Junior Patent Agent / Technology Advisor Chemistry & Life Sciences

Direct Counsel is seeking a Junior Patent Agent or Technology Advisor with an advanced scientific background in Chemistry, Chemical Biology, or a related field to join a sophisticated and busy Life Sciences Patent Prosecution & Counseling practice.

This is an excellent opportunity for a Ph.D.-level scientist interested in applying their technical expertise to patent prosecution, intellectual property counseling, freedom-to-operate analysis, and USPTO proceedings. Qualified Patent Agents may also have access to law school tuition assistance.

Locations

• Silicon Valley, CA
• Boston, MA
• New York, NY

Hybrid – Minimum 3 Days Per Week In Office

Responsibilities

• Conduct prior art searches and analyze results for patentability assessments.
• Conduct freedom-to-operate (FTO) analyses.
• Review and analyze patents, patent applications, scientific literature, and technical publications.
• Assist patent attorneys with patent prosecution, counseling, and litigation-related technical analysis.
• Draft patent applications involving sophisticated chemistry and life sciences technologies.
• Draft substantive responses to USPTO Office Actions.
• Assist with patent portfolio development and prosecution strategy.
• Participate in post-grant proceedings before the USPTO.
• Translate complex scientific concepts into clear, persuasive written work for patent matters.
• Collaborate closely with patent attorneys, scientists, inventors, and other members of the life sciences practice.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Biology, or a closely related scientific discipline, OR an M.D. with substantial research experience.
• Broad scientific knowledge within biotechnology and the life sciences.
• Strong understanding of chemistry and related scientific concepts.
• Excellent technical writing and analytical abilities.
• Superb written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to analyze complex patents and scientific literature.
• Highly motivated, intellectually curious, and able to learn quickly.
• Strong initiative and ability to work effectively in a collaborative environment.

USPTO Requirements

Candidates must be either:

• A registered USPTO Patent Agent, or
• Eligible to sit for the USPTO registration examination and otherwise satisfy the requirements for registration as a Patent Agent.

Compensation & Benefits

• Base Salary: $90,000–$155,000, depending on experience, education, credentials, location, and other relevant qualifications.
• Discretionary performance-based bonus for eligible employees.
• Comprehensive healthcare benefits.
• Life insurance.
• Health Savings Account (HSA) options.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options.
• Wellbeing benefits.
• Law school tuition assistance available to qualified Patent Agent candidates.

Application Materials

Candidates should be prepared to provide:

• Resume
• Cover letter
• Undergraduate and graduate academic transcripts
• Two writing samples:
  1. A patent application drafted by the candidate
  2. An Office Action response containing persuasive argument drafted by the candidate

Why This Opportunity

This position offers an outstanding opportunity for a scientist or early-career Patent Agent to build a career at the intersection of chemistry, biotechnology, and intellectual property law. The role provides hands-on exposure to patent drafting and prosecution, FTO analysis, strategic counseling, and USPTO post-grant matters while working on sophisticated life sciences technologies.

For qualified Patent Agents interested in eventually becoming attorneys, the availability of law school tuition assistance provides an especially attractive long-term professional development opportunity.

Direct Counsel is committed to connecting exceptional legal talent with premier legal employers and fostering inclusive hiring practices.