Junior – Mid Level Biology Patent Agent

MBHB (McDonnell Boehnen Hulbert & Berghoff LLP); Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 115,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

MBHB seeks a Life Science Patent Agent with expertise in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, or biotechnology, and 2–6 years of patent prosecution experience to join our Chicago office.

You will prepare, file, and prosecute patent applications, interact with clients and inventors, support business development, manage dockets, and contribute to a collaborative, growth-minded team culture.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, or biotech with relevant experience.
• Master’s or Ph.D. in a life sciences field preferred.
• 2–6 years of patent prosecution experience in biotech/pharma.
• Admission to USPTO is required.
• Experience with academia, startups, or mid-sized biotech/pharma firms preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist with patent prosecution for diverse clients; prepare, file, and prosecute applications.
• Interact with clients and inventors; translate science to legal strategy.
• Support business development and strategic growth.
• Manage client budgets and project timelines.
• Mentor junior practitioners and contribute to team development.
• Stay updated on industry and legal trends.

Skills

Scientific communication

Patent prosecution

Client counseling

Docket management

Team mentorship

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in life sciences

Master’s/Ph.D. preferred

Job description

Job Description

McDonnell Boehnen Hulbert & Berghoff LLP (MBHB) seeks a Life Science Patent Agent with technical expertise in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, or biotechnology, with two to six years of experience in patent prosecution.

Location

Chicago, IL.

Key Responsibilities

• Patent Prosecution: Assist with patent prosecution for a diverse range of clients, including Fortune 100 companies, startups, and academic institutions. Assist with the preparation, filing, and prosecution of patent applications while ensuring high-quality, timely deliverables. Demonstrate the ability to work independently with minimal oversight.
• Client & Inventor Collaboration: Demonstrate the ability to interact with clients and understand their technologies and provide technical insights that help inform patent strategies. Demonstrate the ability to develop strong, professional relationships with clients, effectively communicating complex technical concepts to both legal and non-legal audiences while representing the firm's technical expertise and providing clear, strategic advice.
• Business Development: Demonstrate a desire to contribute to the firm’s business development efforts and strategic growth.
• Budget & Time Management: Manage client budgets, ensuring efficient use of resources and maintaining project timelines. Demonstrate excellent time management skills and responsiveness in all client interactions.
• Team Development & Mentorship: Assist in building a collaborative, growth-oriented team culture. Participate as a mentee in the professional development program and provide informal guidance to junior practitioners and other team members.
• Continuous Professional Development: Stay abreast of industry developments, scientific advancements, and legal trends in patent law. Exhibit an eagerness to continue learning and growing both in your technical and legal expertise.

Qualifications

Job Requirements:

Education

• Required: Bachelor’s degree in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, biotechnology, or a related life sciences field, combined with substantial industry or research experience.
• Preferred: Master’s degree or Ph.D. in a relevant discipline.

Experience

• 2 - 6 years of patent prosecution experience in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or biology sectors.
• Admission to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is required.
• Experience working with academic institutions, startups, and mid-sized companies in the biotech or pharma space is preferred.

Skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex scientific concepts clearly and concisely in both legal and technical contexts.
• Strong legal analysis and problem-solving skills, with the ability to think creatively and strategically in patent prosecution and client counseling.
• Ability to manage effectively an active prosecution docket that includes multiple clients and cases while maintaining strong client relationships.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage time and meet deadlines efficiently.
• Ambition and adaptability, with a desire to contribute to the growth of the firm and advance in leadership.
• A proactive attitude toward taking on new challenges, providing constructive feedback, and supporting junior team members.

Compensation

The anticipated base salary for this position is $115,000 to $145,000. In addition to base pay, practitioners are eligible for origination bonuses, engagement bonuses, and productivity bonuses for hours billed in increments of 50 more than the 1,900-hour requirement.

Office Attendance

Candidates must be able to commute to the office Monday through Friday during standard business hours. Junior practitioners receive one floating work from home day per week.

Salary Range

$115,000 - $145,000

Benefits

Please visit our website to learn more about benefits provided https://www.mbhb.com/culture-and-development/ (If the hyperlink does not open automatically, please copy and paste the URL into your browser)

Equal Opportunity Employer

MBHB is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity or expression, or any other protected group status under the law. MBHB is an Affimative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer in accordance with regulations adopted by the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities.