Associate Patent Examiner: Computing & Telecoms - Newport About the job Job summary Please note: Applicants should review all aspects of this advert to ensure a thorough understanding. If reviewing via a screen reader, please note that the Job Description, Benefits and How to Apply sections have been emphasised 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 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 field with knowledge and interest in the underlying 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 our Newport 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 chemical knowledge, we\\\'ll 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 29 th September 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 you\\\'ll 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. Tune into our live webinar Hear from three of the IPO\\\'s patent examiners to find out where you, our STEM graduates, can fit in Join us live at 2pm on Thursday 6th February and register to attend via GradCracker here : Intellectual Property Office - STEM careers at the IPO, Upcoming Webinars, Gradcracker - Careers for STEM Graduates. 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 at Intellectual 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 what\\\'s 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. Things you need to know Selection process details This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills. How to apply Candidates to note: In order to capture your employment history please complete the employment history box under the \\\'Your CV\\\' section of the online application form. If you have a more niche background in the STEM field, you may qualify for our specialist Associate Patent Examiner roles. Check your suitability and apply here for either: Associate Patent Examiner: Chemistry Associate Patent Examiner: Physics, Engineering, Maths or other similar STEM subjects All communications will be electronic therefore it is vitally important that you check your Civil Service Jobs account regularly, as well as your spam/junk email folder. For further information around the Civil Service recruitment process, please visit our Civil Service careers page here: IPO - Recruitment Support, Civil Service Careers Stage 1: Pre-Sift You will need to be complete and pass the below pre-sift test before your application will be seen by the panel: Civil Service Verbal Test Applicants to note: There are no time limits for the completion of tests. Please ensure you complete the test with enough time to fully complete and submit your application before the closing date. Full instructions will be given at the start of the test. The deadline for completing the tests is the same as the application deadline: Monday 17 th February 2025 at 23:55. Please ensure you leave yourself enough time to fill out the application after completing the tests. Stage 2: Sift An initial sift of applications will be carried out to create a shortlist. This will be based on the evidence provided for the following Success Profile elements: Experience Please refer to the person specification and, in no more 500 words, outline evidence of the skills, qualities and experience that you will bring to the role. Technical In the 250-word box provided, please evidence your established knowledge in computing, telecommunications, or a related field, detailing how you have applied and embedded your technical knowledge in practical situations, for example through research project, industrial or laboratory experience. Stage 3: Interviews If invited to interview Ability, Behaviour and Technical based questioning will be used. Ability A drafting assessment activity will be used to assess your ability to evaluate written information and present clear and concise written communication. Behaviours The following behaviours will be assessed at interview: Working Together Developing Self and Others Making Effective Decisions Technical The above technical criteria will be assessed at interview along with the below: 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. Specific information regarding the Success Profile elements that will be assessed at interview will be contained within the interview invitation. Additional Information to note: Interviews are due to take place week commencing Monday 17 th March to Friday 4 th April 2025. Interviews for this role will be carried out in person at our Newport Office. The UKIPO will refund reasonable travel expenses for attending the interview (from within the UK). IMPORTANT: CVs sent direct to the IPO will not be accepted. If successful the 7-8 week training will commence in Monday 29 th September 2025. Reserve List Appointments against the advertised material will be offered in order of merit. Following this, if more candidates are found to be appointable than posts available, a reserve list may be held for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made. Please note that we are not obliged to offer roles from a reserve list, but when offers are made they are done so in merit order. If you do not wish to be kept on a reserve list, please email recruitmentipo.gov.uk. If you require any information regarding the application process or your eligibility, please contact: Name: HR Recruitment Email: recruitmentipo.gov.uk If you require any role-specific information, please contact: Name: Kathryn Orme Email: Kathryn.ormeipo.gov.uk For further information around the Civil Service recruitment process, please visit our civil service careers page - IPO - Recruitment Support, Civil Service Careers (civil-service-careers.gov.uk). Applicants to note: This post is being advertised to Internal, across Government and external candidates at the same time. Incomplete and/or late submissions will not be accepted or considered. We do not routinely reimburse travel expenses for candidates. However, the IPO is committed to ensuring that financial constraints do not prevent individuals from attending interviews. Therefore, if participating in the selection process would cause you undue financial hardship or if it restricts your ability to participate, please contact the recruitment team for more information. IPO are a UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker Licence sponsor and can sponsor exceptional talent under this route. This Associate Patent Examiner role is open to qualifying individuals who meet the CS Nationality Rules and the criteria for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route. Please note: Applicants should be aware of the importance of holding a sufficient amount of time on current visas before requiring sponsorship. Should you have any queries or require any assistance on this matter please contact the IPO Recruitment team at Recruitmentipo.gov.uk prior to the closing of the post. In line with Government guidance, successfully appointed candidates will need to provide documents for our Right to Work checks. Information on this will be sent within the invite to interview text. If you require an adjustment at any stage of the recruitment process, then please let the recruitment team know via ; recruitmentipo.gov.uk. For more information on the IPO\\\'s terms and conditions, please review the attached IPO Modernised Terms and Conditions document attached at the bottom of this advert. Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment. Security Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks. Nationality requirements This job is broadly open to the following groups: UK nationals nationals of the Republic of Ireland nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window) nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020 Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window) Working for the Civil Service The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants. We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission\\\'s recruitment principles (opens in a new window). The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy. Diversity and Inclusion The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window) .