Junior Patent Agent / Technology Advisor – Chemistry & Life Sciences

Direct Counsel; Palo Alto (CA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 155,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Law school tuition assistance

Healthcare benefits

Life insurance

HSA options

FSA options

Wellbeing benefits

Job summary

Direct Counsel is seeking a Junior Patent Agent or Technology Advisor with a strong science background in chemistry, chemical biology, or related fields to join a busy life sciences patent practice.

Responsibilities include prior art searches, FTO analyses, drafting patent applications, and assisting with prosecution and counseling. Hybrid work with in-office presence required, with potential law school tuition assistance for qualified candidates.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Biology, or related field is required or an M.D. with substantial research experience.
• Broad knowledge in biotechnology and 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, curious, and able to learn quickly.
• Strong initiative and ability to work well in a team.

Responsibilities

• Conduct prior art searches and analyze results for patentability assessments.
• Conduct freedom-to-operate analyses.
• Review and analyze patents, applications, literature, and technical publications.
• Assist patent attorneys with prosecution, counseling, and litigation-related 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 with patent attorneys, scientists, inventors, and other life sciences team members.

Skills

Technical writing

Analytical abilities

Communication skills

Collaboration

Quick learner

Motivated

Education

Ph.D. in Chemistry or Chemical Biology

M.D. with substantial research experience

Job description

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.