Technical Advisor or Patent Agent (Chemistry)

Direct Counsel; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 100,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading law firm in Washington, D.C. is seeking an experienced Technical Advisor or Patent Agent with a strong background in Chemistry. This is a unique opportunity to work alongside attorneys on complex patent matters. Your role will involve analyzing scientific information, assisting with patent prosecution, and conducting technical research. The ideal candidate has 5–7 years of relevant experience and a Ph.D. or advanced degree in Chemistry. An initial contract of 3–6 months with the possibility of extension awaits you.

Qualifications

• 5–7 years of experience as a Technical Advisor, Patent Agent, or similar role.
• Strong academic background in Chemistry or related field.
• Prior experience in a law firm or laboratory environment.
• Exceptional ability to analyze and communicate technical information.
• Exceptional ability to analyze, synthesize, and clearly communicate complex technical information
• Strong writing and organizational skills with attention to detail
• Initial contract engagement of 3–6 months with potential for extension or long-term opportunity
• Collaborative, high-level IP practice with exposure to cutting-edge innovations

Responsibilities

• Analyze complex scientific and technical materials related to chemical innovations.
• Summarize and translate technical information for attorneys and clients.
• Assist with patent prosecution and drafting.
• Conduct technical research supporting IP strategy development.
• Collaborate with attorneys to evaluate inventions.
• Provide insight on scientific developments relevant to client matters

Skills

Analysis of complex scientific information

Synthesis and translation of technical information

Technical research

Collaborative ability

Strong writing skills

Attention to detail

Education

Ph.D. or advanced degree in Chemistry

Advanced degree

Job description

Direct Counsel is partnering with a leading law firm seeking a Technical Advisor or Patent Agent with a strong background in Chemistry to support its Intellectual Property team. This is an excellent opportunity for a scientifically trained professional to work alongside attorneys on sophisticated patent matters, with the potential for longer-term engagement.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze complex scientific and technical materials related to chemical innovations
• Summarize, synthesize, and translate technical information for attorneys and clients
• Assist with patent prosecution, including drafting and responding to office actions (if applicable)
• Conduct technical research and support IP strategy development
• Collaborate closely with attorneys to evaluate inventions and prepare filings
• Provide insight on scientific developments relevant to client matters

Qualifications

• 5–7 years of experience as a Technical Advisor, Patent Agent, or similar role
• Strong academic background in Chemistry or a closely related field (Ph.D. or advanced degree preferred)
• Prior experience in a law firm (ideally BigLaw) and/or laboratory environment
• USPTO registration preferred for Patent Agents (not required for Technical Advisors)
• Exceptional ability to analyze, synthesize, and clearly communicate complex technical information
• Strong writing and organizational skills with attention to detail
• Initial contract engagement of 3–6 monthsPotential for extension or long-term opportunity based on performance and business needs
• Collaborative, high-level IP practice with exposure to cutting-edge innovations