Technical Advisor (Chemistry Patent Prosecution)

Job Description

Job DescriptionTechnical Advisor (Chemistry – Patent Prosecution)
San Francisco, CA

Direct Counsel is seeking a Technical Advisor to join a leading Am Law 100 law firm's Intellectual Property Practicein San Francisco. This position offers an exceptional opportunity for a scientist with a strong chemistry background to work alongside experienced patent attorneys and agents while helping innovative companies protect cutting-edge technologies and build valuable intellectual property portfolios.

This role is ideal for candidates interested in applying their scientific expertise to patent law and intellectual property strategy, with opportunities to work on sophisticated patent prosecution, freedom-to-operate analyses, and intellectual property due diligence matters.

About the Role

Working under the guidance of experienced intellectual property attorneys, the Technical Advisor will assist with a broad range of patent-related matters involving chemical, pharmaceutical, and life sciences technologies.

Responsibilities include:

• Reviewing and analyzing scientific literature, patents, and patent applications relating to a variety of chemical technologies.

• Evaluating inventions involving organic chemistry, synthetic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, and related disciplines.

• Conducting prior art and patent landscape research.

• Assessing patentability and identifying key inventive concepts.

• Drafting patent applications and supporting documentation.

• Preparing responses to patent office rejections and examiner inquiries.

• Performing freedom-to-operate analyses and patent due diligence reviews.

• Comparing inventions to existing technologies and identifying meaningful distinctions.

• Working directly with inventors, researchers, and business stakeholders to understand emerging technologies and develop intellectual property protection strategies.

• Collaborating with attorneys and team members on complex patent prosecution and portfolio development matters.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, or candidates who have successfully defended their dissertation and are awaiting degree conferral.

• Relevant laboratory research experience will also be considered.

• Strong knowledge of:

  • Organic Chemistry

  • Synthetic Chemistry

  • Medicinal Chemistry

  • Pharmaceutical Sciences

• Demonstrated ability to analyze scientific literature and complex technical concepts.

• Strong scientific writing and communication skills.

• Ability to synthesize large volumes of technical information into clear and concise written work.

• Experience presenting scientific concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• Collaborative mindset and ability to work effectively within team settings.

• Client-service orientation and strong professional communication skills.

Why Consider This Opportunity

This position provides an outstanding entry point into intellectual property law while allowing candidates to remain closely connected to cutting-edge scientific innovation.

Professionals in this practice benefit from:

• Direct exposure to groundbreaking chemical, pharmaceutical, and life sciences technologies.

• Hands-on experience with patent prosecution and intellectual property strategy.

• Mentorship from nationally recognized intellectual property attorneys.

• Opportunities to work with leading innovators, researchers, and emerging companies.

• A collaborative and intellectually stimulating work environment.

• Strong professional development and long-term career growth opportunities.

Work Environment

The firm values collaboration and professional development through in-person engagement. Team members are expected to work from the office approximately 60% of the time as part of the firm's hybrid work model.

Compensation & Benefits

Expected annual base salary ranges from $110,000 – $140,000, depending on education, experience, and qualifications. This position is also eligible for performance-based bonus compensation.

The firm offers a comprehensive benefits package, professional development resources, and opportunities for advancement within a nationally recognized intellectual property practice.

This is an excellent opportunity for a scientist interested in transitioning into intellectual property law while working with innovative technologies and building a long-term career within a premier patent practice.