Trainee Patent Attorney – Computational Chemistry

Mewburn Ellis LLP; Cambridge, Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading intellectual property firm in the UK seeks a Trainee Patent Attorney with a background in Computational Chemistry. In this role, you will draft and prosecute patent applications, advise clients, and work collaboratively across various practice groups. The firm offers a supportive environment with extensive training, competitive remuneration, and diverse client exposure. Ideal candidates possess strong academic qualifications and communication skills.

Benefits

Generous remuneration package

Enhanced pension scheme

30 days annual leave

Financial support for location changes

Day off for charitable endeavors

Discretionary bonus

Additional benefits like discount vouchers and healthcare schemes

Qualifications

• Strong academic background in a relevant computational field.
• Evidence of post-degree learning, e.g., relevant Master's or PhD.

Responsibilities

• Draft and prosecute patent applications.
• Advise clients on intellectual property law.
• Collaborate with chemistry and other practice groups.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Curious and enquiring mind

General commercial awareness

Education

Degree in Chemistry, Cheminformatics or Computational Chemistry

Job description

Mewburn Ellis LLP, Trainee Patent Attorney – Computational Chemistry

Life as a Trainee Patent Attorney means using your academic background in a stimulating and varied way. Working on innovations and inventions at the forefront of your scientific field.

At Mewburn Ellis we’re collegial, supportive and progressive. With an industry-leading training programme and a placement scheme that keeps learning fresh and insightful we ensure that you’re set up to develop quickly and learn about the profession from a range of partners from day one.

“We have monthly tutorials by knowledgeable partners and associates. They help us to prepare for exams but also help us to become well-rounded patent attorneys.” Anna, Attorney

Trained for Excellence is one of our key values that permeates our firm, the impact is evident at every level. Indeed over 70% of our partners trained with us. The training programme underpins who we are and our forward-looking, ambitious approach. And as it’s delivered in a structured and focused manner it means that everyone at Mewburn Ellis is able to develop their full potential as a high-level attorney.

Computational Chemistry at Mewburn Ellis

Advances in AI-driven chemistry are central to cutting-edge technology in a huge range of industries. Data-driven approaches to chemical innovation, such as QSAR/QSPR or GANs, are transforming how we discover, design or optimise molecules and materials. From pharmaceuticals and chemicals, where intelligent systems help design renewable fuels, recyclable plastics, and targeted drug therapies, to the development of the novel materials that underpin tomorrow’s technologies in electronics, aerospace, automotive engineering or medical devices, the impact is profound.

Whether the subject matter is dyes or drugs, catalysts or composites, polymers or pesticides, flavourings or fibreglass: our highly-skilled and technically diverse chemistry and materials team cover every aspect, whether we are protecting products, processes, or AI/Machine Learning powered discover programmes. As a part of that team, you could be at the forefront of supporting and advising a range of clients that include large multinationals, research institutions, start-ups and universities

“It’s genuinely thrilling to work with clients who are using a combination of cheminformatics and AI to drive molecular discovery and innovation. I’m pleased to apply the skills from my academic background in my daily practice as a patent attorney, supporting clients in this exciting area.” Aidan, Attorney

Find out more about our diverse portfolio and the work we do on our website.

The role

Reflecting the exciting technology spaces in which our clients operate, you will work closely with colleagues across our chemistry practice group but also with attorneys from our life sciences and engineering, technology and physics practice groups, as well as our solicitors and trade mark team. We take a holistic approach to IP and that will be a theme throughout your training and beyond.

Our training programme is varied, sometimes challenging, but always rewarding. You will be invested in to grow personally and professionally. There’ll be lots of learning and opportunities to put your chemistry background to good use. Our unique placement scheme gives you the opportunity to work with different mentors and across different areas of chemistry allowing you to develop as an attorney and find your niche.
You will sit with a qualified patent attorney and assist them with all parts of their work, including drafting and prosecuting patent applications and advising clients about various aspects of intellectual property law. Essentially we provide you with all the tools you need to become a Trusted Advisor to clients, helping you use your scientific background in a legal context.

What’s in it for you?

• A friendly, inclusive and team-based working culture
• A hybrid office and home working approach
• A generous remuneration package
• Enhanced pension scheme / family leave
• Significant financial support for location changes – see placement scheme online
• 30 days annual leave (not including bank holidays) and additional study leave days
• Wide range of domestic and international clients with the chance to work abroad
• One paid day off per year for charitable endeavours and fundraising matching
• Firmwide discretionary bonus
• Multiple additional benefits such as discount vouchers, workplace ISA, electric car, bike to work and healthcare cash plan schemes

You’ll be well supported to pass your exams as well as develop your all-round skills as a patent attorney through our internal and external tutorials and regular input from experienced partners, backed up by feedback on your progress to inform and assist your development. And because we’re merit-based, your career progression is truly in your own hands.
We’re a leading European intellectual property firm with four UK offices and one in Munich. We’ve grown steadily and now have over 350 colleagues including 45 Trainees so expect to be part of a decent sized cohort of like-minded scientists! In many ways our successful growth story is down to our training and our long-term commitment to the wellbeing of our people. As part of this we have a variety of informal sporting and social events as well as running various charity initiatives.

You can found out more on our Forward Community Programme online, showing how we’re giving back to the community, our commitment to sustainability (such as the Mewburn forest) and how promoting and nurturing diversity and inclusion is a top priority.

About You

We look for individuals with a curious, enquiring mind. Excellent communication skills, especially in writing, are vital. General commercial awareness is valuable but no prior knowledge of patent law is required. Having an open-minded personable approach to learning will also serve you well!

The role is highly specialist so a strong academic background with a relevant Chemistry, Cheminformatics or Computational Chemistry degree is essential along with strong evidence of post-degree learning. This may be, for example, a relevant Masters coupled with industry experience or a PhD in a relevant computational field.

Please note that due to the level of expertise required, we are unable to progress applications that don’t meet these criteria.

If the role sounds appealing and you could start your career journey with us in Bristol, Cambridge, London or Manchester we’d love to hear from you. We’re committed to equal opportunities and welcome a broad diversity of talent to apply.

Your privacy

As part of our recruitment process, Mewburn Ellis collects and processes personal data relating to job applicants. Read our Job Applicant Privacy Policy online for more details.

Please mention IP Careers when applying to Mewburn Ellis LLP.