Brookhaven Science Associates

Overview

The mission of the legal office of Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) is to protect and preserve the Laboratory’s legal, ethical, and financial integrity and reputation while providing world‑class legal services. Brookhaven National Laboratory’s Intellectual Property Legal Group is seeking a qualified Patent Agent for a full‑time, permanent position, responsible for managing an active patent docket for BNL inventions spanning nanomaterials, microelectronics, bioengineering, high‑energy physics, electrocatalysts, and related scientific disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Process incoming invention records and disclosure forms.
• Develop and oversee intellectual property protection processes.
• Prepare, file, prosecute patent applications and maintain issued patents, coordinating with outside counsel as needed.
• Prepare supporting documents and forms for the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and foreign counterparts.
• Operate within legal, regulatory, and contractual frameworks, ensuring compliance with DOE prime contract, regulations, orders or instructions.
• Collaborate with colleagues, apply sound judgment, and work proactively in a team environment to learn systems and processes.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in a technical or scientific discipline (or equivalent foreign degree).
• Current registration as a Patent Agent with the USPTO.
• Minimum six 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 a federal security clearance.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with legal, scientific, and technical professionals.
• Demonstrated ability to apply independent judgment and to develop tailored patent protection strategies for diverse technologies.
• Familiarity with tracking, recording, and docketing USPTO due dates in Sophia (Evolve) or other IP management/technology transfer systems.
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to manage competing priorities and statutory deadlines.
• Professional discretion and ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive or privileged information.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with Department of Energy regulations and policies for management and operation contractor prime contract terms.
• Experience with software/computer‑science patent applications or background in computer science, software engineering, or electrical engineering.
• Technical background involving algorithms, data structures, AI/ML/LLMs.
• Experience improving work processes using electronic portfolio management and AI‑based IP tools.

Benefits

• Full‑time, permanent position with flexible work arrangement (4 days onsite / 1 day remote).
• Annual salary range: $140,000 – $170,000, contingent on qualifications, education, and experience.
• Comprehensive employee benefits program (details available through the BNL Benefits Program).
• Eligibility depends on obtaining and maintaining a federal security clearance; not eligible for relocation assistance or visa sponsorship.

EEO Statement

Brookhaven Science Associates is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to any characteristic protected by law. We provide reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities to participate in the application or interview process and to perform essential job functions.