to clients

• Prepare responses to USPTO communications

• Conduct freedom-to-operate and clearance analyses

• Support litigation teams with technical expertise when required

• Contribute to opinion work and due diligence matters

Requirements

• 1–4 years of experience in patent prosecution, with an emphasis on pharmaceutical or chemical technologies

• Licensed to practice before the USPTO or qualified to sit for the patent bar

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• Detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple assignments

Education

• Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in one of the following:

  • Chemistry

  • Organic Chemistry

  • Medicinal Chemistry

  • Biochemistry

  • Chemical Engineering

Certifications

• USPTO registration (or eligibility to sit for the exam)

Skills

• In-depth knowledge of patent law and prosecution processes

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

• Ability to communicate complex scientific concepts in a legal context

• Experience with patent opinion work and clearance studies

• Familiarity with litigation support in IP matters

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.