Patent Agent (Chemistry)

Job Overview

A leading law firm is seeking a skilled Patent Agent with a strong academic background in chemistry or related disciplines to join its Intellectual Property practice. Ideal candidates will have 1–4 years of experience in patent prosecution, along with exposure to patent portfolio analysis, due diligence, or related IP transactional work. This role provides an opportunity to work closely with inventors, clients, and legal teams on high-value innovations. A hybrid work schedule is available.

Location

• Austin, TX

Duties

• Prepare and draft patent applications, incorporating technical and scientific detail

• Respond to U.S. and foreign patent office actions related to factual and scientific matters

• Evaluate the technical merit of inventions and conduct supporting research

• Engage with inventors and clients to discuss the scientific aspects of patent applications

• Analyze and resolve complex patent issues; implement strategic solutions

• Act as liaison between inventors and the USPTO throughout the patent process

• Communicate professionally with internal staff, clients, and PTO personnel

• Manage competing priorities and complete tasks within established deadlines

• Monitor scientific and technological developments relevant to patent prosecution

• Maintain internal IP data systems and generate reports for legal staff and management

• Participate in ongoing professional education to maintain USPTO accreditation

Requirements

• 1–4 years of experience in patent prosecution

• Experience in patent portfolio analysis, IP due diligence, or transactional matters preferred

• Familiarity with PTAB proceedings is a plus but not required

• Ability to manage multiple assignments under time constraints

• Willingness to work extended hours when necessary to meet deadlines

Education

• Master’s or Ph.D. in one of the following fields:

  • Chemistry

  • Organic Chemistry

  • Medicinal Chemistry

  • Biochemistry

  • Chemical Engineering

Certifications

• Qualified to sit for the U.S. Patent Bar

• Preferred: Registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)

Skills

• Strong drafting and scientific analysis capabilities

• Excellent written and verbal communication, including the ability to convey complex technical data

• Familiarity with current trends in IP law and patent procedures

• Proficient in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and time management tools

• Experience with prosecution docketing systems

• Strong organizational, prioritization, and multitasking abilities

• High degree of professionalism and commitment to confidentiality and ethical standards

• Strong interpersonal skills to collaborate with attorneys, staff, clients, and inventors

This Texas-headquartered elite firm is appealing for associates interested in energy work. The firm is serious about its career development. Junior associates are assigned a senior associate mentor and formal training at the firm is guaranteed. Associates confirmed the firm has an encouragement aspect and all workers strive to the best job they can do. This firm has gained important recognition in the community for its diversity efforts. Pro bono is popular among the attorneys and most have devoted over 100 years each year to pro bono efforts. Thefirm pays top-of-market compensation.