Patent Examiner in Medical Device Engineering

Location: The Hague

Duration of contract:
Five years, renewable (full-time)

Location:

Hybrid based in Germany (Munich/Berlin) or the Netherlands (The Hague)

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.

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 are particularly interested in engineers and scientists with experience in the design, development, testing or manufacture of medical devices and surgical technologies, such as:

Minimally invasive devices:  catheters, guide wires, delivery systems

Drug delivery:  microneedles, injectors and related devices

Surgical devices:  surgical instruments, powered and robotic surgical systems

Spinal implants:  pedicle screws, rods, intervertebral cages, disc prostheses

You will thrive with us if you

have a solid background and relevant expertise in the specified fields, built up during your studies, in projects, and/or as a result of professional experience

enjoy deep technical analysis, reading technical drawings and solving intellectual puzzles

are genuinely curious about technology and enjoy continuously learning about new scientific developments, emerging technologies and patent law

are analytical, detail-oriented and open-minded

are confident using digital technologies and AI-supported tools to analyse information while applying own critical thinking

value both independent work and team collaboration

are comfortable making structured, evidence-based decisions and exercising sound professional judgement

No prior IP (intellectual property) experience? No problem, we provide full training to get you started.

Our minimum requirements for this post

diploma of completed studies at master's level covering one or more technical fields mentioned above

excellent knowledge (at least C1) of one of our official languages (English, French and German) and the ability to understand the other two; alternatively, excellent knowledge (at least C1) of English (in such cases, the willingness to learn the missing languages and to reach level B2 within a set time frame would be required)

work experience in industry would be an advantage

citizenship of one of the member states of the European Patent Organisation

What we offer

competitive salary: €7 076 to €10 164 net/month (depending on location and experience)

30+ days of annual leave + flexible working arrangements

generous remote work…