European Patent Examiner in Semiconductors

Location: The Hague

At the European Patent Office (EPO), we explore breakthrough technologies before they reach the public.  As a European Patent Examiner in Semiconductors, you'll assess whether inventions meet the criteria for patent protection, and in doing so support innovation that improves lives, drives industries and shapes the future.
We are an inclusive, purpose-driven organisation committed to sustainability, fairness and excellence – diversity is part of our DNA. Whether you come from research, academia or industry, if you're curious, open to learning and looking for a meaningful intellectual challenge you'll find your place at the EPO.
Duration of contract:  Five years, renewable (full-time)

Location:

Germany (Munich/Berlin) or the Netherlands (The Hague)

Your role and impact  As a Patent Examiner, you will:
examine patent applications – including technical documentation and drawings – in one of our official languages (English, French or German)
analyse new inventions to evaluate their novelty and inventive step
conduct in-depth research using digital search tools, scientific databases and patent information sources to identify the most relevant prior art
apply legal and procedural frameworks to make clear, high-quality decisions on whether a patent should be granted
communicate your findings clearly and constructively with applicants and other parties
collaborate with international colleagues in a diverse and inclusive environment
maintain high-quality standards with strong attention to detail and scientific rigour
contribute to Europe's innovation ecosystem by ensuring fair and consistent application of the European Patent Convention (EPC) and related legal texts

Your profile   We're looking for expertise in at least one of these fields:
Semiconductor manufacturing technology:
We are looking for specialists in apparatus and systems for handling wafers, substrates, or semiconductor devices during their manufacture or treatment — including carriers, conveying systems, positioning tools, support structures, and related equipment.
Lithography Technologies:
Candidates should possess knowledge and/or practical experience in one or more of the following areas:
Photolithography
Deep Ultraviolet (DUV) lithography
Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) lithography
Nanoimprint lithography
Optical projection systems
Photomasks and mask technologies
Resolution enhancement techniques (RET), including OPC and phase-shift masks
Lithography modelling and simulation
Magnetic Applications and Electromagnetic Components:
Candidates should possess knowledge and/or practical experience in one or more of the following areas:
Permanent magnets and electromagnets
Magnetic assemblies and magnetic circuits
Transformers and transformer construction
Coils, windings, and conductor arrangements
Inductors, reactors, and chokes
Electromagnetic actuators, relays, and solenoids
Constructional aspects of magnetic devices and electromagnetic components
Magnetic flux management and shielding
Electrical circuits associated with magnetic components
Power electronics and power conversion systems
Design, optimisation, or manufacturing of electromagnetic devices
Lithography Chemistry (Photoresists & Photomasks):
Candidates should possess knowledge and/or practical experience in one or more of the following areas:
Chemistry of photoresists (positive, negative, chemically amplified resists)
EUV and DUV resist materials
Physical aspects of OLED displays, lighting devices and organic photovoltaic devices, e.g., electrodes, charge transport layers, encapsulation, light extraction means and methods for their manufacturing. Details of pixel driving circuits in AMOLED displays.
Semiconductor devices and manufacturing technology:
Process integration, wafer handling and manufacturing of…