I studied for a Master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Chemistry at VIT University in India, before moving to France to undertake a PhD in Medicinal Chemistry at the University Clermont Auvergne. Throughout my studies, I shared a fairly common view among chemistry graduates that the natural career routes were either academia or a laboratory‑based role in industry.

So naturally, after completing my PhD, I moved to the UK to work as a Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Bristol. During this time, I became increasingly aware of the role patents play in supporting and protecting scientific innovation. Although I had used patents as technical resources during my research career, it was only then that I learned about the role of Patent Examiner at the UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO) and began to appreciate how closely it aligned with my interests and background.

I joined the IPO as part of a diverse intake of new examiners from a wide range of countries, disciplines and career stages. Starting in patent examination was a significant career change for me, but there was no expectation that I would arrive with prior knowledge of patent law. The initial in‑house training programme was comprehensive and very supportive, combining structured teaching, practical exercises and mentoring, which made the transition both smooth and enjoyable.

What I enjoy most about my role is the variety of work. As a Patent Examiner specialising in biotechnology and chemistry, I examine inventions across pharmaceuticals and medicinal chemistry, often working with technologies at the forefront of research. Each application presents a new puzzle, blending scientific analysis with legal reasoning, and no two cases are ever quite the same.

Working at the IPO has allowed me to apply my scientific training in a broader way, while continuing to learn and develop professionally in a collaborative and supportive environment. If you’re a student or career‑changer who enjoys science but is looking for a way to apply it beyond the laboratory or academia, becoming a Patent Examiner is a genuinely rewarding path worth considering.

Patent Examiner / UK Intellectual Property Office

Last Updated: June 16, 2026