OverviewThe PNNL Office of General Counsel is a group of dynamic legal professionals who counsel, advise, and proactively partner with managers and subject matter experts to provide innovative and risk-based solutions to achieve mission success. We understand that the work performed at PNNL is complex and embrace the challenge of finding innovative and compliant solutions while enabling cutting-edge research and development to take place. We strive to build collaborative relationships of trust and serve as a reliable resource for overcoming challenges and resolving concerns while being ethical in all that we do.
ResponsibilitiesThe Patent Docking Administrator provides effective, accurate, and reliable administrative support to the intellectual property (IP) protection strategies of a multi-program national laboratory, ensuring timely and compliant management of patent and related IP matters.
- Work closely with IP attorneys, agents, and internal practitioners to maintain the IP docket in a current, accurate, and up-to-date status using specialized docketing software.
- Track, manage, and respond to correspondence from internal stakeholders, external counsel, and patent offices and maintain complete, accurate, and properly organized files, dockets, and records to ensure efficient retrieval and audit readiness.
- Coordinate filings, monitor deadlines, and support compliance with patent and IP filings prepared by internal IP practitioners, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and compliance with legal, contractual, and organizational deadlines.
- Maintain up-to-date records and documentation to support IP protection strategies and facilitate timely decision-making.
- Prepare and provide accurate and timely ad hoc reports that give patent practitioners clear insight into matters requiring attention or action.
- Support related office functions, including processing payments to outside associates and patent offices and providing supplemental information to commercialization and technology transfer staff.
- Participate as part of an integrated professional support team, engaging collaboratively with colleagues to achieve shared goals and address new challenges.
- Perform other duties as assigned to support efficient, professional office operations and evolving organizational needs.
- Prepare, file, and track patent and IP-related documents with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and other relevant authorities.
- Support additional IP Office functions, including maintenance fee and annuity payments, reporting to government bodies, document preparation and tracking, and collaboration with Technology Transfer and commercialization teams.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Knowledge of IP docketing processes, patent lifecycles, and related administrative procedures.
- Strong attention to detail with the ability to work independently and manage multiple deadlines accurately.
- Strong organizational, communication, and collaboration skills to effectively support internal and external stakeholders.
- Ability to work with sensitive, proprietary, and privileged information with discretion and professionalism.
- Ability and willingness to support process improvements and adapt to new systems, tools, and workflows in a growth-focused environment.
This position is based in Richland, WA and requires an onsite presence 5 days/week.
QualificationsMinimum Qualifications:
- High school diploma/GED and 6 years of relevant experience -OR-
- AA or higher and 4 years of relevant experience
Preferred Qualifications:
- Law office experience, particularly in an IP Office.
- Patent docketing experience.
- Experience with IP databases and docketing systems (e.g., IP Manager).
- Experience preparing, filing, or tracking documents with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
- Experience with annuity or maintenance fee payments.
- Experience supporting patent attorneys, agents, or other IP professionals.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
Hazardous Working Conditions/EnvironmentNot Applicable
Additional InformationThis position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance.
A security clearance background investigation includes review of your employment, education, financial, and criminal history, as well as interviews with you and your personal references, neighbors, and co-workers to determine trustworthiness, reliability, and loyalty to the United States. The investigation also examines your foreign connections, drug and alcohol use, foreign influence, and overall conduct.
Requirements:
- U.S. Citizenship
- Background Investigation: Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified matter in accordance with 10 CFR 710, Appendix B.
- Drug Testing: All Security Clearance positions are Testing Designated Positions, which means that the applicant selected for hire is subject to pre-employment drug testing, and post-employment random drug testing. In addition, applicants must be able to demonstrate non-use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, for the 12 consecutive months preceding completion of the requisite Questionnaire for National Security Positions (QNSP).
Note: Applicants will be considered ineligible for security clearance processing by the U.S. Department of Energy if non-use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, for 12 months cannot be demonstrated.
Testing Designated PositionThis position is a Testing Designated Position (TDP). The candidate selected for this position will be subject to pre-employment and random drug testing for illegal drugs, including marijuana, consistent with the Controlled Substances Act and the PNNL Workplace Substance Abuse Program.
About PNNLPacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution powered by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to the values of Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage. Every year, scores of dynamic, driven people come to PNNL to work with renowned researchers on meaningful science, innovations and outcomes for the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors; here is your chance to be one of them!
At PNNL, you will find an exciting research environment and excellent benefits including health insurance, and flexible work schedules. PNNL is located in eastern Washington State—the dry side of Washington known for its stellar outdoor recreation and affordable cost of living. The Lab’s campus is only a 45-minute flight (or ~3 hour drive) from Seattle or Portland, and is serviced by the convenient PSC airport, connected to 8 major hubs.
Commitment to Excellence and Equal Employment OpportunityOur laboratory is committed to fostering a work environment where all individuals are treated with fairness and respect while solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. PNNL considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), protected veteran status, and any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local laws.
We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures and in employment. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, contact us at careers@pnnl.gov.
Drug Free WorkplacePNNL is committed to a drug-free workplace supported by Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP) and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs.
If you are offered employment at PNNL, you must pass a drug test prior to commencing employment. PNNL complies with federal law regarding illegal drug use. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug. If you test positive for any illegal controlled substance, including marijuana, your offer of employment will be withdrawn.
Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility RequirementsAs a national laboratory, PNNL is responsible for adhering to the Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which require new employees to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identify Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete the applicable tier of federal background investigation post hire and receive a favorable federal adjudication. The tier of federal background investigation will be determined by job duties and national security or public trust responsibilities associated with the job. All tiers of investigation include a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last 1 to 7 years (depending on the applicable tier of investigation). Illegal drug activities include marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.
For foreign national candidates:
If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) Federal risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement thereafter, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment. The tier of federal background investigation required to obtain the PIV credential will be determined by job duties at the time you become eligible for the PIV credential.
Mandatory RequirementsPlease be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from having any affiliation with the foreign government of a country DOE has identified as a “country of risk” without explicit approval by DOE and Battelle. If you are offered a position at PNNL and currently have any affiliation with the government of one of these countries, you will be required to disclose this information and recuse yourself of that affiliation or receive approval from DOE and Battelle prior to your first day of employment.
Rockstar RewardsEmployees and their families are offered medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, robust telehealth care options, several mental health benefits, free wellness coaching, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance*, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, tuition assistance, relocation, backup childcare, legal benefits, supplemental parental bonding leave, surrogacy and adoption assistance, and fertility support. Employees are automatically enrolled in our company-funded pension plan* and may enroll in our 401 (k) savings plan with company match*. Employees may accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year and may receive ten paid holidays per year.
* Research Associates excluded.
**All benefits are dependent upon eligibility.
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Notice to ApplicantsPNNL lists the full pay range for the position in the job posting. Starting pay is calculated from the minimum of the pay range and actual placement in the range is determined based on an individual’s relevant job-related skills, qualifications, and experience. This approach is applicable to all positions, with the exception of positions governed by collective bargaining agreements and certain limited-term positions which have specific pay rules.
As part of our commitment to fair compensation practices, we do not ask for or consider current or past salaries in making compensation offers at hire. Instead, our compensation offers are determined by the specific requirements of the position, prevailing market trends, applicable collective bargaining agreements, pay equity for the position type, and individual qualifications and skills relevant to the performance of the position.
Minimum SalaryUSD $28.46/Hr.
Maximum SalaryUSD $41.97/Hr.
