Paralegal – Research Innovation

Supports patent counsel by assisting with the preparation, filing, tracking, and maintenance of patent applications and related intellectual property records. Coordinates with inventors, internal staff, and external legal partners to ensure timely, accurate, and compliant management of institution owned intellectual property.

• Provides paralegal support to patent counsel in the preparation, filing, prosecution, and maintenance of intellectual property, including domestic and international patent applications.
• Drafts and prepares routine patent prosecution documents, forms, correspondence, and supporting materials under attorney supervision.
• Performs executive administrative tasks for the department including legal agreements, service contracts, and billing.
• Coordinates patent filings with outside counsel and government agencies, including tracking deadlines, docketing, and compliance requirements.
• Maintains and manages intellectual property records, databases, and files to ensure accuracy, completeness, and confidentiality.
• Assists with monitoring patent deadlines, renewals, and maintenance activities to ensure institutional compliance.

Minimum qualifications based upon job documentation and industry best practices. Any current employees not meeting these qualifications will be grandfathered until they move to a different job.

• Some college coursework from an accredited institution.

• Two years' relevant experience.
• Experience providing administrative or paralegal support in a professional office environment, with exposure to legal, compliance, or policy-related work.
• Demonstrated ability to manage confidential information, organize documentation, and support multiple priorities.

Office or other indoor work with minimal physical demands such as occasionally lifting or moving materials less than 25 pounds.

Work is generally performed in a well-lit, temperature-controlled indoor environment with occasional exposure to the outdoors or any number of elements

Revised: 2026-02-17