Summary

Help shape USPTO's international patent operations as a Special Programs Examiner within the International Patent Legal Adminstration (IPLA). In this role, you will provide expert guidance on Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) procedures, develop training for the patent corps and stakeholders, analyze international patent policies, and support programs that impact patent applicants and intellectual property protection worldwide.

Duties

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The physical worksite for this position is located in Alexandria, Virginia. Presence at the Alexandria, VA campus is required for this role, as it includes on site functions that must be performed in person. Position may be eligible for situational telework in accordance with agency policy/business unit discretion. The agency currently allows for 52 hours of telework per calendar year.

This is your next ideal career move if you...

• Want to expand beyond traditional examination work by applying PCT rules, international patent policies, and procedural guidance to support USPTO international patent programs.
• Enjoy reviewing international patent regulations, treaty changes, and procedures to identify impacts, solve issues, and improve programs and customer service.
• Can use your patent examination experience and communication skills to create and deliver training, presentations, and guidance on PCT international and national stage procedures.
• Like working in a collaborative setting with USPTO leadership, international IP organizations, and the patent community on policy implementation and program operations.
• Want to serve as a trusted resource on international patent matters, petitions, PCT filing requirements, and patent processing procedures for domestic and international applicants.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

• Applications will only be accepted from United States Citizens and Nationals.
• Your resume and question responses must demonstrate the job-related competencies.
• You must meet the definition of specialized experience.
• Required to pass a background investigation and fingerprint check.
• Must be registered for Selective Service, if applicable (www.sss.gov).
• If selected, you may be required to complete a one year probationary period.
• You must meet all qualification requirements upon the closing date of this announcement.
• Suitable for Federal Employment
• Time-in-grade/band requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement.
• This position requires the completion of OGE-450 Financial Disclosure

Qualifications

You must meet the United States Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) qualification requirements (including specialized experience and/or educational requirements) for the advertised position. You must meet all eligibility and qualifications requirements by the closing date of the job announcement. For more information, please visit the OPM Qualifications Standards.

Specialized Experienceis experience that has equipped applicants with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the position to be filled. To be creditable, you must possess one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to GS-14 in the Federal service.

Specialized experience for this position includes experience in all of the following:

• Applying patent laws, PCT regulations, or patent procedures to resolve examination or procedural issues;
• Developing or delivering training, guidance, or instructional materials for examiners, applicants, or stakeholders;
• Providing technical advice on patent procedures, petitions, filing requirements, or international patent matters;
• Working with internal or external stakeholders to support patent operations, international patent initiatives, or program activities.

Selective Placement Factor: Must have full signatory authority.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Education

Education may not be substituted for specialized experience at this grade level.

Additional information

This is a Non Bargaining Unit position.

This is a Public Trust position and has a risk level designation of "high risk".

Relocation Expenses are not authorized and will not be paid.

More than one selection may be made from this announcement if additional identical vacancies in the same title, series, grade, and unit occur within 90 days from the date the certificate was issued.

All application materials become the property of the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Benefits

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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.