Patent Agent - Chemistry

MNF Global; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

401(k) plan

Parental leave

Flexible schedules

Job summary

MNF Global is seeking a Chemical Patent Agent with a strong background in organic chemistry to join its Washington, DC office. The role focuses on small-molecule chemistry, chemical synthesis, and related technologies for brand-name pharma clients.

The successful candidate will draft and prosecute U.S. and international patent applications, assess technical merit, and help develop patent strategies. A Ph.D. in organic chemistry is preferred and USPTO registration is required.

Qualifications

• Degree in chemistry with coursework or research in organic chemistry/small molecules.
• Ph.D. in organic chemistry preferred.
• At least 2 years drafting and prosecuting chemical patent applications.
• USPTO registration required to practice.
• Experience with brand-name pharma or chemical innovators is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and prosecute U.S. and international patent applications.
• Evaluate the chemistry and commercial significance of new inventions.
• Develop patent strategies with inventors and clients.
• Assist with patentability, freedom-to-operate, validity, and infringement analyses.
• Support opinion preparation and strategic client counseling.
• Assist with global patent portfolio development and management.
• Provide scientific support in post-grant proceedings and litigation.
• Analyze complex chemical technologies, prior art, and patent claims.

Skills

Organic chemistry

Patent prosecution

Chemical synthesis

Medicinal chemistry

IP industry

Education

Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry

Bachelor's in Chemistry

Job description

Chemical Patent Agent – Organic Chemistry / Small Molecules

Location: Washington, DC

Compensation: $140,000–$200,000

A nationally recognized intellectual property law firm is seeking a registered Patent Agent with a strong chemistry background to join its Washington, DC office.

The firm is specifically seeking candidates with substantial academic or professional experience in organic chemistry, small-molecule chemistry, chemical synthesis, medicinal chemistry, pharmaceutical compounds, or closely related chemical technologies. This is a chemistry-focused patent prosecution position supporting brand-name pharmaceutical companies and other innovators developing new chemical compounds and products.

The successful candidate will work with a highly regarded chemical patent practice representing sophisticated clients in patent prosecution, portfolio development, strategic counseling, opinions, post-grant matters, and litigation support.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and prosecute U.S. and international patent applications
• Evaluate the underlying chemistry and commercial importance of new inventions
• Work with inventors and clients to develop effective patent strategies
• Assist with patentability, freedom-to-operate, validity, and infringement analyses
• Support opinion preparation and strategic client counseling
• Assist with global patent portfolio development and management
• Provide scientific and technical support in post-grant proceedings and patent litigation
• Analyze complex chemical technologies, prior art, and patent claims

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Chemical Patent Agent to join a premier IP practice and work on sophisticated patent matters involving brand-name pharmaceutical products, small-molecule compounds, chemical synthesis, and related innovations.

Requirements

• Degree in chemistry with substantial coursework or research involving organic chemistry, small molecules, chemical synthesis, medicinal chemistry, or related technologies
• An advanced degree, particularly a Ph.D. in organic chemistry or a closely related field, is preferred
• 2+ years of experience drafting and prosecuting chemical patent applications is required
• Registration to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office is required
• Strong scientific writing, analytical, and communication skills
• Ability to understand complex chemical technologies and explain them clearly
• Experience representing brand-name pharmaceutical companies, emerging pharmaceutical companies, or other chemical innovators is beneficial

Benefits

The expected base salary range for this position is $140,000–$200,000, depending on the candidate’s patent prosecution experience, technical credentials, qualifications, and overall fit.

The firm offers a comprehensive benefits package that is expected to include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance, including telehealth services
• Firm-paid life, accidental death and dismemberment, and long-term disability insurance
• Pre-tax 401(k) and Roth retirement options
• Paid medical, family, and parental leave
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare, dependent care, and eligible transportation expenses
• Wellness and employee-assistance programs
• Backup childcare, sick-childcare, and eldercare resources
• Flexible, reduced, and part-time work-schedule options
• Domestic-partner benefits
• Pet insurance
• Pre-retirement planning assistance

Benefits and eligibility may vary based on the position and the terms of the firm’s applicable benefit plans.