Barnes & Thornburg
Life Science Patent Prosecution Associate
Ann Arbor · Full-time · Posted Oct 29, 2026
- Experience
- 1–4 years of patent preparation and prosecution experience; candidates with an M.S. and substantial relevant experience will be considered.
- 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 life sciences patents and advises clients on portfolio strategy, patent analyses, and transaction-related diligence.
What you'll do
- Draft and prosecute U.S. and international patent applications, including PCT and foreign filings.
- Develop patent prosecution and global filing strategies and conduct patentability, freedom-to-operate, validity, and related analyses.
- Assess patent portfolios for financings, licensing, and M&A, and collaborate 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. (strongly preferred).
- Experience with patent analyses or opinions, due diligence or portfolio management, Hatch-Waxman/Orange Book, or foreign prosecution including EPO practice.
Tools
PCT, EPO, Hatch-Waxman/Orange Book
Model-written summary · the original posting is authoritative