Patent Agent

Brookhaven National Laboratory’s (BNL) Intellectual Property Legal Group within the Office of General Counsel is seeking a Patent Agent for a full-time, permanent position. The Patent Agent will manage an active patent docket for BNL inventions across diverse scientific disciplines, including nanomaterials, microelectronics, bioengineering, high energy physics, and electrocatalysts.

About the role

The Patent Agent will be registered to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and handle patent matters, including determining patentability, preparing and prosecuting patent applications, and coordinating efforts to secure broad patent protection for inventions arising from BNL research.

Responsibilities

• Process incoming records of inventions and other disclosure forms.
• Develop and oversee the implementation of intellectual property protection processes.
• Prepare, file, and prosecute patent applications, maintain patents, and handle supporting documents and forms in coordination with outside counsel before the USPTO and foreign counterparts.
• Collaborate with others, apply sound judgment, and work effectively in a team environment.
• Operate within legal, regulatory, and contractual frameworks, ensuring compliance with DOE prime contract and related regulations.
• Manage competing priorities and statutory deadlines with a high degree of attention to detail.
• Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive or privileged information appropriately.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in a technical or scientific discipline (or equivalent foreign degree).
• Current registration with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) as a Patent Agent.
• Minimum 6 years of experience in patent drafting and prosecution.
• Experience managing multiple matters in a collaborative, research-driven environment.
• Strong knowledge of patent laws, USPTO procedures, and technology transfer processes.
• Ability to obtain and maintain federal security clearance.
• Familiarity with tracking, recording, and docketing USPTO deadlines in Sophia (Evolve) or similar IP management systems (e.g., Inteum).

Skills

• Demonstrated knowledge of patent laws and regulations for preparation, prosecution, and maintenance before the USPTO.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, particularly in explaining complex patent concepts to legal, scientific, and technical professionals.
• Ability to apply independent judgment to develop tailored patent protection for diverse technologies.
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail and ability to manage competing priorities.
• Ability to inspire teamwork, take initiative, and learn new systems and processes.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with Department of Energy rules, regulations, and policies for management and operating (M&O) contractor prime contract terms, including patent rights, data rights, and technology transfer mission clauses.
• Experience drafting and prosecuting patent applications involving software/computer science, or a degree in computer science, software engineering, or electrical engineering.
• Technical degree or background in algorithms, data structures, AI/ML/LLMs.
• Ability to identify innovative ways to improve work processes, efficiency, and electronic patent portfolio management, including implementing emerging AI IP tools.

Other Information

This position is eligible for a flexible work arrangement (4 days onsite/1 day remote) but is not eligible for relocation assistance or visa sponsorship. The role may require access to sensitive information and U.S. Government facilities, necessitating U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance and UPIV credential.

Pay

The full salary range for this position is $140,000 - $170,000 per year. Salary offers will be commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications, education, and experience.

Benefits

Brookhaven National Laboratory offers a comprehensive employee benefits program as part of its compensation package. More information is available at BNL Benefits Program.