Pharma & Biotech Patent Prosecution Associate

Barnes & Thornburg LLP; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Barnes & Thornburg LLP in Grand Rapids seeks an associate with 1–4 years of life sciences patent prosecution experience to join our Intellectual Property Department. You will help clients protect innovations in pharmaceuticals, specialty chemicals, and ag-bio technologies, collaborating with a respected national team.

The ideal candidate has an advanced degree in organic chemistry, hands-on prosecution experience, and an interest in strategic portfolio development, due diligence, and

Qualifications

• 1–4 years of patent preparation and prosecution experience in life sciences.
• J.D. from an accredited law school with strong academics.
• Registration to practice before the USPTO.
• Advanced degree in organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, or related field (Ph.D. preferred).
• Excellent writing, analytical, and communication skills for complex chemistry.

Responsibilities

• Draft and prosecute U.S. and international patent applications for life sciences tech.
• Interact with inventors, examiners, and clients to frame inventions.
• Develop portfolio strategies aligned with client goals.
• Support analyses for patentability, freedom-to-operate, and validity.
• Assist with diligence, licensing, and corporate transactions as needed.
• Collaborate with in-house counsel and R&D teams.

Skills

Life sciences patent

Patent drafting

US patent prosecution

Education

J.D. degree

Advanced degree in organic chemistry

Job description

Barnes & Thornburg LLP in Grand Rapids seeks an associate with 1–4 years of life sciences patent prosecution experience to join our Intellectual Property Department. You will help clients protect innovations in pharmaceuticals, specialty chemicals, and ag-bio technologies, collaborating with a respected national team.

The ideal candidate has an advanced degree in organic chemistry, hands-on prosecution experience, and an interest in strategic portfolio development, due diligence, and