Patent Examiner (Physics) Direct-Hire Authority (DHA)

U.S. Patent and Trademark Office; Alexandria (VA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office seeks Physics-trained patent examiners to advance examination of technologies and protect innovators. This role emphasizes applying physics concepts to evaluate inventions and support the national IP system.

OPM-based qualification paths for GS-7, GS-9, and GS-11 include degree prerequisites, graduate study, and/or specialized experience; multiple entry routes reflect varied backgrounds and expertise.

Qualifications

• Degree in physics or related field with 24 semester hours in physics; basic physics foundation required.
• Graduate-level education options include MS or higher in physics to qualify (GS-7/GS-9/GS-11).
• GPA criteria or honors society may satisfy selective qualification requirements.

Education

Degree in physics (or related field) with at least 24 semester hours in physics

1 year grad-level education in physics (GS-7)

GPA 3.0+ or Honors/APSC for Superior Academic Achievement

2+ years grad-level education in physics (GS-9)

Ph.D. in physics or related field (GS-11)

Job description

The USPTO drives U.S innovation for the benefit of all Americans and providing intellectual property protection for innovators and entrepreneurs worldwide. We are looking for talented individuals to examine ideas that benefit society and bring innovation to market. You'll shape the future of patent examination, advance key processes, and support innovation in cutting-edge ways.

What are the work history and educational requirements for this position?

Below are the Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) qualification requirements (including specialized experience and/or educational requirements) for the Patent Examiner (Physics) position. Please see OPM's information on Individual Occupational Requirements for Physics Series. OPM's prescribed Group Coverage Qualification Standard for Patent Examiner Series, GS-1224, is available at OPM Patent Examiner Series 1224.

BASIC REQUIREMENTS

for all grade levels in this series include:

(A) Degree: physics; or related degree that included at least 24 semester hours in physics.

OR

(B) Combination of education and experience -- courses equivalent to a major in physics totaling at least 24 semester hours, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

In either A) or B) above, the courses must have included a fundamental course in general physics and, in addition, courses in any two of the following: electricity and magnetism, heat, light, mechanics, modern physics, and sound.

Applicants must also meet the additional requirements listed below.

Applicants for the GS-7 position have many ways to qualify. In addition to the basic requirements as stated above, applicants may have A, B, C, or D listed below to qualify:

(A) At least one year of graduate-level education leading to a master's degree or equivalent graduate degree from an accredited college and/or university in physics or other directly related field of study.

(B) Superior Academic Achievement. This can be defined by one of the following:

1. Class standing--Upper third of the graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision, such as the "School of Engineering and Applied Science" or "College of Science and Technology" based on completed courses.
2. Grade point average (GPA) as recorded on the final transcript--3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 as recorded on the official transcript, or as computed based on four years of education, or as computed based on courses completed during the final two years of the curriculum; or 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 based on the average of the required courses completed in the major field or the required courses in the major field completed during the final two years of the curriculum. The GPA is rounded to one decimal place (2.95 = 3.0 and 2.94 = 2.9). The final transcript must cover the period being used to determine the GPA.
3. Honor society membership--Election to membership in a national scholastic honor society. Please review the list of qualified honor societies.

(C) One year of specialized experience applying basic 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 of numerical data, preparing graphs and data profiles, and/or accomplishing routine analyses.

(D) A combination of graduate level education that is less than 1 year and less than 1 year of specialized experience that together meet the qualification requirements for this position.

Applicants for the GS-9 position have many ways to qualify. In addition to the basic requirements as stated above, applicants must have A, B, C, or D listed below to qualify:

(A) At least two years of graduate-level education leading to a master's degree or equivalent graduate degree from an accredited college and/or university in physics or other directly related field of study.

(B) One year of specialized experience, interpreting and applying intermediate biological science, physics, or scientific principles, theories, concepts, and methodologies used in the evaluation of technology; participating in planning and conducting research; applying appropriate references to the claimed invention; etc. Work experience would have involved following established methods and procedures, or detailed instructions; using some judgment in applying basic principles and procedures; and independently completing recurring assignments, but referring deviations, problems, and unfamiliar situations to a designated person for decision or help.

(C) A combination of education and experience in college-level education, training, and/or technical experience.

(D) A combination of successfully completed graduate-level education, as described above, that is beyond the first year of progressive graduate study and professional experience, as described above.

Applicants for the GS-11 position have many ways to qualify. In addition to the basic requirements as stated above, applicants must have A, B, or C listed below to qualify:

(A) At least three years of progressively higher-level graduate-level education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree from an accredited college and/or university in physics or other directly related field of study.

(B) At least one year of specialized experience: interpreting and applying advanced biological science, physics, and/or scientific principles, theories, and methodologies used in the evaluation of technology; or planning and conducting technical research to draft technical papers; or applying appropriate references and case law to claimed inventions. Experience may include independent responsibility for a well-defined study or for a phase of a larger study that required the planning and carrying out of routine (physics, engineer, biological, etc.) work (such as those who have PhDs).

(C) A combination of successfully completed graduate-level education, as described above, that is beyond the second year of progressive graduate study, and professional experience, as described above.