In the first 6-7 weeks of the role, Associate Patent Examiners receive full time initial search and examination training as a cohort before working on live casework. The training consists of lectures, tutorials and activities where Associate Patent Examiners learn about all the stages involved in processing a patent application.
Once the formal training period has ended, Associate Patent Examiners move to join a group of Patent Examiner colleagues where they will continue to develop their skills and build their confidence to carry out the role:
• Search and examine patent applications against the relevant criteria, using best practice and knowledge of the Act rules, procedures and case law to bring casework to a successful conclusion (grant or refusal).
• Communicate legally and technically complex concepts in writing and orally to internal and external audiences.
• Build experience in specialist technical areas, but also a wider flexibility in dealing with a variety of subject matter.
• Use search classification, reporting and viewing tools.
• Manage, balance and prioritise workloads to work to agreed quality and productivity goals.
• Respectful of the business need to change and willing to explore continuous improvement and new ways of working.
• Take responsibility for own development by acting on feedback, keeping professional and technical skills up to date and developing wider behaviours, where appropriate.
We are looking for people who have specific knowledge in one of the following scientific fields:
• Chemistry,
• Biotechnology,
• Any type of engineering,
• Computer Science,
• Physics,
• Mathematics.
We have particular skills gaps in the following specific scientific fields and anticipate offering more roles to candidates with knowledge in these fields:
• Telecommunications Engineering,
• Electrical and Electronic Engineering,
• Chemistry,
• Medical Physics.
This can be demonstrated by holding, or being on track to hold, at least a 2:2 degree in any of the listed subjects, OR, having equivalent industrial experience in a relevant technical field (5 years or more working in a STEM role where you have had the opportunity to learn, apply and embed technical knowledge in your specialist field).
Please note: equivalent experience does not need to be demonstrated to be over a consecutive period of time. We welcome applications from people returning to STEM after a career break or those looking for a change of career.
GCSE grade C or above (or equivalent) in Mathematics is also required.
We are looking for self-starters who tackle their work with enthusiasm and dedication. It is vital successful candidates will be team players and capable of seeing other people’s views. They will also be able to work independently and accept responsibility for their own actions and performance in meeting their personal work goals and business targets whilst always keeping the customer in mind.
If you would like to hear more about this exciting Associate Patent Examiner recruitment, or what it’s like to work at the IPO, we will be holding an information session on Thursday 25th March 2021 at 6 p.m. Please click on this link to register for the Patent Examiner Recruitment Webinar event:
linkResponsibilities
Please refer to job description