Barnes & Thornburg
Life Science Patent Prosecution Associate
Indianapolis · 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 patent applications and advises clients on patent portfolio strategy, analyses, and transaction 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, invalidity, and non-infringement analyses and support portfolio strategy.
- Assess patent portfolios for financings, licensing, and M&A, and collaborate with clients, inventors, and colleagues.
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 patent analyses, opinions, due diligence, or portfolio management.
- Familiarity with pharmaceutical life cycle management and the Hatch-Waxman/Orange Book framework; foreign prosecution, including EPO practice.
Tools
PCT, EPO, Hatch-Waxman/Orange Book
Model-written summary · the original posting is authoritative