Patent Agent (Chemistry)

Job Overview

A prestigious law firm is seeking a Patent Agent with an advanced degree in Chemistry or a related field to join its Intellectual Property practice group. This position is designed for candidates with 1–4 years of experience in patent prosecution and offers the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge IP work involving pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and other chemical innovations. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong technical acumen, legal insight, and the ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Location

• San Francisco, CA

Duties

• Draft and file patent applications with emphasis on scientific accuracy and technical clarity

• Prepare responses to communications from U.S. and foreign patent offices

• Analyze inventions and provide written reports on technological merit and patentability

• Conduct research on specific and emerging technologies for client and internal needs

• Serve as liaison between inventors and the USPTO throughout the patent application process

• Engage directly with clients, inventors, attorneys, and internal staff via meetings, calls, and email

• Identify, analyze, and resolve complex IP-related issues in coordination with legal teams

• Stay informed on advancements in science and technology to align with client innovation needs

• Enter, manage, and analyze data for internal IP tracking and reporting systems

• Maintain professional responsibility standards, confidentiality, and ethical obligations

Requirements

• 1–4 years of experience in patent prosecution

• Familiarity with patent portfolio analysis, due diligence, and IP transactional matters

• Understanding of USPTO procedures; PTAB experience is a plus but not required

• Strong analytical, research, and problem-solving abilities

• Ability to manage multiple deadlines and work under time-sensitive conditions

• Willingness to work additional hours when necessary to meet deadlines or address workload peaks

Education

• M.S. or Ph.D. in:

  • Chemistry

  • Organic Chemistry

  • Medicinal Chemistry

  • Biochemistry

  • Chemical Engineering

Certifications

• Qualified to sit for the U.S. Patent Bar

• Preferred: Registered to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)

Skills

• Excellent written and oral communication, with the ability to convey technical information clearly

• Knowledge of patent drafting principles and current trends in patent law

• Advanced knowledge of scientific research methods, patent databases, and analysis tools

• Strong interpersonal skills and professionalism when interacting with clients and team members

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel); familiarity with docketing and time-tracking software

• Strong organizational abilities and attention to detail

• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and legal ethical standards

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.