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Life Science Patent Agent Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

McGuireWoods LLP

Patent Agent

Richmond, VA · Hybrid

  • PTO

... and work-life balance. Our Applicant Disclosures describe your rights. Our Privacy Statement ... Requires Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Science and a minimum of three years of experience ...

McGuireWoods LLP

Patent Agent

Richmond, VA · Hybrid

  • PTO

... and work-life balance. Our Applicant Disclosures describe your rights. Our Privacy Statement ... Requires Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Science and a minimum of three years of experience ...

New

McGuireWoods LLP

Patent Agent

Richmond, VA · On-site

$156K - $197K/yr

  • PTO

... and work-life balance. Our Applicant Disclosures describe your rights. Our Privacy Statement ... Requires Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Science and a minimum of three years of experience ...

Direct Counsel

Patent Agent/Advisor (Software/AI)

Reston, VA · On-site

$125K - $228K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

Reviewing and analyzing patents, scientific literature, and technical documents * Drafting patent ... commuter benefits, life and disability insurance, long-term care coverage, backup care, and ...

NetApp

IP Agent

Mclean, VA · Hybrid

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This patent professional will work closely with NetApp's engineering, technical, and business ... This may cover Health Insurance, Life Insurance, Retirement or Pension Plans, Paid Time Off ...

Ofinno

Senior Patent Attorney, Video Compression

Reston, VA · On-site

$120 - $160/hr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... Agent. Key Responsibilities As a Senior Patent Attorney, you will: * Draft and prosecute patent ... Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field. * License to practice before ...

Ofinno

Senior Patent Attorney, Video Compression

Reston, VA · On-site

$130K - $307K/yr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... Patent Agent. This position may be filled at different career levels based on a candidate ... Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field * License to practice before a ...

Ofinno

Senior Patent Attorney, Video Compression

Reston, VA · On-site

$130K - $307K/yr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... Patent Agent. This position may be filled at different career levels based on a candidate ... Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field * License to practice before a ...

JBT Marel Corporation

Patent Attorney

Richmond, VA · Hybrid

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Profound understanding of scientific and technological principles and processes * Excellent written ... Excellent work life balance , including 42 vacation days , flexible working hours, and hybrid ...

ATCC

Senior Scientist

Manassas, VA · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Disseminate findings to internal and external audiences and contribute to publication or patent ... Mission Focused: * Non-profit organization supporting critical life science research * We give ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsLife Science Patent Agent JobsLife Science Patent Agent Jobs in Virginia

Life Science Patent Agent information

See Virginia salary details

$56.5K

$114.5K

$167.5K

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

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for life science patent agent in Virginia is $114,462.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $109,600.00 and $114,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical challenges faced by life science patent agents in their day-to-day work?

Life Science Patent Agents often encounter the challenge of translating complex scientific research into clear and precise legal documents that meet strict legal standards. Staying current with rapidly evolving technologies and shifting patent laws requires continual learning and adaptability. Agents frequently collaborate with scientists, inventors, and attorneys, so effective communication skills are essential for bridging technical and legal perspectives. Navigating tight deadlines and large caseloads is also common, which makes strong organizational skills and attention to detail especially important for success.

What is a life science patent agent?

A Life Science Patent Agent assists in drafting, filing, and prosecuting patent applications related to biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and other life sciences innovations. They work closely with inventors and legal teams to secure intellectual property rights. While they are not attorneys, they are registered with the USPTO and have a strong technical background in life sciences. Their role involves analyzing scientific inventions, conducting patent searches, and ensuring compliance with patent laws.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a life science patent agent?

To excel as a Life Science Patent Agent, you need a strong background in biological sciences or related fields, expertise in patent law concepts, and a degree in science or engineering, often coupled with registration to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Familiarity with patent filing software, prior art search databases, and intellectual property management systems is essential. Excellent written communication, analytical thinking, and client management skills distinguish top performers in this role. These skills are vital for translating complex scientific innovations into robust patent applications, ensuring legal compliance, and effectively collaborating with inventors and legal teams.

What are the most commonly searched types of Life Science Patent Agent jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Life Science Patent Agent jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Life Science Patent Agent jobs in Virginia?

For Life Science Patent Agent jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Life Science Patent Agent jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Life Science Patent Agent jobs in Virginia are:

Life Science Patent Agent jobs near you
Infographic showing various Life Science Patent Agent job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 6% Temporary. Highlights an 81% In-person, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $114,462 per year, or $55 per hour.

Patent Agent

McGuireWoods LLP

Richmond, VA • Hybrid

Full-time

PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago

McGuireWoods rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

21st of 34 rated law firms

Job description

Overview

McGuireWoods LLP is seeking a Patent Agent to join our team. The Patent Agent will prepare original patent applications, prepare responses to office actions received from the USPTO, and handle routine correspondence with the USPTO. The ideal candidate must be registered with the USPTO, have a degree in Software Engineering, Chemical Engineering or Chemistry, and experience and interest preparing patent applications.

McGuireWoods, one of the world's leading law firms, has provided legal solutions to corporate, individual and nonprofit clients since 1834. Along with excellent benefits, McGuireWoods offers most employees a hybrid remote option allowing flexibility and work-life balance. Our Applicant Disclosures describe your rights. Our Privacy Statement describes how we will process and safeguard your personal data.

Responsibilities
  • Writes new patent applications for filing at USPTO.
  • Analyzes and revises patent agreements and assists with appeals, inferences, reexaminations, interviews and reissues.
  • Negotiates and drafts patent agreements; prepares documents for filing and processing.
  • Drafts responses to USPTO office actions.
  • Performs patentability and freedom-to-operate searches, publication clearance reviews and assists in maintaining an active prosecution docket.
Qualifications
  • Requires Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Science and a minimum of three years of experience drafting, filing and prosecuting patent applications in the USPTO for an intellectual property law firm. 
  • Must be registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (PTO).
  • Must have excellent communication and organizational skills.
  • Ability to respond effectively to clients, employees and management and handle sensitive and/or confidential communications.
  • Must be self-motivated and have the ability to work under time restraints and deadlines.
  • Interest in using innovative AI technology, including Harvey and Copilot, to support efficient high-impact work.

Have more questions?  Connect with a recruiter directly.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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