Patent Attorney

The Office of the Assistant General Counsel for Technology Transfer & Intellectual Property seeks a registered patent attorney to advise on complex intellectual property, data rights, technology transfer, and commercialization matters involving DOE-funded research, National Laboratories, and Department programs.

Duties

As a full performance Patent Attorney you will:

• Represent DOE's interests in intellectual property (IP), data, technology transfer, and commercialization matters across Departmental transactions, program designs, laboratory contractor engagements, and compliance and enforcement activities, to legally enable DOE's mission needs and priorities.
• Coordinate and advance DOE's position on IP and data rights by preparing legal analyses, drafting and reviewing provisions, negotiating terms in all agreement types, and supplying information and recommendations that support DOE's programmatic objectives.
• Interpret and apply federal and DOE IP, data, and technology transfer statutes, regulations, precedents, and policies, including the Bayh Dole Act, DOE IP title vesting statutes, other transaction authorities, and laboratory partnering authorities, to creatively resolve issues and advance DOE missions.
• Advise DOE officials, leadership, and program counsel on pending or potential IP and data issues affecting DOE programs, contractor operations, and technology transfer and commercialization, providing clear guidance on statutory interpretation, compliance obligations, and strategic options.

We are truly honored that DOE has been named America's #1 Best Employer for Veterans in 2023 by Forbes-not only among Government agencies, but among employers across the U.S. We are so proud of this ranking which reflects our commitment to the employment of veterans. As so many veterans at DOE renew their service to our Nation, we are deeply committed to their success and advancement. Veterans shape the future of energy

Salary

• $89,508 - $197,200/year

Conditions of Employment

• You must be a United States Citizen.
• This employer participates in the e-Verify program.
• If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. See www.sss.gov.
• If selected, your appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
• If selected, you may be required to complete a two year trial period.
• GS-12 and above are required to submit a Financial Disclosure Statement, OGE-450, Executive Branch Personnel Confidential
• If selected, you must self-identify if you are or were (within the last 5 years) a Schedule A, Schedule C, or non-career SES political appointee as OPM approval is required prior to finalizing your selection.
• Proof of current active member in good standing in the bar of a State, District of Columbia, territory of the United States, or Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
• Employees must maintain active bar membership while employed as an attorney with DOE.
• This position is NOT included in a Bargaining Agreement.
• Proof of registration to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
• Occasional travel may be required.

Qualifications

You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Basic Requirements:
All applicants MUST:

1. Meet the minimum education requirements of successful completion of a full course of study in a school of law accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) with a professional law degree (LL.B. or J.D.); AND
2. Must be a current, active member in good standing of the bar of a state, territory of the United States, District of Columbia, or Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

GS-12 Qualifications:

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: A qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level GS-11 in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as meeting 1 of 2 of the following:

• Sound legal training from an accredited law school and bar membership; coursework or internship experience in intellectual property (IP) law.
• Ability to research and analyze IP and technology transfer issues, e.g., inventions, patents, technical data, copyrights, trademarks, publications, and licenses, affecting DOE programs and contractors, and prepare clear advice and work product, e.g., memos, provisions, determinations.

GS-13 Qualifications:

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: A qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level GS-12 in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as meeting 2 of 3 of the following:

• Legal training and increasing responsibilities and experience in effectively handling transactions, compliance, program design, and other matters involving intellectual property, data, technology transfer, and related issues.
• Knowledgeable in federal intellectual property, data, and technology transfer legal frameworks (statutes, regulations, precedents, policies) and issues, and the ability to apply this to significant transactions, program designs, compliance, and other matters.
• Increasing responsibilities and experience in intellectual property, data, and technology transfer matters, and ability to prepare factually/legally sound advice and work product, both written and oral, with minimal supervision.

GS-14 Qualifications:

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: A qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level GS-13 in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as meeting 2 of 3 of the following:

• Sound and authoritative knowledge of intellectual property, data, and technology transfer legal frameworks (statutes, regulations, precedents, policies) and issues, and the ability to advance the Department's policies and programmatic interests using that authoritative knowledge.
• Ability to provide sound legal advice, both written and oral including in real time, to DOE officials, handle broad and complex intellectual property, data, technology transfer, and commercialization legal issues (including statutory interpretation), prepare counsel and provisions in complex matters and programs, and review documents for legal sufficiency.
• Increasing responsibilities and experience in intellectual property, data, and technology transfer matters, and ability to prepare factually/legally sound advice and work product, both written and oral, with minimal supervision.

