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Vacancies and job offers for engineers and scientists
The European Patent Office in Munich and Berlin (Germany) and in The Hague (The Netherlands) is looking for engineers and scientists to examine patent applications and oppositions in our three official languages (English, French, German).
This involves searching in online databases, analysing documents, communicating orally and in writing with patent applicants and their attorneys, and taking decisions on the granting of patents valid in up to 38 European countries.
Technical fields
We currently have vacancies in the various technical fields and EPO locations. Please click on the links below to see detailed information about each technical field.
- Audio video media
- Biotechnology
- Civil engineering
- Computers
- Electricity and semi-conductor technology
- Electronics
- Horology
- Industrial chemistry
- Measuring and optics
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Measuring and testing
- Mechanical engineering
- Medical technology
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Optics and photography
- Printing
- Pure and applied organic chemistry
- Polymer chemistry
- Telecom
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Xerography and photocopiers
Candidates who are successful in the selection procedure may also be placed on a reserve list. In this event, they may be offered a post within the next 12 months if a vacancy arises in a suitable technical field.
Qualifications
The formal minimum qualifications are as follows :
- nationality of an EPO member state
- a full university degree in engineering or a science;
- excellent knowledge of one official language (English, French or German) and ability to understand the other two.
Applications from candidates having excellent knowledge of one official language but able to understand only one of the others may be considered, if they are willing to learn the third before starting work. In exceptional cases, the Office may alternatively 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 can demonstrate that they have attained the level of knowledge of the third official language stipulated in the contract.
You should also have a genuine interest in technology, an eye for detail and an analytical mind.
Work experience in industry is not essential, but would be an advantage.
Conditions
The EPO offers:
- long-term employment in an international environment at the forefront of technology, exemption from normal work- and residence-permit procedures
- an attractive salary, working conditions and social-security package (private medical insurance, pension scheme, relocation benefits and support)
- intensive initial training in all aspects of patent examination, follow-up courses and language training.
The EPO is an equal opportunities employer.
Get more detailed information about the working conditions.
Applications
If you are interested in joining the European Patent Office, you might want to:
-
apply online
- read more about the application procedure
- meet a few examiners at the EPO to find out what the job is all about.