European Patent Examiner

Duration of contract: Five years, renewable (full-time)

Location: Germany (Munich) or the Netherlands (The Hague)

Application deadline: 03.11.2024

Curious about future innovation?

Imagine finding yourself every single day exploring breakthrough developments before almost anyone else. As a patent examiner, you have the chance to support the inventors who will shape our world and the lives of millions of people for years to come.

Supporting innovation, competitiveness, sustainability and economic growth: that's our mission at the European Patent Office (EPO)

As the patent office for Europe, we are proud to deliver high-quality services that promote a safer, smarter and more sustainable world, aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the highest ESG standards. As an equal opportunities employer, the EPO is shaped by the diversity of our people's personalities, knowledge and cultures. Interested in joining us?

What's in it for you

Exclusive access to innovation: gain unique insights into the latest inventions before they reach the market

Inspiring work environment: work with multilingual people from a wide variety of cultures and backgrounds

Job with a purpose: contribute with your insights to the future of technology

Professional growth: access our comprehensive training portfolio and explore opportunities to realise your full potential

Workplace flexibility: benefit from our working arrangements, generous leave policies and a family-friendly work environment

What you will do as a patent examiner

Perform end-to-end examination – in our three official languages – of patent applications, i.e. the texts and drawings that describe an invention for which an individual or a company seeks legal protection
Research, find and use the most relevant prior art, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of the invention's novelty and inventive step
Support the entire innovation ecosystem by making well-reasoned decisions on whether a patent is to be granted, applying both your technical knowledge and understanding of legal frameworks
Communicate with inventors, patent attorneys and other stakeholders, providing clear and precise explanations of your decisions
Ensure the uniform and effective application of the European Patent Convention and other legal texts, contributing to the robustness of Europe's intellectual property system

What we are looking for

We are currently seeking scientists, engineers and IT, technical, mechanical and material experts who share our passion for innovation and wish to work at the cutting edge of technology, analysing the latest inventions, particularly in the technical areas of:

AI & Quantum Computing: Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning and Quantum Computing
Biotechnology: DNA Analysis, RNA Biotechnology, Plant Genetic Engineering, Proteins and Peptide Analysis, Viral Vectors and Gene Therapy
Computer: Error Detection, Computer Devices, ICT Security and Memory Management
Electronics: Amplifiers, Multi-band and Polarization diversity Solutions, Record Carriers and Readers
Mechanical & Automotive Engineering: E-Cigarettes, Building Elements, Conveyors for goods, Locks and Ovens, Dashboards and Air conditioning for vehicles, Vehicle Structures and manufacturing
Image, Audio & Video: Coding and Decoding for Error Detection, Display Systems and Drivers, Image Processing, Processing of Signals
Materials Science: Batteries & Fuel Cells, Metallurgy, Technical Chemistry and Thin Film Coatings, Textiles and Polycondensates & Polyacrylates
Medical Mechanics & Electronics: Cardiovascular implants, Medical diagnosis, Medical engineering, Medical robotics, Medical Mechatronics and mechanics
Organic Chemistry: Cosmetics
Semiconductors: Deposition and patterning, Organic LEDs, OLED Displays and Packaging, Inorganic photovoltaic cells and modules
Telecom & wireless: Data Networks, Mobile Radio Communication, Power Saving in Wireless, Retransmission protocols, Wireless Communication, Wireless Networks
Inorganic Chemistry and Chemical Engineering: Carbon, Silicon, Fillers, Pigments, Petroleum Refining and Catalysis, Cement, Concrete, Ceramics
Electrical Engineering & Power Systems: Electrical Power distribution, Capacitors & Resistors, Renewable Energy Ressources, Fault protection, Electrical Motors and Generators
Industrial Biotechnology: Fermentation and cell culture processes and devices
Life Sciences: Biomaterials, Pharmaceutical Formulations, Pharmacology & Biopharma, Pharmacology & Medical Chemistry
Power Electronics & Electrical Drivers: Solid state switched mode power electronic converters
Electrical Motors and Generators: Solid state switched mode power electronic converters
Electro-Mobility & EVs: Electrically driven vehicles, EV drive-train power electronics

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Apply if you have

a relevant technical background: you have the expertise required for the areas specified from your studies, projects and concrete work experience

analytical-thinking and decision-making skills: you excel at breaking down complex problems and making informed decisions with confidence and clarity based on thorough research and analysis

curiosity and an eagerness to learn: you enjoy solving technical puzzles and are always keen to learn; you have a thirst for knowledge and staying abreast of the latest developments in your field and beyond and are eager to acquire new skills and pick up technologies in different fields

clear communication skills: you are able to explain things clearly and feel comfortable interacting with colleagues and applicants to process patent applications efficiently

... Sound like you?

By the way, no previous IP knowledge is needed: we take care of that side of things via our dedicated legal training.

Minimum requirements

Master's degree (or equivalent/higher) covering one or more technical fields mentioned above
Excellent knowledge (at least C1) of one of our official languages (English, French and German) and the ability to understand the other two; alternatively, excellent knowledge (at least C1) of English (in such cases, the willingness to learn the missing languages and to reach level B2 within a set time frame would be required)
Work experience in industry would be an advantage
Citizenship of one of the member states of the European Patent Organisation

What we offer at the EPO

A competitive salary
Family-friendly benefits
Generous flexibility options allowing you to work from anywhere in the country of employment (min. on-site attendance applies) and up to 60 days from any EPC contracting state
Relocation benefits and various allowances (e.g. household, dependants, childcare, education, expatriation, installation, rent allowance)
Contributory medical insurance and pension schemes
30+ days of leave per year and flexible working hours
Free gym access
Social activities and clubs
Full list of benefits

Start making a difference. Simply click Apply.

Application and selection process

Visit our Jobs & careers web-page to learn how best to prepare your application and read more about our recruitment process.

The successful candidate will be selected on the basis of qualifications, competencies, professional experience and language knowledge, supplemented as appropriate by technical assessments, interviews and/or a personality questionnaire.

We are currently recruiting for future opportunities starting in 2025 and building our talent pipeline for future growth. Apply now to secure your place on our team and be part of our journey from the very beginning.

A talent pool (reserve list) will be constituted should more candidates than required at this time be considered suitable following the selection procedure. Such talent pools are valid for a period of 24 months and talent‑pool candidates may be contacted should a vacancy with substantially the same profile arise during that period.

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Key information

Job group: 4

Grade: G7 to G10 (net (basic) monthly salary* for this vacancy: EUR 6 750 to 9 620, depending on experience and location)

Career path: Technical

Working mode: Hybrid

Technical interviews planned for: October 2024 – January 2025

Final interviews planned for: November 2024 – February 2025

*After deduction of EPO-internal tax (no other national income tax applies) and before deduction of staff contributions to the social security and pension schemes.

European Patent Office jobs

Engineers / Scientists / Technical Experts