The Patent Researcher provides support to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), Knowledge Management Support Services (KMSS). Performs detailed electrical, mechanical, computer or chemical technology-related literature searching in various online databases. This position is currently remote, but a hybrid work schedule may be possible in the Alexandria, VA area.

Must be able to pass a background check for access to facilities, equipment and property. Candidate must have continuously resided in the US for last two (2) years.

Chickasaw Nation Industries, Inc. serves as a holding company with multiple subsidiaries engaged in several lines of business (Technology, Infrastructure & Engineering, Health, Manufacturing, Public Safety, Consulting, and Transportation) for the federal government and commercial enterprises. A portion of our profits is used to support Chickasaw citizens. We are proud to support the economic development and long-term viability of the Chickasaw Nation and its people. CNI offers premium benefits eligible on the first day of hire to full time employees; (Medical - Dental – Vision), Company Life Insurance, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance, 401(K) Immediate Vesting, Professional Development Assistance, Legal Aid Assistance Program, Family Planning / Fertility Assistance, Personal Time Off, and Observance of Federal Holidays.

As a federal contractor, CNI is a drug-free workplace and adheres to the Federal Controlled Substance Act.

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to pass a background check for access to facilities, equipment and property. Candidate must have continuously resided in the US for last two (2) years.  

• Expert knowledge of scientific and technical literature, reference tools, and online systems. 

• Detail-oriented with ability to plan, organize, coordinate and execute work. 

• Knowledge with one or more major on-line commercial vendors (Dialog, STN, Questel/Orbit, IP.com). 

• Knowledge of the U.S. patent system, examining procedures, foreign patent formats. 

• Extensive use of Microsoft Word and or Adobe Acrobat. 

• Strong critical thinking, written and verbal communication skills. 

• Effective time management skills, including the ability to work effectively on multiple projects at the same time. 

• Ability to adapt to changing priorities as needed to complete all assigned tasks in accordance with established deadlines. 

• Ability to collaborate effectively with technical resources (e.g., system administrators, database administrators, and data analysts). 

• Ability to understand and interpret technical concepts. 

• Experience working under pressure and in a fast-paced environment. 

• Exceptional attention to detail, ability to multi-task and meet tight deadlines. 

• Telework is a possibility. 

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential Duties and responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Analyzes Patent Examiner Search Requests to determine requirements and strategy, develops and modifies complex search strategies to conduct searches of electronic databases. 

• Reviews and prepares search results for customer in specified formats. 

• Uses independent judgment in selecting from a wide variety of electronic databases. 

• Fluently uses search tools offered by a number of vendors as well as in house systems to develop complex search strategies and conduct the searches. 

• Responds to requests requiring difficult and comprehensive searches for information through the use of primary and secondary sources, both current and retrospective, ephemeral materials, and/or information not readily available in published form. 

• Identifies, examines, and evaluates major publications and tools in scientific and technical areas covered by the Electronic Information Center to which they are assigned. 

• Prepares and delivers oral and written presentations and training to patent examiners and special groups concerning the services of the information center and the use of information sources and search tools. 

• Acts as a back-up for reference staff-in provision of reference assistance. 

• Assists with special projects. 

• Other duties may be assigned. 

• May trains new Searcher employees on complexities of technology searching to meet USPTO needs for technology specific literature.  

• May assist with creation and implementation of marketing and outreach strategies to promote the information center and its available resources. 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physical Science/Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Bio Medical Engineering, Biotechnology, Chemical Engineering, Organic Chemistry is required.

Along with the above education, applicant must have six (6) years of experience or equivalent combination of education / experience. Experience in electronic database searching. Expertise in complex searching of scientific and technical literature using one or more major on-line commercial vendors (Dialog, STN, IP.com, Questel/Orbit, Lexis/Nexis). Experience in searching for scientific and technical literature in an Electronic Information Center Support. Expertise in searching for literature and resources on the Internet.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.

Work is primarily performed in an office environment. Regularly required to sit. Regularly required use hands to finger, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms to handle objects and operate tools, computer, and/or controls.

Required to speak and hear. Occasionally required to stand, walk and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Exposed to general office noise with computers printers and light traffic.

*Please note, that this position is contingent upon the award or funding. The essential duties, experience, education requirements, and salary are subject to change.*

The estimated pay range for this role is $53.6K to $80K, with the final offer contingent on location, skillset, and experience.   

CNI offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

· Medical

· Dental

· Vision

· 401(k)

· Family Planning/Fertility Assistance

· STD/LTD/Basic Life/AD&D

· Legal-Aid Program

· Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

· Paid Time Off (PTO) – (11) Federal Holidays

· Training and Development Opportunities

Your application submission will be considered for all potential employment opportunities with Chickasaw Nation Industries (CNI).