European Patent Examiner in Semiconductors

Duration of contract:
Five years, renewable (full-time)
Location:
Germany (Munich/Berlin) or the Netherlands (The Hague)
Final date to receive applications: 2 November 2026

At the European Patent Office (EPO), we explore breakthrough technologies before they reach the public. As a patent examiner, 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.

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

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:
  …