European Patent Examiner in AI & Quantum Computing (22115)

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Duration of contract: Five years, renewable (full-time)
Location: Germany (Munich/Berlin) or The Netherlands (The Hague) - relocation required
Application deadline: 27 April 2025

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
• 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:

• Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning, and Quantum Computing

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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 (intellectual property) 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. onsite 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.

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 building our talent pool for future positions with a primary focus on positions starting from 2026 onwards. 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. 

By joining our EPO Talent Pool, you’ll stay connected with us for up to 24 months, gaining exclusive insights and access to learning offers and resources to enhance your IP awareness and readiness for a future role as a patent examiner. Apply now to secure your place on our team and be part of our journey from the very beginning!

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Key information

Job group: 4

Grade: G7 to G10 (net (basic) monthly salary* for this vacancy: EUR 6 921 to 9 901, depending on experience and location)

Career path: Technical 

Working mode: Hybrid as per our New Ways of Working **

Technical interviews estimated for: April – June 2025

Final interviews planned for: May – July 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.

**The position will require relocation to the country of one of the following EPO sites: Germany (Munich/Berlin) or The Netherlands (The Hague). The final location will be discussed later and depends also on team-specific needs.