Job summary
Please note: Applicants should review all aspects of this advert to ensure a thorough understanding. If reviewing via a screen reader, please note that the Job Description, Benefits and How to Apply sections have been emphasised
Explore the Frontier of Innovation as an Associate Patent Examiner
Patent examining offers a gateway to a fascinating realm where scientific and technical ingenuity meets legal acumen.
At the Intellectual Property Office, we're seeking talented individuals with a passion for innovation and a knack for dissecting complex technical concepts to join our team as Associate Patent Examiners.
To complement the scientific and technical knowledge that you�ll bring, we�ll provide all the necessary training in the legal aspects of the role.
Currently, we are looking for people who have knowledge in the following technical fields:
1. Telecommunications, Computer Systems or other similar subject, with knowledge of one or more of the following: the air interface, core network, MIMO, small cell arrangements and network slicing in LTE and 5G, Wi-Fi network protocols and operation, cryptography or encryption, network security, quantum computing, computational physics, neural networks, virtualised and cloud computing, fault-tolerant computing, hardware design or database technologies.
Working Location
This role will be carried out in-line with IPO Hybrid working arrangements where staff are currently expected to attend the office 1 day per week, or equivalent if part-time, on-site at our Newport�office.
We would encourage candidates to discuss working arrangements with the recruiting manager to agree a reasonable balance between working from home and the office. The requirement for attendance at an office location can vary by role but is very unlikely to be less than 1 day per week.
Job description
Why Join Us?
We�re the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) � the official UK government body responsible for intellectual property (IP) rights including patents, designs, trade marks and copyright. IP touches everything that makes life more enjoyable, easier, safer, and prosperous. Our work gives researchers, inventors, creators, businesses and organisations the confidence to invest their time, energy and money in doing something new. It incentivises innovation which drives economic growth and improvements in society.
As a Patent Examiner, you'll be at the forefront of technological advancement, playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of innovation in the world around us.
Unparalleled Training and Mentorship:
2. Successful candidates will undergo comprehensive training and mentoring, equipping them with the legal skills necessary to excel in the role.
3. Whether you're delving into the intricacies of patent law or honing your analytical abilities, our training program ensures you're primed for success from day one.
4. The initial training course will start on Monday 07 October 2024 for 7/8 weeks and requires at least 3 days a week onsite at our Newport Office. Please note that this onsite attendance requirement may be increased for some of the course. Training will include an engaging variety of seminars, practical demonstrations, coursework and associated tutorials and will help you to get to know your fellow new recruits.
5. Successful candidates recruited in specialist technical fields may work on simpler technological subject matter to fully embed legal training, before confidently shifting to examining in your specialist field.
Dynamic Technical Landscape:
6. This role offers an unparalleled opportunity to stay abreast of the latest technological advancements and immerse yourself in the forefront of innovation.
Hands-On Experience:
7. After the initial training, you'll dive into live casework, putting your newfound skills to test as you examine Patent applications against rigorous criteria.
8. Whether it's drafting reports or engaging with patent attorneys or inventors, you'll have the chance to make tangible contributions and grant highly respected patents for one of the top jurisdictions in the world.
Professional Development:
9. At our organisation, we prioritise the growth and development of our team members.
10. With a clear path for advancement, after 2-5 years you'll have the opportunity to progress from Associate Patent Examiner to Patent Examiner. After a few more years of development, a further non-competitive promotion is available to Senior Patent Examiner to become a subject matter expert and a leader within our division.
A Collaborative Environment:
11. Join a team of like-minded individuals who share your enthusiasm for science, technology and engineering.
12. Collaborate with colleagues, engage in knowledge sharing, and leverage the collective expertise of our diverse team.
If you're passionate about innovation, possess scientific or technical knowledge in one of the fields noted above and seek a dynamic career where you can make a meaningful impact, we invite you to join our team as an Associate Patent Examiner.
Person specification
Please refer to the job summary and job description sections.
To find out what makes the IPO special check out our
Qualifications
Applicants must hold a 2:2 degree in listed areas or be on track to receive one by the end of the academic year.
Alternatively, applicants must demonstrate technical proficiency with 5+ years of equivalent industrial experience in engineering roles.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
13. Communicating and Influencing
Technical skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
14. Knowledge in one of the following scientific fields: Telecommunications, Computer Systems or other similar subject.
15. Ability to understand and evaluate scientific and technical information, making decisions and reaching conclusions quickly and accurately.
We only ask for evidence of these technical skills on your application form:
16. Knowledge in one of the following scientific fields: Telecommunications, Computer Systems or other similar subject.
Benefits
Benefits of working with the wider IPO:
17. A flexible working scheme with excellent development opportunities.
18. 25 days annual leave moving to 30 days in annual increments (1 day per year) over 5 years of reckonable service. You will also get 8 days public leave and 1 day privilege leave.
19. A very generous pension scheme with employer contributions. Further information around the benefits of joining the Civil Service can be found via the
20. Eligibility for special and office-wide bonus payments.
21. The opportunity to form part of our many inclusive network groups, find out by looking at�,�and�
22. A variety of support functions including our excellent Staff Counselling Service which is a source of support for all staff at the IPO.
For more information about what�s on offer at the Intellectual Property Office please review our IPO benefit pack attached tot he bottom of this advert.
Please note that benefits may be subject to change.