Patent Examiner; Chemistry

Overview

Turn innovation into impact—become a patent examiner at the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). We are seeking talented individuals with STEM backgrounds who want to lead advancements that benefit society and contribute by bringing ideas to market. You will shape the future of patent examination, advance key processes, and support innovation in cutting-edge ways. Join us at the forefront of innovation.

• Examine patent applications and protect groundbreaking ideas. You will review applications, plan and conduct searches, and apply prior art to determine if inventions meet patentability standards.
• Prepare clear and thoughtful office actions. You will draft detailed explanations of your examination decisions, discuss them with supervisors or senior examiners, and refine your work based on their feedback before issuing official communications.
• Drive innovation in how we examine patents. Beyond day-to-day examination, you will contribute to improving processes through analytical research and active involvement in shaping the future of patent work.
• Test new ideas and methods. You will try alternative examination approaches and share feedback to help improve efficiency and performance.
• Evaluate cutting-edge technologies. You will assist in testing innovative tools, including artificial intelligence, and provide insights on their potential to transform how we work.
• Participate in pilot programs and new initiatives. You will help shape and refine new work structures and processes, offering recommendations for streamlining operations and improving outcomes.
• Be a voice for improvement. You will provide ongoing feedback to help leadership make informed decisions about examination practices, technology, and workflow enhancements.

• TO APPLY, apply on USAJOBS by the next cut-off date of 11/3/2025
• IF YOU ARE A VETERAN:
  We love hiring vets! Veterans interested in applying, please first email a copy of your resume, academic transcripts, and DD-214 to Hire Vets. To learn more, visit (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./USPTOVeterans
• IF YOU HAVE A DISABILITY:
  Individuals with disabilities are a large part of helping further our goal of protecting our nation's intellectual property rights. If you have a disability and are interested in applying, you may be eligible for special consideration under Schedule
  
  A. To learn more, visit /3C4vdZM

At least a bachelor's degree in physical sciences, life sciences, or engineering that included 30 semester hours in chemistry, supplemented by coursework in mathematics through differential and integral calculus, and at least 6 semester hours of physics.

OR

Have a combination of education and experience--course work equivalent to a major as shown above, including at least 30 semester hours in chemistry, supplemented by mathematics through differential and integral calculus, and at least 6 semester hours of physics, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

Specialized experience:
Applying biological science, physics, or scientific principles, theories, concepts, and methodologies used in the evaluation of technology; assisting in the collection of and recognizing discrepancies in data. Examples of work include taking measurements and collecting information, learning to take proper samples, conducting routine calculations, checking numerical data, preparing graphs and data profiles, and/or accomplishing routine analyses.

If you are a student nearing graduation, within 9 months from the date of your application, you can still apply. Just submit your application now, and we will verify your degree before your start date.

The full list of qualifications and requirements can be found on the USAJOBS posting.

The duties of the position will depend on the level of the role, and the level a selectee is chosen for will depend on a variety of factors, including education and experience.

Applications will only be accepted from United States Citizens and Nationals, and your resume and question responses must demonstrate the job-related competencies. If selected, you will be required to pass a background investigation and fingerprint check.

The full list of duties, qualifications, and conditions of employment can be found on the USAJOBS posting.

The United States Patent and Trademark Office is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation), national origin, political affiliation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, retaliation for engaging in protected activity, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factors.

The USPTO is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation), national origin, political affiliation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, pregnancy,…