GS-15 Qualifications:

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: A qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level GS-14 in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as meeting 2 of 3 of the following:

• Sound and sophisticated understanding of advanced intellectual property, data, technology transfer, and commercialization legal concepts and significant legal policy/regulatory issues.
• Increasing responsibilities and experience handling challenging intellectual property, data, technology transfer, and commercialization legal matters.
• Ability to communicate effectively and work independently to analyze, clarify, interpret, and resolve extremely challenging and complex intellectual property, data, technology transfer, and commercialization transactional, compliance, and program design matters to advance the Department's legal and programmatic interests.

IN ADDITION TO THE ABOVE REQUIREMENTS, a selectee for a GS-1222 Patent Attorney position must possess the following qualifications:

• Candidates must also have completed a full four-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's degree in a scientific, technological, or engineering field; AND
• Candidates must also be registered to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

"Experience" refers to paid and unpaid experience. Examples of qualifying unpaid experience may include: volunteer work done through National Service programs (such as Peace Corps and AmeriCorps); as well as work for other community-based philanthropic and social organizations. Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills; and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Education Attorney positions do have an education requirement. ALL Candidates must be a graduate of a law school accredited by the American Bar Association with a: Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree; OR Bachelor of Law (LL.B.) degree. For positions with an education requirement, you MUST submit: A copy of your transcripts or equivalent. An official transcript will be required if you are selected.; AND You must provide proof of bar or your bar number. For the Patent Attorney series candidates MUST also have completed a full four-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's degree in a scientific, technological, or engineering field. FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: Department of Education Education must be obtained from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Other Information The U.S. Department of Energy fosters a diverse and inclusive workplace and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Your position may be eligible for workplace flexibilities which may include remote work or telework options, and/or flexible work scheduling. These flexibilities may be requested in accordance with the DOE Workplace Flexibilities policy. New employees to the Department of Energy will be required to successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. Veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For more information, please visit the links at the bottom of this page or visit the FedsHireVets website. If you believe that you are eligible for the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP), please visit the OPM ICTAP/CTAP website for more information. In order to be considered under the ICTAP program, your application must score within the pre-established "well qualified" category as stated in the Qualifications section. More than one selection may be made from this vacancy announcement. Many positions require successful completion of a background investigation. A trial period of up to 2 years for the purpose of assessing the ability of an individual to adequately perform in an attorney position will be established for appointments under these authorities. Previous Federal experience in like positions MAY count toward the completion of this requirement. Your performance appraisal and incentive awards will be given due consideration in the selection process based on their relation to the duties of the position and the consistency with which they may be considered in evaluating you against other candidates. Hiring incentives may be authorized in accordance with agency policy and if funding is available. EEO Policy: https://www.energy.gov/justice/eeo-complaint-process Employees or applicants may request Reasonable Accommodation (RA) for assistance, when applying or competing for a job or performing a job due to their medical condition or to exercise their religious beliefs. If you need reasonable accommodation in the application or selection process, please contact the Staffing Specialist listed on this vacancy announcement. Reasonable Accommodation Policy: https://www.energy.gov/hc/articles/reasonable-accommodation-and-personal-assistance-service-procedure Veterans Information: https://https://www.energy.gov/careers/veterans-military-spouses Selective Service Registration: http://www.sss.gov/ The Fair Chance Act prohibits specific inquiries concerning an applicant's criminal or credit background unless the hiring agency has made a conditional offer of employment to the applicant. An applicant may submit a complaint to the agency within 30 calendar days of the date of alleged noncompliance by completing the Fair Chance Act Intake Form and submitting it to the Administrative Investigations Program at AdministrativeInvestigations@hq.doe.gov. Required Documents

Please note that if you fail to provide all required information, as specified in this announcement, you may not be considered for this position (or may not receive the special consideration for which you may be eligible).

