Working for the USPTO

[interesting1]

Hey guys, recent graduate here with a B.S. in Biology.  I know there aren't any listings listed for biology, but do you guys think I would have a chance if I tried applying to become a patent examiner?  I have some lab experience (Molecular and Cell Biology, and some experience with Microscopic Imaging) and also some work experience in a business office.  I would appreciate the suggestions/help!  Thanks for everything!

[Rusmarste]

I recently applied for the patent examiner position on 6/28 and was told I was eligible with NORs on 6/29.  I called HR a week and a half ago and was told that I was selected for an interview.  However, I have yet to be contacted via email or phone call, and I was wondering if anyone else is experiencing the same situation. 

[biologist]

Hey guys, recent graduate here with a B.S. in Biology.  I know there aren't any listings listed for biology, but do you guys think I would have a chance if I tried applying to become a patent examiner?  I have some lab experience (Molecular and Cell Biology, and some experience with Microscopic Imaging) and also some work experience in a business office.  I would appreciate the suggestions/help!  Thanks for everything!

The Biology side of the Patent Office likes to hire more PhD's, not saying that they don't hire MS or BS. I have a MS in Biotechnology but got hired in the Biomedical Engineering side. You will probably need a little more experience like a JD, MS, PhD or IP experience to get hired.

[ebubar]

I'm curious if people that are called for interviews would mind putting down their experience/education and what position they applied for.  It would be really useful for all the lurkers who want to know how they fit in with the rest of the applicant pool!

[jango]

I'm BSCpE and MSEE with over 5 years of industry experience but no IP experience. Hoping to get an offer for GS-9 step 10.

[cherryblue]

I'm BSCpE and MSEE with over 5 years of industry experience but no IP experience. Hoping to get an offer for GS-9 step 10.

Thanks for sharing. Just to clarify,  did you pick CompE or EE on your application?

[qdot]

I'm BSCpE and MSEE with over 5 years of industry experience but no IP experience. Hoping to get an offer for GS-9 step 10.

were to asked to send last year's w-2?  have you heard from them regarding getting an offer?

[uvagurl13]

Has anyone gotten a written commitment for the August Academy??

[jango]

Just sent in the initial forms to HR. Have not gotten an offer / request for W-2 yet.

With this pace, I don't think they'll be able to kick off a class by mid August!? Anybody else?

[uvagurl13]

Sent my OF-306 and PIV last Wednesday AM... they haven't asked for anything else...

[sallie]

Same 4 me.  Sent my OF-306 and PIV last week, haven't heard anything. 

[cherryblue]

I guess you guys arent from around the DC area.  There was a major storm the last weekend, and quite a few people in MD and DC are still without power.  So it could be that a lot of HR people could not go to work these last few days.  Or they could be slow as usual, lol.

[uvagurl13]

Actually I am local, I suppose that is possible. 

[cerass84]

I sent my forms last Thursday. Haven't heard anything yet.

[eeme]

I faxed in the same documents last wednesday, rush process fedex delivered the official transcript tuesday night, called today and they said the offers should be going out 'in the next few days'. I think we're in but nobody wants to specifically tell us, but then again anything can happen before the offer. Another recession or the power outage brings on martial law? Class starts on August 16th, hr is not sure how many session there will be.

Found some good pre training reading also:
http://www.uspto.gov/patents/law/exam/exmr_training_materials.jsp