Job at a glance
Requisition Id 16918 Overview: Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is the largest US Department of Energy science and energy laboratory, conducting basic and applied research to deliver transformative solutions to compelling problems in energy and security. Our diverse capabilities span a broad range of scientific and engineering disciplines, enabling the Laboratory to explore fundamental science challenges and to carry out the research needed to accelerate the delivery of solutions to the marketplace.
We are seeking an experienced Patent Attorney to support the laboratory’s research, innovation, and national security mission. This role provides legal counsel on intellectual property, technology transfer, commercialization, and research-related transactions in a highly regulated government-contractor environment. The Patent Attorney will work closely with scientists, engineers, technology transfer professionals, procurement and export control personnel, DOE patent and laboratory leadership to protect and deploy ORNL innovations in compliance with DOE requirements, federal law, and the laboratory’s public mission.
This is an in-house legal role for an attorney with strong patent expertise, sound judgment, transactional experience, and the ability to support multidisciplinary stakeholders across a complex research enterprise. Major Duties and Responsibilities: The Patent Attorney will provide practical, strategic legal support for ORNL staff, including: Advise staff and management on intellectual property matters, including patent and copyright law, data rights, licensing, technology transfer, economic development, sponsored research, and other transactions supporting the laboratory’s mission; Proactively identify and respond to opportunities to contribute to the ORNL mission and lab agenda within scope of responsibility; Support and guide in-house patent agents and paralegals, and outside patent counsel to ensure high-quality patent preparation, prosecution, and portfolio management aligned with laboratory objectives; Assist in developing and managing patent portfolios that advance ORNL’s technology transfer, commercialization, and public-interest goals; Support procurement activities by advising on IP clauses and related contracting issues; Provide legal support on export control matters affecting IP, research collaborations, technology dissemination, and related transactions, in coordination with internal subject matter experts; Advise and educate laboratory personnel on IP policies, procedures, and best practices; Collaborate with researchers, licensing professionals, contracting personnel, and leadership to resolve legal issues in a practical, timely, and mission-focused manner; Contribute to improvements in legal processes, templates, training, and guidance materials for internal clients.
Basic Qualifications: Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school; Active license to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction and ability to satisfy applicable Tennessee BAR Association practice requirements; Active membership in the U.S. Patent Bar. A minimum of ten (10) years of demonstrated experience in patent preparation, prosecution, and portfolio strategy; Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to explain complex legal issues to technical and non-technical audiences; Demonstrated ability to work effectively with scientists, engineers, business professionals, contracting personnel, research administrators, and senior leadership; Strong interpersonal skills and commitment to client service in a collaborative environment.
Preferred Qualifications: A minimum of five (5) years of experience with the DOE patent system, whether as a contractor attorney, federal employee, or counsel supporting DOE laboratories; Familiarity with export control, federal procurement law, sponsored research, and commercialization in a government-contractor setting; Technical background or demonstrated ability to wor