ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Phd Biotechnology Patent Attorney Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Satori Digital

Biotech Patent Attorney

Carteret, NJ · On-site

Offices | Hybrid Work Environment Summary Foley & Lardner's nationally recognized Chemical, Biotechnology & Pharmaceutical group is seeking a Patent Agent or Patent Attorney with a Ph.D. in life ...

SagePaths

Patent Attorney

Boston, MA · Hybrid

$170K - $250K/yr

Patent Attorney - Life Sciences (Biotech / Pharma) Location: Boston, US Overview A highly regarded, boutique intellectual property firm is seeking a Patent Attorney with a strong life sciences ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsPhd Biotechnology Patent Attorney Jobs

Phd Biotechnology Patent Attorney information

See salary details

$67K

$149.4K

$259.5K

How much do phd biotechnology patent attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for phd biotechnology patent attorney in the United States is $149,437.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $112,000.00 and $175,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a PhD biotechnology patent attorney?

PhD Biotechnology Patent Attorneys are professionals who have both a doctoral degree (PhD) in biotechnology or a related scientific field and legal qualifications to practice as patent attorneys. They specialize in helping inventors and organizations secure intellectual property rights for biotechnological inventions, such as new drugs, genetic engineering technologies, or diagnostic tools. Their expertise allows them to understand complex scientific concepts and navigate the legal processes required to obtain patents. They often draft, file, and prosecute patent applications, and may also advise on patent strategy and litigation.

How does a PhD in biotechnology enhance effectiveness as a patent attorney?

Having a PhD in Biotechnology provides a strong foundation in complex scientific concepts, enabling you to thoroughly understand and evaluate highly technical patent applications. This expertise allows you to communicate effectively with inventors, draft robust patent claims, and anticipate potential challenges during prosecution. Additionally, clients and colleagues often rely on your advanced knowledge to navigate interdisciplinary matters, making you a valuable asset on collaborative legal and scientific teams.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a PhD biotechnology patent attorney?

To thrive as a PhD Biotechnology Patent Attorney, you need an advanced degree in biotechnology or a related life science, combined with a law degree and bar admission, as well as registration to practice before a patent office (such as the USPTO). Familiarity with patent databases, intellectual property management systems, and legal research tools is vital. Outstanding analytical thinking, attention to detail, and strong written and verbal communication skills set candidates apart in this role. These skills and qualifications are crucial for effectively translating complex scientific concepts into clear legal documents and securing robust intellectual property protection for clients.

What is the difference between Phd Biotechnology Patent Attorney vs Patent Agent?

AspectPhd Biotechnology Patent AttorneyPatent Agent
CredentialsPhD in Biotechnology, Juris Doctor (JD), State Bar admissionTypically a scientific degree, passing the patent bar exam
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, corporate legal departments, patent officesPatent law firms, corporate IP departments, patent offices
Industry UsageLegal representation, patent prosecution, litigationPatent prosecution, application drafting, client advising

The main difference is that a Phd Biotechnology Patent Attorney has a law degree and is licensed to practice law, allowing them to represent clients in legal matters and litigation. Patent Agents, while qualified to prepare and file patents, cannot provide legal representation in court. Both roles require a scientific background and knowledge of patent law, but attorneys have broader legal authority.

More about Phd Biotechnology Patent Attorney jobs

What cities are hiring for Phd Biotechnology Patent Attorney jobs?

Cities with the most Phd Biotechnology Patent Attorney job openings:

What states have the most Phd Biotechnology Patent Attorney jobs?

States with the most job openings for Phd Biotechnology Patent Attorney jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Phd Biotechnology Patent Attorney jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Phd Biotechnology Patent Attorney jobs are:

Phd Biotechnology Patent Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various Phd Biotechnology Patent Attorney job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 73% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 23% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $149,437 per year, or $71.8 per hour.

Life Sciences Patent Prosecution Attorney

Direct Counsel

Philadelphia, PA

$215K - $320K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

Location: Philadelphia, PA | Hybrid
Compensation: $215,500–$320,000 + Bonus

Direct Counsel is representing a highly regarded national law firm seeking a Life Sciences Patent Prosecution Associate to join its sophisticated Intellectual Property practice.

This is an excellent opportunity for a patent attorney with a strong scientific background to work on complex biotechnology and life sciences patent matters for clients ranging from innovative startups to major global companies.

The firm is preferencing candidates in Philadelphia, although candidates located near other firm offices may also be considered.

Position Overview

The ideal candidate will have 2+ years of biotechnology patent prosecution experience, an advanced degree in the biological sciences (Ph.D. strongly preferred), and registration to practice before the USPTO.

Candidates should have meaningful experience preparing and prosecuting patent applications involving biologics, biotechnology, or other large-molecule technologies.

Key Responsibilities
  • Prepare, file, and prosecute U.S. and international patent applications involving biotechnology and life sciences technologies.
  • Manage domestic and international patent prosecution matters throughout the patent lifecycle.
  • Conduct and analyze freedom-to-operate, IP due diligence, infringement, validity, and patent landscape searches.
  • Counsel clients regarding patent strategy, portfolio development and management, and enforcement considerations.
  • Communicate with clients, the USPTO, foreign associates, and internal legal teams regarding prosecution strategy.
  • Work closely with attorneys and scientists on sophisticated biotechnology and life sciences intellectual property matters.
  • Contribute to a collaborative and entrepreneurial IP practice with significant opportunities for professional development.
Qualifications
  • 2+ years of experience as a patent attorney handling biotechnology or life sciences patent matters.
  • Advanced degree in a relevant biological science; Ph.D. preferred.
  • Scientific backgrounds may include:
    • Molecular Biology
    • Cell Biology
    • Microbiology
    • Immunology
    • Genetics
    • Biochemistry
    • Biotechnology
    • Related life sciences disciplines
  • Experience preparing and prosecuting patent applications involving biologics or other large-molecule technologies.
  • Experience conducting freedom-to-operate, patent landscape, validity, infringement, and/or IP due diligence analyses.
  • USPTO registration in good standing required.
  • Admission to at least one U.S. state bar.
  • Prior law firm experience preferred.
  • Strong academic credentials.
  • Excellent legal writing, analytical, communication, and organizational skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple sophisticated matters and competing deadlines.
  • Permanent authorization to work in the United States.
Compensation & Benefits

Base Salary: $215,500–$320,000, depending on experience.

Additional compensation opportunities may include discretionary and hours-based bonuses.

The firm also offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, and retirement programs, along with a strong culture of mentorship, professional development, and advancement.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

This role offers the opportunity to combine an advanced scientific background with sophisticated patent practice while working alongside experienced intellectual property attorneys on cutting-edge life sciences technologies.

For a Ph.D.-level patent attorney with biotechnology prosecution experience, this is an opportunity to join a nationally recognized platform while developing a long-term career in life sciences intellectual property.

Direct Counsel is committed to connecting exceptional legal professionals with leading law firms and legal organizations nationwide.