Life Sciences Patent Prosecution Associate — Global Focus

Barnes & Thornburg LLP; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Barnes & Thornburg LLP is seeking a life sciences patent associate with 1–4 years of patent preparation and prosecution experience to join its Intellectual Property Department in Chicago.

The ideal candidate will hold an advanced degree in organic chemistry and have hands-on U.S. and foreign prosecution experience, with an interest in strategic portfolio development, IP due diligence, and freedom-to-operate analyses. You will engage with clients and inventors and grow into a trusted advisor.

Qualifications

• 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 (Ph.D. strongly preferred; candidates with an M.S. and substantial relevant experience will be considered)
• Excellent writing, analytical, and communication skills, including the ability to explain complex chemistry clearly to clients, examiners, and colleagues
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple deadlines while consistently producing high‑quality work

Responsibilities

• Patent preparation and prosecution: Draft and prosecute U.S. and international patent applications covering small molecule pharmaceuticals, specialty chemicals, ag-bio treatments, formulations, synthetic processes, and related life sciences technologies.
• This includes handling PCT and foreign filings in coordination with foreign associates.
• Inventor and examiner engagement: Conduct inventor interviews to capture and frame inventions. Prepare well‑reasoned responses to Office Actions, and take part in examiner interviews and appeals as appropriate.
• Portfolio strategy: Working with clients and supervising attorneys, develop prosecution and global filing strategies that match patent protection to clients' scientific, commercial, and competitive goals.
• Strategic analyses: Conduct and support patentability, freedom‑to‑operate, validity and invalidity, and non‑infringement analyses. You will turn complex technical, legal, and commercial issues into clear, actionable advice.
• Transactional and diligence support: Assess patent portfolios for financings, licensing, and M&A transactions, and help draft and review related opinions, agreements, and client correspondence.
• Client and team collaboration: Work closely with in‑house counsel, R&D scientists, and internal colleagues across the firm's IP, corporate, and litigation practices.
• Growing ownership: Take on more responsibility for matters and client‑facing workstreams over time, with the mentorship and support to grow into a trusted advisor.

Skills

Patent preparation

Patent prosecution

Analytical skills

Writing and communication

Education

J.D. from an accredited law school

Advanced degree in organic/medicinal chemistry (Ph.D. strongly preferred)

Job description

Barnes & Thornburg LLP is seeking a life sciences patent associate with 1–4 years of patent preparation and prosecution experience to join its Intellectual Property Department in Chicago.

The ideal candidate will hold an advanced degree in organic chemistry and have hands-on U.S. and foreign prosecution experience, with an interest in strategic portfolio development, IP due diligence, and freedom-to-operate analyses. You will engage with clients and inventors and grow into a trusted advisor.