Barnes & Thornburg
Life Science Patent Prosecution Associate
$215K–$295K
Chicago · Full-time · Posted Oct 29, 2026
- Experience
- 1–4 years of patent preparation and prosecution experience.
- Education
- J.D. from an accredited law school; advanced degree in organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, or a closely related field. Candidates with an M.S. and substantial relevant experience will be considered.
About the job
Prosecutes U.S. and international life sciences patents and advises clients on portfolio strategy, patent analyses, and transactional diligence.
What you'll do
- Draft and prosecute patent applications, handle PCT and foreign filings, and prepare Office Action responses.
- Develop global patent portfolio strategies and conduct patentability, freedom-to-operate, validity, and related analyses.
- Support patent diligence for financings, licensing, and M&A, collaborating with clients, inventors, and colleagues.
What they ask for
- 1–4 years of patent preparation and prosecution experience, with substantial work in chemical, pharmaceutical, or other life sciences technologies.
- 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.
Nice to have
- Ph.D. in a relevant field is strongly preferred.
- Experience with strategic analyses, patent due diligence or portfolio management, pharmaceutical life cycle management/Hatch-Waxman, or foreign prosecution including EPO practice.
Pay
$215K – $295K USD base salary
Tools
PCT, EPO, Hatch-Waxman/Orange Book
Model-written summary · the original posting is authoritative