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Required profile for an EPO patent examiner
“When I was young I was hesitating about what to become - an engineer or a lawyer? And this is what brings both together!”
Michail Papatheofrastou, examiner for transport and storage devices, The Hague
The job of a European patent examiner demands a unique combination of scientific expertise, analytical thinking, language skills and an interest in intellectual property law.
Minimum requirements
Candidates must meet the following formal requirements:
- Citizenship of one of the member states of the European Patent Organisation.
- Full university degree in physics, chemistry, engineering or natural sciences.
The degree should be relevant to the technical field in which you would like to work.
- A good knowledge of two of the Office's three official languages (English, French and German) with a willingness to learn the third.
Note: Applications from candidates who have an excellent knowledge of one official language but are able to understand only one of the other two may be considered if they are willing to learn the third before starting work.
Exceptionally, in such cases, the Office may also consider offering a fixed-term contract (for a maximum of three years) instead of permanent employment. Candidates recruited on that basis may be appointed as permanent employees if, no later than three months before expiry of the contract, they demonstrate that they have reached the level of knowledge of the third language stipulated in the contract.
You should also have a genuine interest in technology, an eye for detail and an analytical mind.
Experience
Work experience in industry is not essential, but would be an advantage.
Relocation
Applicants must also be willing to relocate to Munich, The Hague or Berlin, the EPO sites at which patents are examined. You can apply direct to your preferred location.
For further information, please see the FAQs on applicant profiles.