Job Title: Attorney-Adviser (Patent)

Summary
Serves as Senior Patent Attorney representing the agency regarding matters concerning complex patent and other intellectual property law.

Learn more about this agency

Overview Accepting applications
Open & closing dates
11/09/2023 to 12/08/2023

This job will close when we have received 50 applications which may be sooner than the closing date. Learn more

Salary
$104,406 - $161,775 per year The salary listed above does not include locality. Locality will be determined based on the duty location of the selectee.

Pay scale & grade
FV K
Locations 1 vacancy in the following locations:

Atlantic City, NJ

Queens, NY

Telework eligible
Yes-as determined by the agency policy.

Travel Required
25% or less - The job may require up to 25% travel.

Relocation expenses reimbursed
No

Appointment type
Permanent -

Work schedule
Full-time -

Service
Excepted

Promotion potential
NA

Job family (Series)
0905 Attorney

Supervisory status
No

Security clearance
Other

Drug test
No

Announcement number
AWA-AGC-24-28002AN-84854

Control number
759921000

This job is open to

The public
U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Individuals with disabilities

Veterans

Duties Leads highly complex, highly visible, and challenging assignments providing expert advice and counsel to management, including high-level agency officials, on a full range of intellectual property (IP) legal services, including the areas of patents, copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets, and data rights. This includes but is not limited to: engaging with employees across the FAA to identify potentially patentable inventions; working with inventors to develop ideas; leading discussions with FAA inventors; participating in the invention development process; making strategic assessments regarding the filing of patent applications; drafting high-quality patent applications involving a wide range of technologies for licensing through, and coordination with, the FAA Technology Transfer Office (TTO).
Provides counseling and training to FAA engineers & scientists, contract officers, procurement personnel, and lines of business and staff office (LOB/SO) in personnel on all areas of intellectual property (patent, trademark, copyright), technology transfer, open source software, and data rights (including inventions, patents, trade secrets, computer software, and technical data rights).
Serves as an expert advisor to the TTO and advises on technology transfer matters including patent licensing and Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) matters. Negotiates and resolves complex intellectual property agreements, software licenses and third-party IP rights pertaining to the rights of inventors, research collaborators, other agency personnel, private companies, and funding recipients. Collaborates with the FAA Innovation & Technology Advisory Council (ITAC) located within the William J. Hughes Technical Center, Atlantic City International Airport. On a limited basis, assists in trademark procurement/maintenance, provides litigation support for patent, trademark, and copyright infringement claims, and resolves patent, trademark, and copyright administrative claims.
Represents the FAA as a recognized legal authority at the national and international levels in the legal specialty. Keeps practice area and AGC management informed of client issues and activities that may or should be discussed at a higher management level. Considerable discretion is often required to develop new or innovative approaches or interpretations.
Produces communications that are very well-organized, clear, and persuasive. Maintains the appropriate balance between providing accurate, complete, and practical legal advice. Effectively adjusts communications and/or advice to meet audience expectations and level of understanding.
Demonstrates interpersonal skills needed to develop and maintain strong client relationships. Develops knowledge and a full understanding of key client business processes, priorities, and objectives relevant to the practice area. Actively participates with clients to identify and meet client goals and objectives. Provides advice tailored to the client and requirements of the agency. Seeks consensus with client as to the timing and scope of work. Proactively identifies and pursues appropriate alternative solutions to effectively represent the agency's interests in responding to high-priority issues.
Independently plans, acquires, directs, and commits time and resources to accomplish agency objectives. Is fully accountable for accomplishing work activities within established schedules.
Maintains a high level of professional knowledge. Pursues new ideas or approaches to strengthen personal and professional effectiveness.
Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements
Conditions of Employment
US Citizenship is required. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. This position has a positive education requirement. Transcript(s) required. Applicants who are or have been employed by the Federal Government SHOULD also upload a copy of the most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action).

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, ALL applicants MUST meet the following criteria:
(1) have a JD Degree from an accredited law school; and
(2) be admitted to practice before the bar of any U.S. jurisdiction state, territory, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico; and
(3) be an active member of that BAR; and
(4) be licensed and registered to practice law before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Proof of licensure and registration must be presented at the time of application; and
(5) demonstrate at least one year (52 weeks) of SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE equivalent to the next lower grade/pay band (FG/GS-14/FV-J) that is typically related to the line of work of the position to be filled and which has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities required to successfully perform the duties of the position. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been at least equivalent to the next lower level in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE is defined as:
Experience conducting in-depth research, providing legal counsel on the principles and precedents applicable to patent, copyright, and trademark intellectual property and patent law; and Drafting and prosecuting patent applications in the fields of electrical, mechanical, computer, physics, chemical technologies, and/or related technological fields. *Desirable candidate(s) will have experience in U.S. government data rights, training and counseling across a wide variety of legal vehicles (i.e., contracts, other transaction agreements, grants, and technology transfer).
You should include relevant examples of the specialized experience in your work history. Errors or omissions may impact your rating or may result in you not being considered.
Answer all questions to the best of your ability. DO NOT ASSUME THAT BECAUSE YOU HOLD, OR HAVE HELD THIS POSITION, YOU WILL AUTOMATICALLY BE FOUND ELIGIBLE. You may be asked to provide evidence or documentation that you have this type of experience later in the selection process. Your responses are subject to verification through job interviews, or any other information obtained during the application process. Any exaggeration of your experience or any attempt to conceal information can result in disqualification.
*Applicants who fail to demonstrate possession of any of the above criteria AND who do not provide the required documentation will receive no further consideration for this position.*
Eligible applicants meeting the minimum qualification requirements and/or selective placement factor(s) (SPF) may be further evaluated on the Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA) and/or Quality Ranking Factor (QRF) listed in the announcement. Based on this evaluation, applicants will be placed in one of the following categories: (1) score order; (2) category grouping; or (3) alphabetical, and referred to the selecting official for selection consideration.
Applicants may be asked to verify information on your application for employment with the FAA.
**All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this vacancy announcement.**
This announcement is limited for the receipt of applications. Once 50 applications are received, it will close at 11:59p EST on that date, or on the initial closing date, whichever occurs first.

