I completed a bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry at the University of Nottingham, followed by a MRes in Cancer Sciences at the University of Birmingham. For most of my academic career, I assumed I would pursue a lab-based job, potentially completing a PhD before moving into industry.

However, during my master’s, I decided on a whim to take a CPD course on intellectual property and commercialisation. The course was mainly aimed at researchers hoping to spin out their ideas, though I found myself particularly drawn to the legal aspects of obtaining a patent. I mentioned this interest in a meeting with a careers advisor who informed me that the UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO) was currently hiring for the role of a Patent Examiner in biotechnology, and I knew it would be the perfect fit.

I started working at the IPO in October 2024 as part of an intake of around thirty examiners with a diverse range of ages and backgrounds. We underwent six weeks of training that introduced us to the core concepts of patent examining. With a mix of seminars, workshops, and coursework, I was amazed by how much we learned in a relatively short amount of time without it ever feeling overwhelming. I was assigned a tutor to answer any course-related questions, and a buddy to help me settle into the office, so I felt supported at all times.

This support continued as I transitioned into my biotechnology group. Having a regular rotation of line managers has allowed me to observe a wide range of examining styles, helping me feel more confident when it comes to making decisions of my own as I progress towards working more independently. I am actively encouraged to pursue opportunities that interest me, such as technical training or working with other departments, so I feel like I am constantly developing my skills.

I really enjoy the variety that comes with working on a wide range of inventions and have had some really interesting cases, including one that recently went to a hearing. I’m now undertaking my advanced patent examiner training and look forward to deepening my understanding of patent law.

Patent Examiner / UK Intellectual Property Office

Last Updated: June 24, 2026