Barnes & Thornburg
Life Science Patent Prosecution Associate
Grand Rapids · Full-time · Posted Oct 29, 2026
- Experience
- 1–4 years of patent preparation and prosecution experience, with substantial work in chemical, pharmaceutical, or other life sciences technologies.
- Education
- J.D. from an accredited law school; advanced degree in organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, or a closely related field. Ph.D. strongly preferred; candidates with an M.S. and substantial relevant experience will be considered.
About the job
Prosecutes life sciences patents and advises clients on portfolio strategy, patent analyses, and transactional diligence.
What you'll do
- Draft and prosecute U.S. and international patent applications, including PCT and foreign filings.
- Conduct patentability, freedom-to-operate, validity, and non-infringement analyses; support portfolio strategy and diligence.
- Engage with inventors, examiners, clients, and colleagues on filings, opinions, and related matters.
What they ask for
- J.D. from an accredited law school with strong academic credentials.
- Registration to practice before the USPTO.
- Advanced degree in organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, or a closely related field; candidates with an M.S. and substantial relevant experience will be considered.
- Excellent writing, analytical, communication, and organizational skills, including managing multiple deadlines.
Nice to have
- Experience supporting patentability, freedom-to-operate, clearance, non-infringement, or invalidity analyses, or preparing opinions.
- Experience with patent due diligence or portfolio management; familiarity with Hatch-Waxman/Orange Book or foreign prosecution, including EPO practice.
Tools
USPTO, PCT, EPO, Hatch-Waxman, Orange Book
Model-written summary · the original posting is authoritative