Posting Title

Patent Agent – Biochemistry and Biotechnology Focused

Location

CO - Golden

Position Type

Regular

Hours Per Week

Working at NREL

From day one at NREL, you’ll connect with coworkers driven by the same mission to save the planet. By joining an organization that values a supportive, inclusive, and flexible work environment, you’ll have the opportunity to engage through our ten employee resource groups, numerous employee-driven clubs, and learning and professional development classes.

NREL supports inclusive, diverse, and unbiased hiring practices that promote creativity and innovation. By collaborating with organizations that focus on diverse talent pools, reaching out to underrepresented demographics, and providing an inclusive application and interview process, our Talent Acquisition team aims to hear all voices equally. We strive to attract a highly diverse workforce and create a culture where every employee feels welcomed and respected and they can be their authentic selves.

Our planet needs us! Learn about NREL’s critical objectives, and

see how NREL is focused on saving the planet.

We invite all interested candidates to apply for this opportunity. While we recognize that job seekers may hesitate if they don’t meet every requirement, we encourage dedicated individuals who meet all the basic and additional required qualifications of the role to submit an application. We value the opportunity to consider those who believe they have the necessary skills and ambition to succeed at NREL.

Job Description

This position will be part of the Intellectual Property Group within the Office of General Counsel. The successful patent agent will be responsible for a substantial active patent docket for the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), including domestic and foreign matters. This position requires a solid foundation in molecular biology, biochemistry, or biochemical engineering, and the demonstrated ability to draft and prosecute patent applications in the biotechnology arts, including genetic engineering of microorganisms.

In this role, the patent agent will primarily work closely with NREL’s Technology Transfer Office (TTO) and NREL research staff in identifying, evaluating, and protecting the rights to patentable intellectual property, consistent with Federal and State laws, NREL’s Management & Operating Contract, and NREL and U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) rules, regulations, and policies.

Activities will include reviewing Records of Invention (ROIs) for patentability, performing prior art searches and analyses, meeting with NREL research staff to discuss ROIs and related patent matters, and ensuring compliance with DOE reporting deadlines.

Preparation and prosecution of patent applications is expected to be predominantly performed in-house, where possible. This includes drafting patent applications for domestic and international (PCT) filing, responding to office actions and other correspondence issued by the USPTO, and performing substantive analysis of office actions and other correspondence issued by foreign patent offices. The successful patent agent will also work with and manage outside counsel, where necessary.

The patent agent will be a part of an integrated team with members of TTO and researchers to assess the technical, legal, and business merits of NREL innovations. In pursuing patent protection, the patent agent will effectively collaborate with and oversee NREL’s patent paralegals to manage the assigned docket, coordinating on prosecution matters with inventors and members of TTO, and with patent co-owners and licensees, as applicable.

The patent agent will also provide ongoing education and training sessions to research staff and management on pertinent patent issues, including NREL IP policies, patent laws and regulations, and USPTO procedures. The patent agent will also effectively serve as an expert resource on all things patent, including assisting NREL research staff with invention identification and encouraging timely and detailed invention reporting.

The patent agent’s responsibilities may also include: support of NREL TTO with partnership formation and out-licensing of patents through patent due diligence and technical insights; working with DOE's Intellectual Property Law Division in the conduct of assigned duties, as required; and review of publications, presentations, and reports for potential patentability issues before dissemination outside of NREL.

Basic Qualifications

Relevant Bachelor's Degree and 5 or more years of experience or equivalent relevant education/experience. Or, relevant Master's Degree and 3 or more years of experience or equivalent relevant education/experience. Or, relevant PhD or equivalent relevant education/experience. Or, relevant JD or equivalent relevant education/experience. Complete understanding and wide application of technical principles, theories and concepts in the field. General knowledge of other related disciplines. Considerable knowledge of laws, regulations, principles, procedures and practices related to specific field. Strong leadership, project management and problem solving skills. Ability to use various computer software programs.

Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date.

Additional Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree in a biological sciences field.
Registered to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office as a patent agent or patent attorney.
Demonstrated ability to draft and prosecute patent applications in the biotechnology arts.
Eligibility requirements: This position will require access to sensitive information, Government facilities, and/or Government information systems restricted to individuals with US citizenship. Only applicants that are US Citizens at the time of application will be considered.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience drafting and prosecuting patent applications in chemistry or material science.
Advanced degree in biochemistry, biochemical engineering, molecular biology.
Experience working in a biology and/or chemistry laboratory.

Job Application Submission Window

The anticipated closing window for application submission is up to 30 days and may be extended as needed.

Annual Salary Range (based on full-time 40 hours per week)

Job Profile: Professional III / Annual Salary Range: $95,500 - $171,900

NREL takes into consideration a candidate’s education, training, and experience, expected quality and quantity of work, required travel (if any), external market and internal value, including seniority and merit systems, and internal pay alignment when determining the salary level for potential new employees. In compliance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, a potential new employee’s salary history will not be used in compensation decisions.

Benefits Summary

Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; short*- and long-term disability insurance; pension benefits*; 403(b) Employee Savings Plan with employer match*; life and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance; personal time off (PTO) and sick leave; paid holidays; and tuition reimbursement*. NREL employees may be eligible for, but are not guaranteed, performance-, merit-, and achievement- based awards that include a monetary component. Some positions may be eligible for relocation expense reimbursement. Limited-term positions are not eligible for long-term disability or tuition reimbursement.

Based on eligibility rules

Badging Requirement

NREL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as required by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12), which includes a favorable background investigation.

Drug Free Workplace

NREL is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace in accordance with the federal Drug-Free Workplace Act and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug.

If you are offered employment at NREL, you must pass a pre-employment drug test prior to commencing employment. Unless prohibited by state or local law, the pre-employment drug test will include marijuana. If you test positive on the pre-employment drug test, your offer of employment may be withdrawn.

Submission Guidelines

Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any position at NREL you must submit an application form for each position for which you believe you are qualified. Applications are not kept on file for future positions. Please include a cover letter and resume with each position application.

EEO Policy

NREL is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard basis of age (40 and over), color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, domestic partner status, military or veteran status, national origin/ancestry, race, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding), sexual orientation, and any other applicable status protected by federal, state, or local laws.

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Patent Agent – Biochemistry and Biotechnology Focused