Associate Patent Examiner: Computing in Newport

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.

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 field 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 or network security.
• Computer systems or related fields with knowledge and interest in the underlying technology, particularly in one or more of the fields of hardware design, encryption and data security, quantum computing, computational physics, neural networks, machine learning algorithms, virtualised and cloud computing, fault-tolerant computing and error handling, program control or database technologies.

NOTE: The role does not involve any hands-on programming or development work. Successful candidates will have an interest in and understanding of how the technology works at a fundamental level. Knowledge of programming languages or completion of projects using machine learning or AI will only be beneficial where accompanied by a deep understanding of these areas of computing.

For the first six months of employment, you will be required to work onsite in Newport for four days each week. This will give you a great introduction to the Intellectual Property Office and will help you to build contacts and relationships to support your future career. Once this six-month period has passed, attendance will be 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 our Newport office.

As a Patent Examiner, 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.

To complement your specialist scientific and technical knowledge, we will 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 on Monday 21st September 2025 full time for 7/8 weeks. The training will include an engaging variety of seminars, practical demonstration, coursework and associated tutorials held in person, onsite at our Newport Office. Following on from this, for the remainder of your first six months of employment, you will be required to attend the office for at least 4 days per week. This training period will ensure you have all the support you need to settle into the role and will allow you to get to know your colleagues and fellow recruits.

At our organisation, we prioritise the growth and development of our team members. With a clear path for advancement, after 2-5 years you will 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.

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.

Essential Criteria:

• 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.
• Can review large amounts of information with an eye for detail, enabling you to pick out key points and reach timely, reasoned decisions.

When working at the IPO you can 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.
• 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.

Please note that benefits may be subject to change.