Scheduled Hours

37.5

Position Summary

The Patent Administrator is responsible for supporting the activities of the Patent Management group at Washington University, including evaluating the patentability of technologies disclosed by WUSTL faculty. This role involves drafting, filing, and prosecuting patent applications for WUSTL inventions. Additionally, the Patent Administrator will handle various administrative tasks, such as preparing and submitting required forms and documentation to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). This includes managing submissions for patent applications, inventor declarations, assignments, powers of attorney, and Information Disclosure Statements, ensuring compliance with USPTO requirements.

The Patent Administrator will also serve as a key liaison, facilitating communication between OTM office personnel, university investigators, departments, and the USPTO. This position is critical for ensuring adherence to USPTO rules and deadlines, while providing essential support to the universityâ™s patent management efforts.

Job Description

USPTO Patent Filings and Reports

• Complete required USPTO forms for various submissions, including Application Data Sheets for patent filings.
• Review and format patent applications, drawings, and responses to USPTO communications such as Office Actions.
• Submit patent applications and responses to the USPTO and ensure timely payment of associated fees.
• Report all USPTO submissions to relevant members of the Licensing/Business, Docketing, and Finance Teams as required.

Information Disclosure Statements (IDS)

• Review patent filing records and identify relevant documents to be included in an Information Disclosure Statement (IDS).
• Locate, assemble, and prepare identified documents, complete the IDS form and cover letter, and submit the IDS filing.
• Report all IDS filings to appropriate team members.

Patent Application Preparation

• Assist Patent Agents or Patent Scientists in preparing specific portions of patent applications, such as sequence listings, amending or formatting drawings, and ensuring accuracy in application text and drawings.

Patent Response Preparation

• Support Patent Agents or Patent Scientists in the preparation of responses to USPTO communications, including drafting amendments to patent materials and preliminary drafts of responses to Office Actions.

Other Functions

• Perform other duties as assigned to support the Patent Management Group in meeting its goals and objectives.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified. Management reserves the right to revise or amend duties at any time.

Required Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor's degree

Certifications:

No specific certification is required for this position.

Work Experience:

No specific work experience is required for this position.

Skills:

Not Applicable

Driver's License:

A driver's license is not required for this position.

More About This Job

Washington University seeks highly motivated individuals who are able to perform duties in a manner consistent with our core mission and guiding principles.

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

No additional education beyond what is stated in the Required Qualifications section.

Certifications:

No additional certification beyond what is stated in the Required Qualifications section.

Work Experience:

No additional work experience beyond what is stated in the Required Qualifications section.

Skills:

Communication, Computer Literacy, Deadline Management, Detail-Oriented, Filing Documents, Identifying Problems, Intellectual Property, Interpersonal Communication, Multitasking, Office Administration, Paralegal Duties, Patent Management, Patent Prosecution, Prioritization, Teamwork, Workflow Management Tools, Workplace Organization, Written Communication

Grade

G10

Salary Range

$49,700.00 - $82,100.00 / Annually

The salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including one's qualifications and performance, equity with others in the department, market rates for positions within the same grade and department budget.

Questions

For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ.

Accommodation

If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email CandidateQuestions@wustl.edu or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.

All qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.

Pre-Employment Screening

All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.

Benefits Statement

Personal

• Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.

• Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.

• Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees.

• WashU provides eligible employees with a defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%.

Wellness

• Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program (EAP), financial resources, access to dietitians, and more!

Family

• We offer 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child. Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs. Need adult care? Weâ™ve got you covered.

• WashU covers the cost of tuition for you and your family, including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years with us.

For policies, detailed benefits, and eligibility, please visit: https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/

EEO/AA Statement

Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and especially encourages applications by those from underrepresented groups. It is the Universityâ™s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

Diversity Statement

Washington University is dedicated to building a diverse community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment â“ fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Individuals with a commitment to these values are encouraged to apply.

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