Patent Agent - Chemistry

Premier Inn Hotels LLC (UAE); Washington; On-site; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) and Roth options

Paid medical, family, and parental le

Flexible spending accounts

Job summary

National IP Law Firm in Washington, DC seeks a registered Patent Agent with a strong chemistry background to join its Washington, DC office. The role focuses on organic chemistry, small-molecule chemistry, chemical synthesis, and related technologies for brand-name pharmaceutical clients.

The successful candidate will prosecute patents, support portfolio development, and advise on strategic matters, with opportunities across prosecution, opinions, and post-grant work.

Qualifications

• Degree in chemistry with coursework or research in organic chemistry or related areas.
• Ph.D. in organic chemistry or related field preferred.
• 2+ years drafting and prosecuting chemical patent applications.
• Registration to practice before the USPTO is required.
• Strong scientific writing and analytical communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and prosecute U.S. and international patent applications.
• Evaluate chemistry and commercial importance 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 and patent claims.

Skills

Organic chemistry

Small molecules

Medicinal chemistry

Chemical synthesis

Scientific writing

Education

Degree in chemistry

Ph.D. in organic chemistry (preferred)

Job description

Washington, United States | Posted on 07/31/2026

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

Expected Compensation and 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
• Pre-retirement planning assistance

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