Associate Patent Examiner: Computing & Telecoms

The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) is 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 more prosperous. Our work gives researchers, inventors, creators and businesses the confidence to invest their time, energy and money in doing something new.

Explore the Frontier of Innovation as an Associate Patent Examiner

Patent Examiners are at the forefront of technological advancement, playing a pivotal role in shaping our future. Patent examining offers a unique and fascinating career where scientific and technical ingenuity meets legal acumen.

Currently, we are looking for people who have knowledge in one of the following technical fields:

Telecommunications or related fieldwith 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 or network security.

Computer systems or related fieldwith knowledge and interest in theunderlying technology, particularly in the fields of encryption and data security, quantum computing, computational physics, neural networks, virtualised and cloud computing, fault-tolerant computing and error handling, program control, 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 spend at least 20% of their time working onsite from one of our offices. This role is based in ourNewport office.?

The requirement for attendance at an office location can vary by role so we would encourage candidates to discuss working arrangements with the recruiting manager to agree a reasonable balance between working from home and the office.

Job description
Why Join Us?
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. You will gain insight into the developments being made around the world, from large businesses to individual innovators, supporting the UK economy by analysing and granting applications for UK patent rights.

Unparalleled Training and Mentorship

To complement your specialist scientific and technical knowledge, well provide you with all the necessary training in the legal aspects of the role. You will be assigned a line manager who will work closely with you as you consolidate your learning in your initial years in the role.

The initial training course will start onMonday 29thSeptember 2025 full time for 7/8 weeks. The training will include an engaging variety of seminars, practical demonstration, coursework and associated tutorials. This training will be held in person, onsite at our Newport Office allowing you to get to know your colleagues and fellow recruits.

Professional Development

At our organisation, we prioritise the growth and development of our team members.

With a clear path for advancement, after 2-5 years youll 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 leader within our division.

Additional Information

To find out more about the Patent Examining career check out our Patent Career Site Page here:
IPO Opportunities , Civil Service Careers.

Person specification
The successful candidates will:

• have a genuine interest in computing and/or telecoms with enthusiasm for keeping your technical knowledge up to date.
• value others views and have an open and respectful approach to collaboration.
• communicate strongly, with the ability to convey complex technical issues clearly both in writing and verbally.
• have the ability to review large amounts of information with an eye for detail, enabling you to pick out key points and reach timely, reasoned decisions.

Please note that applications from candidates who have applied for an Associate Patent Examiner role within the last 6 months will not be considered at this time.

Qualifications
Applicants must hold at least a 2:2 degree in computing, telecommunications, or a related field or be on track to receive one by the end of the academic year.
Alternatively, applicants must demonstrate equivalent proficiency through substantial industrial experience in technical roles.
Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Working Together
• Developing Self and Others
• Making Effective Decisions

Technical skills

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• Evidence your knowledge in computing, telecommunications, or a related field, detailing how you have applied and embedded your technical knowledge in practical situations, e.g. through research project, industrial or laboratory experience.
• The ability to understand and evaluate scientific and technical information to reach conclusions accurately, providing reasoning respectfully whilst adapting quickly to apply new learning points.

We only ask for evidence of these technical skills on your application form:

• Evidence your knowledge in computing, telecommunications, or a related field, detailing how you have applied and embedded your technical knowledge in practical situations, e.g. through research project, industrial or laboratory experience.

Benefits
Alongside your salary of £34,958, Intellectual Property Office contributes £10,127 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
When working at the IPO you can also expect:

• A flexible working scheme with excellent development opportunities
• 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
• Family friendly policies that support modern working families and individuals with caring responsibilities
• A variety of support functions; Staff Counselling Service, Peer to Peer Support Group
• Eligibility for special and office-wide bonus payments
• The opportunity to form part of our many inclusive network groups, find out more by looking atIntellectual Property Office (IPO) (diversityjobsgroup.com)
• A range of wellbeing initiatives; Onsite Gym (Newport office), Eye Care Scheme, Volunteering Programme, Cycling facilities
• Free car parking is available on site at our Newport office
• On-site shop, restaurant and coffee shop at our Newport office

For more information about whats on offer at the Intellectual Property Office please review our IPO benefit pack attached to the bottom of this advert.

Please note that benefits may be subject to change.

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