Associate Patent Examiner 1

Discover a career with purpose at MBIE

Discover a career with purpose at MBIE

• Job Title: Associate Patent Examiner (Life Sciences Chemistry)
• Entry level permanent Associate Patent Examiner opportunity
• Located in Wellington or Christchurch
• Award winning training program to help you develop a successful career with structured and transparent progression to senior level positions
• A friendly and inclusive team environment, and a management team who are dedicated to your growth and success

Associate starting salary - $60727

Tenei turanga - About the Role:

e are looking for people to join our Life Sciences and Chemistry teams as Associate Patent Examiners.

At the Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand (IPONZ) we grant patents and register designs and trade marks in New Zealand. Intellectual property (IP) protection allows people to control and be rewarded for their innovations and creative efforts. Innovation and creativity are important elements in gaining a competitive edge in the marketplace and for many business ventures intellectual property is one of their most important assets. Through the provision of our services, we aim to ensure people realise the full economic potential of their intellectual property.

The role of the patents team is to help people and businesses protect their inventions. Patents are granted to stop others from making, using, or selling a new invention.

As an Associate Patent Examiner, you will consider cutting edge technologies and keep up with the state of the art. You'll use your analytical skills, technical expertise and in-house acquired knowledge of intellectual property law to examine inventions.

We will provide you with comprehensive training to start you in your new career. You'll be trained in New Zealand and international patent law, patent examination practice and procedures, how to use specialised patent searching tools and databases. IPONZ will provide ongoing coaching and mentoring along with clear career progression pathways.

The applications you investigate will be varied and diverse. Depending on your scientific background, you might examine applications relating to biofuels, cancer drugs, plant-based meat substitutes, cosmetic formulations, creamier yoghurt, antibodies, or breakthroughs in genetic engineering.

Nga pukenga me nga wheako e hiahiatia ana - Skills and Experience Required

• A relevant degree or industry experience in biochemistry, biotechnology, chemistry or related technical fields. We're also interested in cross-discipline knowledge (e.g. additional engineering, materials, ICT experience)
• Ability to search specialist databases, and assess the relevance of large volumes of complex information
• Noted experience in a role making effective decisions based on complex information and risk
• Demonstrated strong communication skills with the ability to communicate complex ideas in written and verbal form, technical or business writing skills
• The ability to prioritise and manage work to meet tight deadlines
• A focused, conscientious and adaptable team approach
• The desire to learn about intellectual property law

Additional requirements

• All candidates must have the right to live and work in New Zealand

Etahi korero mo MBIE - About MBIE:

MBIE's goal is to create a resilient and high-performing economy that delivers real and ongoing quality of life for all New Zealanders.

We do this by working with others to create an environment that supports businesses to be more productive and internationally competitive, enables all New Zealanders to participate in the economy through improved job opportunities and by working to ensure quality housing is more affordable.

People are at the heart of our mahi, our way of working is guided by our values which shape our behaviours.

• Mahi Tahi - Better Together
• Maia - Bold and brave
• Pae Kahurangi - Build our Future
• Pono Me Te Tika - Own It

Our aspirations are echoed in our Maori identity - Hikina Whakatutuki - which broadly means `lifting to make successful'.

MBIE recognises the partnership founded under Te Tiriti o Waitangi between Maori and the Crown and is committed to giving effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi. We will do this through enduring, meaningful and effective partnerships with iwi, Maori, other Maori groups/organisations and the Crown, as this is critical to enable economic and social development, both for Maori and for wider Aotearoa New Zealand. We are committed to continuing to partner with iwi in order to find new sustainable solutions to address long standing systemic and cross-cutting issues facing Maori and wider Aotearoa New Zealand and we are also committed to identifying opportunities for iwi to lead and creating an enabling environment for iwi to leverage these opportunities.

E mohio ana a Hikina Whakatutuki i puea ake te kotuinga I waenganui i a ngai Maori me te Karauna i Te Tiriti o Waitangi, a, kei te whai ia ki te whakau ake i Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Ma te whai kiko o nga kotuinga ahungaroa o ngai wi, o ngai Maori, me etahi atu ropu Maori ki te Karauna, katutuki tenei. He ahuatanga nui tenei e ahei ai nga mahi whanaketanga a-ohanga, a-papori hoki ki a ngai Maori me Aotearoa whanui. E whai tonu ana matou ki te kotui atu ki nga iwi mo te rapu huarahi hou ki te whakaara i nga kaupapakua roa nei e tami ana i a ngai Maori me Aotearoa whanui, a, e whai ana hoki ki te tautohu i nga aheinga kokiritanga ma nga iwi, me te tautoko i nga iwi kia whai mana ake ai enei aheinga.

Me pehea te tono - How to Apply:

Click here to view a position description.

When you are ready to apply please send a CV and cover letter telling us why you're the perfect fit for this role.

All applications must be submitted via our online process.

We can't wait to hear from you

Email Matt Guy at quoting ref MBIE/18405 if you have any further questions.

Applications close on 12 November 2025