Life Science Expert

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 across scientific and technical fields 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 rigor.
• contribute to Europe's innovation ecosystem by ensuring fair and consistent application of the European Patent Convention (EPC) and related legal texts.

Your profile

The technical areas that we are currently recruiting for:

• Pharmaceutical formulation and drug delivery
• Chemistry of active compounds
• Materials and macromolecular science for formulations
• Applied chemical sciences in life‑science contexts

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 open to learning patent law, are eager to acquire new skills and to develop your knowledge of technologies in different fields.
• are curious, detail-oriented, open-minded and an analytical thinker.
• value both independent work and team collaboration.
• are comfortable making structured, evidence-based decisions.

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 or German) and the ability to understand the other two ; alternatively, excellent knowledge (at least C1) of English, with the willingness to learn the missing languages and reach level B2 within a set time frame.
• 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 policy: work from anywhere in the country of employment; up to 60 days from abroad (EPC states).
• Family‑friendly policies: childcare, education and relocation support.
• Pension and insurance: excellent social security coverage.
• Training and development: legal training, technical upskilling and mobility opportunities.
• Inclusive culture: 35+ nationalities, supportive networks and a strong DEI commitment.
• Facilities: on‑site gym, health services, staff clubs and more (depending on location).
• Top locations: high quality of life and a thriving international community.
• (See full list of benefits.)

Key information

• Job group: 4
• Grade: G7 to G10 (net (basic) monthly salary* for this vacancy: EUR 7 076 to 10 164)
• Working mode: Hybrid
• Technical Interviews estimated for: April – June 2026
• Final interviews planned for: May – June 2026