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Patent Paralegal

Oak Ridge National Laboratory
life insurance, parental leave, 401(k), retirement plan, relocation assistance
United States, Tennessee, Oak Ridge
1 Bethel Valley Road (Show on map)
Aug 19, 2026

Requisition Id16940

This is a 100% onsite role in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Relocation assistance is not provided.

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.

Oak Ridge National Laboratory's (ORNL's) Legal Directorate is seeking a Patent Paralegal to provide professional support to attorneys and sta in the Intellectual Property Management Group.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

  • Prepare and file all formal papers for patent applications written within ORNL.
  • Docket all actions for all ORNL patent applications.
  • Work closely with all patent agents to assist when necessary and to ensure that all deadlines are met.
  • Ensure outside counsel invoices for UT-Battelle's Patent Portfolio are properly administered and recorded in patent database.
  • Work closely with outside law firms to monitor actions and make sure all necessary actions are addressed.
  • Provide administrative support as needed.
  • Deliver ORNL's mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace - in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications:

  • High school diploma plus a minimum of five years of relevant experience, at least three of which must be experience as a paralegal, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in MS Word, MS Outlook, MS Excel, and PowerPoint.
  • Must have ability to learn quickly and adapt to rapid changes.
  • Excellent interpersonal and verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to apply critical thinking and analytical skills, which includes analyzing facts and issues and coming up with solutions.
  • Ability to work as a part of a team, including demonstration of cooperativeness, enthusiasm, positive attitude, and high-
  • Strong work ethic which includes staying on task, top-notch organizational and time management skills, punctuality, and reliability.
  • Ability to follow directions and the condence to ask questions or engage in collaborative discussion.
  • Experience in document (paper and electronically stored information) identification, collection, review, production, and document management.
  • Ability to work occasional overtime and to travel.
  • Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health, and quality program requirements including Integrated Safety Management System.
  • Maintain strong commitment to the implementation and perpetuation of values and ethics.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Patent paralegal experience.
  • Paralegal certification
  • Familiarity with the Anaqua patent docketing system.
  • Willingness to learn, think outside the box, be resourceful, and be adaptable to change.

Special Requirements:

  • Visa sponsorship: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
  • Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements: For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real ID compliant form of identification will be required. Additionally, ORNL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as mandated by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires a favorable post-employment background investigation.

To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

About ORNL:

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation's most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience.

Other benefits include the following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.

This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.

If you have trouble applying for a position, please email ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply. UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.

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