Examiner of Patents
Vacancy information
Position title: Examiner of Patents
Job Requisition ID: 1510
Location: Flexible location
Tenure: Ongoing
Our Opportunity
As a Patent Examiner, you will use your technical expertise in combination with the legal training we provide (see training section below), to assess whether patent applications comply with the requirements set out in patent legislation. This includes searching patent and scientific databases to ensure the invention is new and inventive. This means Patent Examiners are amongst the first to see new developments across a wide range of emerging technologies!
In addition to technology-specific skills, we’re looking for people who are self-driven, adaptable, committed to continuous improvement and responsive to change and feedback. Examiners must have clear, concise, and logical written and oral communication skills, and the ability to make evidence-based decisions and strong time management skills to achieve goals independently. Examiners work independently and as part of a small team to contribute to the goals of their technical section of up to 30 people. A typical examination section will consist of staff who are based all over Australia and who work in hybrid (home-based/office-based) settings.
The role also has a customer service element as you will correspond with patent attorneys, or directly with applicants/inventors, to resolve issues within their applications.
As a Patent Examiner at IP Australia, you will participate in the IP Rights Examiner Program. You’ll be supported by a workplace coach through a competency-based training program to build your understanding of relevant legislation and the examination process. The program includes both virtual classroom-style training and virtual on-the-job learning.
After successful completion of the training program, you will receive your Acceptance Delegation which allows you to examine patents. You will work collaboratively in a small examination team where you will search and examine patent applications and produce search and examination reports.
Job specific capabilities
Patent Examiners are curious about new technology and can apply legal concepts to technical subject matter fairly and consistently.
As well as the eligibility requirements listed later in this document, to become a Patent Examiner, you must:
• have completed a minimum of a Bachelor Degree (AQF Level 7) or higher relevant to at least one of the disciplines in Table A
• have excellent written and verbal English skills to communicate examination outcomes with stakeholders
• be able to demonstrate the capabilities listed below.
We are looking for people with:
• advanced search, analytical and critical thinking abilities
• highly developed communication skills to convey complex information clearly and effectively
• proven capability to learn and work independently, including in a virtual setting
• openness to receiving and responding to feedback and adaptability to change
• ability to engage and work collaboratively with others within a hybrid team
• willingness to take responsibility for own decisions to achieve agreed goals on time.
Looking for more information?
Our candidate kit contains details including the capabilities required, the contact officer, and how to apply.
Please use the link below to access the candidate kit:
Applications Close
Applications close at 11:59pm on Monday 13 October 2025 (AEDT)