Education
This position has a positive education requirement: Applicants must submit a copy of their college or university transcripts(s) and certificates by the closing date of announcement to verify qualifications. If selected, an official transcript will be required prior to appointment. You may upload these documents with your application in USAJOBS or fax it to fax number provided in the announcement (please include announcement number on each page).

Failure to do so will result in loss of consideration.

Schools must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Accreditation may be verified at the following website: www.ed.gov/accreditation.

Foreign education must be evaluated by a private professional organization specializing in interpretation of foreign education credentials or an accredited U.S. educational institution in terms of equivalence to a degree acquired at an American college or university. A copy of the evaluation results must be included, otherwise your foreign education will not be considered.
It is the responsibility of the applicant to provide such evidence at the time of application. For additional information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html
Applicants who are not currently in the 905 occupational series (Attorney) in the Federal Government and fail to provide a copy of an unofficial or official transcript will not receive further consideration for this vacancy. Upon selection, if not currently employed in the 905 occupational series (Attorney), you will be required to submit an official transcript prior to appointment. If you do not have an official transcript (original, with the raised seal), you should contact your school immediately to request it.

Preview Job Questionnaire Make sure your resume includes detailed information to support your qualifications and answers to the job questionnaire.

Additional information

We may use this vacancy to fill other similar vacant positions.
Position may be subject to a background investigation.
A one-year probationary period may be required.

The person selected for this position may be required to file a financial disclosure statement within 30 days of entry on duty. FAA policy limits certain outside employment and financial investments in aviation-related companies. www.faa.gov/jobs/working_here/financial_disclosure_requirements

The U.S. Department of Transportation strives to ensure that equity, transparency, accountability, collaboration, and communication permeate all that we do for the betterment of the Department, the traveling public, and our nation. As such, DOT values a highly diverse workforce of persons who promote a culture of belonging by respecting the personal dignity and worth of each individual and fostering a positive environment where all feel safe and welcome. If these commitments coincide with your personal ideals and professional aspirations, please consider joining the DOT family.

NOTES :
1) This position may be filled at either the K or J band level. The J-band level position is announced under Vacancy Announcement VA#AWA-AGC-24-28002AN-84822.
2) As a part of the Federal-Wide Hiring Reform Initiative (streamlining the hiring process), the FAA is committed to eliminating the use of the Knowledge, Skills and Ability (KSA) narratives from the initial application in the hiring process for all announcements. Therefore, as an applicant for this announcement, you are NOT required to provide a narrative response in the text box listed below each KSA.
In lieu of providing a KSA narrative response in the text box listed below each KSA section, in your work history, please include information that provides specific examples of how you meet the response level or answer you chose for each KSA. Your work history examples should be specific and clearly reflect the highest level of ability. Your KSA answers will be evaluated further to validate whether the level that you selected is appropriate based on the work history and experience you provided. Your answers may be adjusted by a human resource specialist as appropriate.
3) This position is covered by the FAA Core Compensation plan. Additional information about core compensation is available on the following website: http://jobs.faa.gov/FAACoreCompensation.htm.
4) This Level 5 (Moderate Risk; Public Trust) position requires favorable adjudication of a Minimum Background Investigation (MBI) background investigation prior to appointment unless a waiver is obtained.
5) AFSCME Interview Criteria: Article 42, Section 13 states: If the selecting official decides to interview any employee on the selection list for a vacancy, then all who remain under consideration for the position at that point in the process must be interviewed. If the selection list is shortened to a best qualified list through a comparative process, then the best qualified list shall be considered to be the selection list. If it is determined that interviews are required and telephone interviews are not utilized, travel expenses incidental to these interviews will be paid in accordance with the Agency's travel regulations and this Agreement.

This is a bargaining unit position. This position is represented by AFSCME Local 1653.

Links to Important Information: Locality Pay , COLA

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IMPORTANT: Applicants may be rated on the extent and quality of experience, education, and training relevant to the duties of the position(s). All answers provided in the on-line process must be substantiated. Ensure that your application package/resume supports your responses.

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.
ALL applicants MUST submit the following:
(1) resume with complete work history;
(2) proof of active BAR membership in any U.S. jurisdiction or within the District of Columbia. or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico (Please provide bar association number(s) & verification of active status.);
(3) writing sample (not to exceed 10 pages); and
(4) copy of unofficial or official transcript from an accredited law school verifying JD degree; and
(5) proof of license & registration to practice law before the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO).
For guidance on how to create a Federal resume, visit http://www.archives.gov/careers/jobs/forms/resume-guide.pdf.
Only the documents listed above will be accepted in combination with your online application. These documents MUST be uploaded or before the closing date of this announcement. Failure to submit all required documents by the closing date will result in a finding of ineligible. We are not responsible for incomplete, missing or illegible documents. Please DO NOT email application documents. Documents received via email will NOT receive consideration.

This position has a positive education requirement; college transcripts are required for ALL candidates newly appointed to the FAA in the 905 series.

College transcripts must be submitted from current FAA employees applying for internal vacancies if they have never held a position in the 905 series with the FAA.

College transcripts are not required from current FAA employees who are currently occupying a 905 series.

If selected, official transcripts are required prior to employment.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.