Patent Attorney in Life Sciences and Chemistry Ph.D.

BCG Attorney Search; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision insurance

401(k) with employer match

Life insurance and disability coverage

Commuter benefits

Paid time off

Job summary

BCG Attorney Search seeks a junior patent attorney in Washington, DC, to work on sophisticated patent matters for biotech, pharmaceutical, and other science-driven clients. A Ph.D. in life sciences or chemistry, plus a JD and USPTO registration, are required, with 1–2+ years of prosecution experience.

The role emphasizes strong writing, communication, and analytical skills in a collaborative environment with opportunities for growth and development.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in life sciences, chemistry, or related field.
• J.D. degree and active bar admission in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
• Active USPTO registration.
• 1–2+ years of substantive patent prosecution experience.
• Strong scientific depth and writing ability.

Responsibilities

• Draft patent applications and analyze Office Actions.
• Develop claim amendments and prosecution strategies.
• Conduct prior-art and patentability analyses.
• Participate in inventor and scientist interviews.
• Support U.S. and international patent prosecution.
• Communicate with clients and inventors.
• Manage deadlines and docket ownership.
• Collaborate with legal-support professionals.

Skills

Writing ability

Communication skills

Intellectual agility

Education

PhD in life sciences or chemistry

J.D. and bar admission

Job description

Job Overview

A law firm seeks a junior patent attorney with a Ph.D. in life sciences or chemistry to join their Washington, DC office. The role involves working on sophisticated patent matters for clients in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and other innovation-driven sectors. The firm values scientific training and offers an opportunity for growth and development in a collaborative environment.

Duties

• Draft patent applications and analyze Office Actions.
• Develop claim amendments and prosecution strategies.
• Conduct prior-art and patentability analyses.
• Participate in inventor and scientist interviews.
• Support U.S. and international patent prosecution.
• Communicate directly with clients and inventors.
• Manage deadlines and develop ownership of your docket.
• Collaborate with legal-support professionals.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in life sciences, chemistry, or a related field.
• J.D. and active membership in good standing in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
• Active USPTO registration.
• 1-2+ years of substantive patent prosecution experience.
• Strong scientific depth, writing ability, and judgment.

Education

• Ph.D. in a relevant discipline.
• J.D. degree.

Certifications

• Active USPTO registration.

Skills

• Intellectual agility and curiosity.
• Excellent writing and communication skills.
• Ability to learn quickly and ask insightful questions.
• Resourcefulness and reliability.

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) with employer match.
• Life insurance and disability coverage.
• Commuter benefits and paid time off.
• Paid firm holidays and mental health days.
• Annual year-end firm closure and floating remote days.
• Sabbatical program for extended paid leave at milestone anniversaries.