Associate Patent Examiner 1

Overview

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 – $60,727.

About the Role

We 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.

Skills and Experience Required

• A relevant degree or industry experience in biochemistry, biotechnology, chemistry or related technical fields. Cross-discipline knowledge (e.g. additional engineering, materials, ICT experience) is welcomed.
• Ability to search specialist databases, and assess the relevance of large volumes of complex information.
• Experience in a role making effective decisions based on complex information and risk.
• 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.
• A desire to learn about intellectual property law.

Additional requirements

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.

Our aspirations are echoed in our Māori identity – Hīkina Whakatutuki – which broadly means ‘lifting to make successful'.

MBIE recognises the partnership founded under Te Tiriti o Waitangi between Māori 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, Māori, other Māori groups / organisations and the Crown, as this is critical to enable economic and social development, both for Māori 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 Māori 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.

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.

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