RESUME WITH 3 REFERENCES: This can be done by either creating one in USAJOBS or uploading one of your choosing. Applicants will be evaluated based on a comparison of the position requirements against the quality and extent of experience or related education as reflected in their resume. Applicants are encouraged to ensure work experiences clearly show the possession of knowledge of the subject matter pertinent to the position and the technical skills to successfully perform the duties of the position.

COVER LETTER: This should be no more than 3 pagesthat describes your interest in this role at the Department of Energy and describes your experience.

WRITING SAMPLE: A writing sample should besufficiently complex in nature to demonstrate the applicant's skills in the qualifications of this position.

VETERANS' PREFERENCE DOCUMENTATION: If you are claiming veterans' preference, you may provide a DD-214 Member Copy 4 showing type of discharge/character of service; current active-duty members- certification of expected discharge or release from active duty under honorable conditions dated within 120 days; SF-15 Form and related documentation; VA letter. For more information visit the USAJOBS Help Center & OPM CHCOC website for VOW information.

ACTIVE BAR MEMBERSHIP: You must submit evidence of an Active Bar Membership as described in the Qualifications Section of this announcement.

EDUCATION DOCUMENTATION: You MUST submit a copy of your transcripts or equivalent. Unofficial law school transcripts or any report listing institution, course title, credits earned (semester or quarter hour) and final grade is acceptable. It is your responsibility to provide adequate proof that you meet the educational requirements of this position. A college or university degree generally must be from an accredited (or pre-accredited) college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools which meet these criteria, please refer to Department of Education Accreditation page. If you are qualifying based on foreign education, you must submit proof of creditability of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency. Refer to the OPM instructions.

CTAP/ICTAP Eligible Applicants: To receive selection priority, you must submit the following documentation with your application:

1. Proof of Eligibility: A copy of your agency-issued Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice, a copy of your separation SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) noting transition/displaced status, or other official agency documentation confirming your eligible status.
2. Proof of Performance Rating: A copy of your most recent performance appraisal/rating of record, which must include:
   • Your final rating (must be at least "Fully Successful" or equivalent); and
   • The rating scale/guide (explaining what each level/numeric score means), unless the rating scale is clearly defined on the appraisal document itself.

Note: While a formal performance appraisal is highly recommended and requested to expedite your evaluation, if your agency-issued RIF separation notice or other official separation documentation explicitly states that your performance was at least "Fully Successful" (or equivalent) and notes your rating of record, it may be accepted in lieu of a formal performance appraisal. Failure to provide any documentation proving a rating of at least "Fully Successful" or equivalent will result in the loss of your priority consideration. For more information see the OPM Guide to Career Transition.

CURRENT OR FORMER POLITICAL APPOINTEES: If this is applicable, please note on your resume and attach an SF-50. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C or Non-Career SES employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the hiring manager and HR office.

How to Apply

Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply for this position, you must complete the initial online application, to include submission of the required documentation specified in the Required Documents section. A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the announcement closing date to receive consideration.


The application process is as follows:

1. Read all instructions before you begin.
2. Click "Apply Online."
3. Complete the application and attach all required documents.
4. Submit by 11:59 PM ET on the 10/30/2026.

Resume Tips:

• Max 2 pages and 5MB file size.
• PDF is recommended to preserve formatting; we also accept GIF, JPG, JPEG, PNG, RTF, TXT, ODT, or Word (DOC/DOCX). No PDF portfolios.
• Use clear fonts like Lato, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, Open Sans, Source Sans Pro, Roboto, or Noto Sans.
• Set 0.5-inch margins.
• Use 14-point font for titles, 10-point for main text.

Managing Your Application:

• Update: Edit your application in USAJOBS before the closing date.
• Status: Log into USAJOBS to view your application status. Learn more here: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.

Support:

• USAJOBS Help: Visit https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/ for login.gov or USAJOBS assistance.
• Application Issues: If you have difficulty applying online, contact the Agency Contact listed in this announcement during business hours. Take screenshots of any system errors.

To update your application, including supporting documentation: During the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account, find your application record, and click Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.
To verify the status of your application, during and after the announcement open period, log into your USAJOBS account; applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each application status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.