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Entry Level Life Science Patent Agent Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Patent Agent

Woodbury, MN ยท On-site

$95K - $115K/yr

A Master's or Bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, or electrical ... Life and accidental death insurance Employee assistance program Paid time off

Patent Agent

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$111K - $161K/yr

We're hiring a Patent Agent at our San Diego facility! Salary Range: Pay Range $111,352 - $161,235 ... Life insurance * Flexible Spending Account (FSA) * Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Investing in ...

I.P. - Patent Agent

Washington, DC ยท Hybrid

$250K/yr

Fenwick & West has been a leader in technology and life sciences law since 1972. One reason for its success is its Patents & Emerging Technologies Group, consistently ranked a top patent group in the ...

I.P. - Patent Agent

New York, NY ยท Hybrid

$250K/yr

Fenwick & West has been a leader in technology and life sciences law since 1972. One reason for its success is its Patents & Emerging Technologies Group, consistently ranked a top patent group in the ...

Fenwick & West has been a leader in technology and life sciences law since 1972. One reason for its success is its Patents & Emerging Technologies Group, consistently ranked a top patent group in the ...

I.P. - Patent Agent

Boston, MA ยท Hybrid

$250K/yr

Fenwick & West has been a leader in technology and life sciences law since 1972. One reason for its success is its Patents & Emerging Technologies Group, consistently ranked a top patent group in the ...

EE/CS Patent Agent Denver Join a Top Intellectual Property Law Firm Group: A leading law firm is ... Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or related ...

I.P. - Patent Agent

Seattle, WA ยท Hybrid

$250K/yr

Fenwick & West has been a leader in technology and life sciences law since 1972. One reason for its success is its Patents & Emerging Technologies Group, consistently ranked a top patent group in the ...

Patent Agent

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$111K - $161K/yr

We're hiring a Patent Agent at our San Diego facility! Salary Range: Pay Range $111,352 - $161,235 ... Life insurance * Flexible Spending Account (FSA) * Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Investing in ...

Patent Agent - AI & SW Patent Agent - Artificial Intelligence and Software Salary Range: $100K ... Science, or a related field -USPTO registration number -Prior patent prosecution experience ...

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Showing results 1-20

Entry Level Life Science Patent Agent information

See salary details

$57K

$115.5K

$169K

How much do entry level life science patent agent jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level life science patent agent in the United States is $115,452.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $110,500.00 and $115,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Entry Level Life Science Patent Agent vs Patent Paralegal?

AspectEntry Level Life Science Patent AgentPatent Paralegal
Required CredentialsBachelor's in life sciences, patent bar exam eligibilityAssociate's or bachelor's degree, legal or paralegal certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, corporate IP departments, patent officesLaw firms, corporate legal departments, patent firms
Primary ResponsibilitiesDrafting patent applications, patent searches, client communicationPreparing legal documents, patent filing support, document management

While both roles support patent processes, Entry Level Life Science Patent Agents focus on drafting and prosecuting patent applications and require passing the patent bar exam. Patent Paralegals assist with legal documentation and administrative tasks without requiring patent bar eligibility. The patent agent role involves technical expertise and legal responsibilities, whereas patent paralegals provide essential support within legal teams.

What types of projects and responsibilities can I expect as an entry level life science patent agent?

As an entry level life science patent agent, you will typically work closely with experienced patent attorneys and senior agents to assist in drafting and prosecuting patent applications, especially in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, or medical devices. Your daily tasks may include conducting prior art searches, preparing technical descriptions, responding to office actions from patent offices, and communicating with inventors or research teams to understand their innovations. Collaboration is common, as you'll often interact with R&D staff, legal teams, and sometimes clients, all while learning the nuances of intellectual property law. This role offers excellent opportunities to develop specialized expertise and can lead to advancement as you gain experience and, potentially, qualify for registration before the USPTO.

What does an Entry Level Life Science Patent Agent do?

An Entry Level Life Science Patent Agent assists in preparing, filing, and prosecuting patent applications related to biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and other life sciences inventions. They work with inventors and attorneys to understand scientific innovations, conduct prior art searches, and draft patent documents. Patent agents must have a strong background in life sciences and pass the USPTO registration exam, but they are not required to have a law degree.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Life Science Patent Agent, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Life Science Patent Agent, you typically need a strong background in life sciences (such as biology, biochemistry, or chemistry) and, often, an advanced degree (MS or PhD) in a related field. Familiarity with patent databases, intellectual property management systems, and, ideally, successful completion of the USPTO registration exam are important technical qualifications. Excellent analytical thinking, attention to detail, and strong written and verbal communication skills help distinguish top candidates. These skills ensure accurate drafting and prosecution of patent applications, effective client communication, and robust protection of intellectual property.
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Life Science Patent Agent jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Life Science Patent Agent job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Life Science Patent Agent jobs? The most popular types of Life Science Patent Agent jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Life Science Patent Agent jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Life Science Patent Agent jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Life Science Patent Agent jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Life Science Patent Agent jobs are:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Life Science Patent Agent job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, and 29% Part Time. Highlights an 83% Physical, 9% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $115,452 per year, or $55.5 per hour.

Patent Prosecution Associate Attorney (Mechanical or Chemical Engineering)

Direct Counsel

Philadelphia, PA โ€ข Hybrid

$175K - $255K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

PATENT ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY โ€“ MECHANICAL OR CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

Locations: Washington, DC; Chicago; Philadelphia; Denver; Indianapolis; Minneapolis; Wilmington

Direct Counsel is seeking a Patent Associate Attorney to join a well-established, national law firm with a robust and growing Intellectual Property practice. This role is ideal for a junior-level associate with a strong engineering background who is interested in patent prosecution work across a range of mechanical, chemical, and materials-based technologies.

Responsibilities:

  • Draft and prosecute U.S. and international patent applications

  • Work closely with clients on patent strategy and portfolio development

  • Conduct invention disclosure interviews and collaborate with inventors

  • Handle patent matters involving mechanical technologies, with the ability to support chemical or materials science applications as needed

  • Collaborate with attorneys, agents, and technical specialists in a team-oriented environment

Qualifications:

  • 1-3 years of experience with patent prosecution as an attorney or patent agent

  • Bachelorโ€™s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field (advanced degree a plus)

  • Demonstrated experience working with mechanical technologies

  • Ability to support chemical or materials science patent work when needed

  • Strong academic credentials

  • Excellent written and oral communication skills

  • Admission to the USPTO and a U.S. state bar (or eligibility to waive in)

Compensation & Benefits:

  • Anticipated base salary range: $175,000 โ€“ $255,000, depending on experience, skill set, and office location

  • Comprehensive benefits package including bonuses, health and disability insurance, life insurance, and a 401(k) plan

Work Environment:

  • Hybrid schedule with an expectation of working in the office three days per week

  • Emphasis on collaboration, professional development, and work-life balance

This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated associate attorney seeking hands-on patent prosecution experience within a collaborative, client-focused IP practice.